Life of a Business Manager

Have you ever looked at a Business Manager job posting and thought, "How am I supposed to get experience if nobody will give me a chance?" You're not alone. In this episode of the Life of a Business Manager podcast, we're breaking down exactly how to become a Business Manager with no experience — including the skills employers are really looking for, the best entry-level roles...

Have you ever looked at a problem in your department and thought, "This could've been avoided" ? In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we're diving into the hidden mistakes business managers don't talk about—the small decisions, overlooked warning signs, and leadership blind spots that often turn into costly operational problems. From failing to address performan...

Have you ever walked into a department that feels completely overwhelmed, understaffed, behind on goals, and struggling to keep up with daily operations? In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we're diving into one of the biggest leadership challenges business managers face: how to manage a struggling department and successfully lead a turnaround. Whether you're dealing with low...

If you’ve ever been stuck trying to get multiple teams on the same page — without actually being their manager — this episode is for you.  On this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we’re having a real conversation about the challenge of aligning teams that don’t report to you.  Because let’s be honest… cross-functional work can get messy fast. Miscommunication, unclear expectations, missed d...

This episode is a special one for me—I’m officially launching the Life of a Business Manager website. This has been something I’ve been building behind the scenes, inspired by so many of you who’ve asked how to go deeper than the podcast.  Now you can book one-on-one time with me for real, practical guidance, explore resources created for the day-to-day challenges we face as business managers, and...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we sit down with Jon Dario, Founder of AIM, for an insightful conversation on what it really takes to build and lead a successful organization from the ground up. Jon shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts required to scale a business, and the strategic decisions that shaped AIM’s growth. Whether you're an aspiring business...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we dive into a challenge every leader faces but rarely talks about—decision fatigue. When you’re constantly making high-stakes choices, the mental load can quietly drain your focus, productivity, and overall performance. We break down what decision fatigue really is, how it shows up in your day-to-day work, and why even the most experienced business...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , I’m sitting down with Rick Elmore —a former National Football League player who made the leap from the football field into entrepreneurship as the co-founder of Simplynoted. Rick gets real about what that transition actually looked like—because let’s be honest, going from professional sports to building a business isn’t exactly a straight path. We ta...

If you’re a business manager, you’ve probably heard it before: “We need to do more with less.” Less budget, fewer staff, tighter timelines… but the expectations somehow stay the same—or even get higher. In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we’re talking about the real-life challenge of making things work when resources are limited. From juggling priorities and managing short-staffed tea...

Business manager soft skills can make or break your career. In this episode of the Life of a Business Manager Podcast , we explore the soft skills every business manager needs to succeed—from communication and emotional intelligence to adaptability and professional presence. Technical skills may get you the job, but leadership soft skills determine how well you lead teams, build relationships, and...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we sit down with Maddison Violet, a passionate winery owner in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, who proves that business and fun can absolutely go hand in hand. Alongside her husband, Maddison has built more than just a winery — she’s built a lifestyle rooted in partnership, purpose, and a deep love for winemaking. We talk about what it’s really l...

The first 90 days as a Business Manager can define your long-term success—or create problems that take years to undo.  In this short episode of Life of a Business Manager , we dive into a practical first 90 days roadmap for business managers. You’ll learn what to fix early, what to ignore (even when it looks messy), and what to focus on learning before making major operational changes.  Whether yo...

You’ve got the idea, the niche, and the plan—now it’s time to launch. In Part 2 of the podcasting mini-series on Life of a Business Manager , we shift from preparation to execution and focus on how to record, publish, promote, and grow your podcast in 2026 . In this episode, I break down how to record episodes efficiently (even with a busy schedule), publish your show across the right platforms, a...

Thinking about starting your own podcast in 2026 but not sure where to begin?  In Part 1 of this podcasting mini-series on Life of a Business Manager , I break down the first critical steps to launching a podcast—without overcomplicating the process. In this episode, we talk about how to clearly define your podcast niche and target audience , so your show has purpose and stands out in a crowded sp...

As we wrap up 2025, this special year-end recap episode of Life of a Business Manager reflects on the lessons, conversations, and real-world experiences that defined the year. From navigating evolving operations and workforce challenges to embracing AI, data-driven decision-making, and leadership growth, this episode highlights what it truly meant to be a business manager in 2025. Throughout the y...

Running a business isn’t just about big ideas — it’s about making sure the day-to-day actually works. In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we talk about what “operations” really mean in plain language, and how you, as a manager, can keep things moving without getting lost in the weeds. Listeners will learn: 🔑 How to define operations in practical, actionable terms ⚙️ Key frameworks for...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Sonja Clark, who’s not only shaping the future of work at Microsoft, but also knows how to enjoy life outside the office. She supports Microsoft Copilot, helping teams unlock the potential of AI to simplify work, spark creativity, and boost productivity. But when she steps away from the tech world, you’ll most likely find her on a scenic trail, soaki...

In this episode, we’re diving into the must-know AI tools that every business manager should have on their radar. No jargon, no tech overwhelm—just real talk about the tools that actually make your day easier. We’ll chat through the AI platforms that can help you automate repetitive tasks, stay organized, make better decisions, and keep your team running smoothly. Think scheduling helpers, smart a...

Burnout isn’t just about being tired — it’s about feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and stuck . In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we open up about the emotional and professional toll burnout takes on managers and their teams. We’ll discuss how to recognize the early signs, why burnout happens even to high performers, and the proven ways to recover and prevent it from returning. Whet...

Welcome back to part two of our special two-part series on the Life of a Business Manager podcast! In this episode, we’re continuing our conversation with Ramana Sastry , the former Executive Director of Clinical Technologies for a major healthcare organization. With over forty years of experience in medical device management and healthcare technology, Ramana brings a wealth of knowledge and insig...

We're doing a two-part episode series. In this part 1 episode of the Life of a Business Manager podcast, we sit down with Ramana Sastry, the former Executive Director of Clinical Technologies for a major healthcare organization. Ramana and I worked with each other for multiple years; he's the expert when it comes to Clinical Technologies and is passionate about helping patient care.  Aft...

In this episode of the Life of a Business Manager podcast, we’re diving into one of the most essential — and sometimes most challenging — skills for any leader: delegation. As business managers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do it all. But mastering the art of delegation is what separates good managers from great ones. We’ll talk about how to identify the right tasks to delegate, wh...

In this episode of the Life of a Business Manager podcast, we welcome Steven Puri, the creator of Sukha. Steven’s story is a fascinating one — he started out in the world of Hollywood, working in the entertainment industry, before making the leap into tech. Along the way, he picked up lessons on leadership, creativity, and resilience that shaped his next big move: building Sukha, a company focused...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we talk about how to run a meeting that actually works. From setting clear agendas to keeping discussions on track, you’ll learn practical tips to make meetings more productive, purposeful, and engaging.  Whether it’s a quick team huddle or a big departmental update, these strategies will help you save time and get real results. If you’re enjoying th...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager , we dive into the role of an Education Specialist — a professional dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs. We explore how they design individualized learning plans, collaborate with teachers and families, and create strategies that empower students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. If you’re enjoying the show, make sur...