Management Matters

What does it actually take to lead in a way that earns trust, drives performance, and creates lasting impact? In this episode of Management Matters , Jane sits down with Dr. Ed Tori for a thoughtful and energizing conversation about leadership, influence, and the habits that separate effective leaders from positional managers. Dr. Tori challenges the idea that leadership is about authority or char...

Why do employees leave training inspired… only to revert to old habits days later? In this episode of Management Matters , Jane sits down with learning scientist Dr. Gina Anderson to explore what truly drives sustained behavior change at work. Drawing from cognitive science and real-world application, Dr. Anderson breaks down the mechanics of motivation, memory, and reinforcement—and why most work...

What shifts when someone stops thinking like an employee and starts thinking like an owner? In this episode of Management Matters , Jane sits down with Sharon De Lay, founder of GO-HR, to explore the powerful mindset shift that drives accountability, initiative, and sustainable performance inside organizations. Sharon shares what it really means to cultivate an "owner mindset"—not in title, but in...

  In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Dr. Laura Janusik to unpack the subtle but powerful influence of "Midwest Nice" in organizations. What happens when politeness replaces candor? When harmony matters more than clarity? Dr. Janusik explores how well-intentioned indirectness can stall feedback, dilute accountability, and quietly erode performance. Together, they exa...

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Luke Goetting to explore what it really takes to recruit, retain, and develop Gen Z talent. As digital natives enter and reshape the workforce, expectations around feedback, career growth, flexibility, and leadership are evolving fast. Jane and Luke unpack how organizations can move beyond generational stereotypes to create clear c...

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Marques Ogden to explore the powerful concept of the "Bison Mindset." Unlike cattle that run away from storms, bison charge straight into them—shortening the time spent in discomfort and building strength along the way. Marques shares how this philosophy applies to leadership, setbacks, career pivots, and organizational challenges....

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Dr. Melissa Hughes to explore what truly motivates people at work and why "just right" is the secret. Drawing on neuroscience and the Goldilocks Principle, Melissa explains why employees disengage when work is too easy or too overwhelming and how leaders can calibrate challenges to keep teams in the optimal zone of growth. Together...

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Trudy Towns to explore how HR leaders can use data to analyze, refine, and elevate the employee lifecycle. From recruitment and onboarding to engagement, development, and retention, Trudy shares how meaningful metrics can uncover friction points, reveal patterns, and guide smarter decisions. Rather than relying on instinct alone, H...

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Doug Thompson to explore the power of storytelling as a leadership tool. Great leaders don't just share information—they shape meaning. Doug explains how intentional storytelling builds trust, reinforces culture, clarifies vision, and inspires action. When leaders use stories well, they create connection and momentum that data alon...

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Laura Janusik, a renowned communications expert, to explore the secrets to fostering meaningful conversations in the workplace. From the surprising downsides of an open-door policy to strategies for encouraging dynamic group discussions, Dr. Janusik shares actionable insights every leader can use. Plus, discover common communication pitfalls leaders face—and how to...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Fateh Kamal, a passionate and results-oriented executive with over a decade of experience leading innovative products, startups, and high-performing teams. Drawing on his expertise in strategic planning and operational excellence, Fateh dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of vulnerability in leadership. Fateh answers critical questions such as: H...

In this episode of Management Matters, Lee Judson, founder of Bridge 2 Work Consulting and a seasoned expert in leadership development, dives deep into the art and science of impactful 1:1 meetings. Whether you're a new manager navigating your first 1:1 or a seasoned leader looking to enhance your approach, this conversation is packed with practical advice and actionable takeaways. Lee breaks down...

Bonnie Low-Kramen author, workplace expert, and sought-after public speaker, serves as the president and CEO of Ultimate Assistant Training and Consulting Inc. In this insightful episode of Management Matters,  Bonnie delves into the critical role trust plays in the workplace and how leaders can cultivate it effectively. Drawing from her extensive experience, she shares practical strategies for fo...

Tara LaFon Gooch, CEO of Best Branding Solutions, author, and speaker, joins  Management Matters  to discuss responsibility and the ownership mindset within her leadership method,  GRASP.   If you are a leader or someone who desires to lead, this is a discussion you don't want to miss! In this episode, Tara talks about: The ownership mindset Communicating with kindness Self-leadership Leading a te...

In this episode of  Management Matters , Kyle Smith of  HRKyle  discusses all things feedback. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to give  feedback  that results in happy, engaged, and productive employees. In this episode, Kyle shares: Getting managers to understand the importance of feedback Methods for leaders to build psychological safety with their team Where to start with an employee w...

Join us on  Management Matters  as we welcome Jake Harter, an HR expert who's successfully led small and mid-size organizations through  change , including introducing impactful strategies. In this episode, Jake discusses: Building performance management into your organization How to establish a baseline for performance Simple but powerful strategies for organizations struggling with turnover Don'...