The Manager Track

You nod in meetings even if you'd like to call BS.   You say “no problem” when your plate’s already full.   You follow along while wondering what on earth is actually going on here?   Welcome to the workplace, where everyone’s wearing a mask (and not the kind you pick up at Walgreens).   In this episode of The Manager Track podcast, Ramona goes beyond the surface of human behav...

You block your calendar. You try to stay focused. You tell yourself today’s the day you’ll finally catch up. But then the messages roll in. Someone needs help. A fire pops up. And suddenly, the work that actually matters gets pushed... again.   In this episode of The Manager Track podcast, Ramona gets real about why time management feels so hard, especially for managers who genuinely want to...

Stepping into leadership is a big shift. You go from being great at your job and knowing how to succeed to being asked to do a whole new job with different skill requirements, while still maintaining that same high performance. In this episode (a replay of episode #100), Ramona and three former students from the Leadership Accelerator, who know that feeling all too well, talk about the messy, ofte...

Ever notice how being certain about something can feel really good?   You've got the answer. You're confident in your decision. You know exactly what’s going on.   But here’s the catch: when we’re sure we’re right, we stop thinking. We stop questioning. And without realizing it, we stop seeing all the other options we could be considering.   In this episode, Ramona unpacks the sneak...

If you’ve ever held back from giving feedback because someone already seemed on edge… Or struggled to say no because you didn’t want to disappoint anyone… Or felt annoyed but didn’t say anything because you didn’t want to stir the pot… Then this episode is for you! Ramona sits down with Elise Boggs Morales, leadership coach and author of Lead Anyone, to unpack what emotional intelligence really lo...

Ever been told to roll out a new initiative or share a message that felt... off? Not illegal. Not dramatic. Just something that didn’t sit right with you. Like telling your team “everything’s fine” when you know layoffs are coming. Or backing a tool you’re not confident in. Or pushing out a company message that feels disconnected from your own values. If that’s ever been you - or might be one day...

What changes when you stop seeing your team as "below" you and start seeing everyone as equals working beside you?   In this episode, Ramona explores the concept of vertical vs. horizontal relationships and how this simple shift can transform your leadership entirely.   If you've ever felt that tension between authority and connection, or wondered why some feedback lands while other feed...

Does this sound familiar?   You're in a leadership meeting and someone asks, "What's our AI strategy?" or "How should we be using ChatGPT?"   If you've been in one of these conversations lately, you've probably felt the pressure to have an answer. But here's the thing, you might be asking the wrong question entirely.   This week, we're diving into insights from tech humanist Kate O'...

Some parts of leadership come easily. Others? Not so much. Maybe you’re the one who keeps everything moving but you find it hard to delegate. Or you’re known to be super supportive but you avoid tough conversations.   In this episode, Ramona shares the 7 Manager Archetypes , the real, relatable patterns that show up in how we lead.   Once you know your archetype, you'll have a better und...

This episode is a re-release of Ep 264, one of the most popular episodes of The Manager Track podcast. We'll be back on January 6, 2025 with a fresh new episode! Ever feel like you’re doing everything right as a manager, but the broader company culture is off and it impacts your team.   Maybe leadership talks about values, but what actually gets rewarded tells a different story. Or your team...

You know that moment when it’s time to act, but something holds you back? Telling you that you need to think about it more or that you ned to collect more data?   But actually, it’s not a lack of data or skills. It’s the quiet voice of self-doubt that leads to second-guessing.   In this episode of The Manager Track Podcast , Ramona breaks down how imposter syndrome can sneak into your de...

Becoming a first-time manager is a big deal, and honestly, it can feel like a lot. One day, you're the go-to person getting things done, and the next you're expected to lead a team, set direction, and delegate your work . In this episode of The Manager Track Podcast , Ramona shares (with the help of NorebookLM) honest insights and down-to-earth advice to help new managers navigate those early step...

 Let's be honest... keeping up with AI can be a bit of a pain.   New modules dropping left and right, your inbox flooded with "groundbreaking" updates, and somehow you're supposed to figure out how to actually use this stuff when your calendar is already packed back-to-back.   We hear this all the time from leaders like you who are just trying to keep their heads above water.  ...

Making the switch from a large corporation to a startup sounds exciting until you realize how different everything feels. No more departments to lean on, no clear hierarchy, and definitely no one doing your onboarding for you.   In this episode of The Manager Track Podcast , Ramona unpacks the real challenges leaders face when they leave the structure of big companies and step into the often...

Workplace stress isn’t going anywhere and neither is the pressure that comes with leadership. This week on The Manager Track Podcast , Ramona Shaw zooms in on one often overlooked skill that quietly shapes how leaders show up: emotional resilience.   She explores what it really means to stay grounded through conflict, setbacks, and change - not by toughing it out or pushing feelings aside, bu...

Remember that last team workshop maybe it was a strategy session or a team-building activity during an offsite where everything just clicked? The energy was high, ideas flowed, and collaboration felt effortless. And then you thought, How do we keep this momentum going once we’re back to business as usual? In this episode of The Manager Track podcast , Ramona Shaw speaks with Alison Coward, author...

If the word “networking” makes you want to disappear into the nearest houseplant - you’re not alone. Whether you’re introverted, short on time, or just not into small talk, networking can feel like one more exhausting, awkward thing to add to your list. But here’s the truth: your great work won’t always speak for itself. In this week’s episode of The Manager Track Podcast , Ramona dives into what...

Stepping into a leadership role means shifting your focus from completing tasks to creating results with and through others. It’s normal to feel uneasy about leaving behind the responsibilities that once defined and even created your success. You're supposed to stop doing what you enjoyed and what helped you achieve your current position. Intuitively, that may just feel wrong. It may actually even...

While often praised as a strength and justified as "having high standards," holding onto perfectionism as you advance and your job gets bigger, could stall your progress, keep you from advancing, or ultimately result in burnout. In this episode, Ramona Shaw breaks down how that happens and why it's so hard for many to reconcile and change course. Ramona explores: - The difference between healthy h...

Most of us don't wake up in the morning looking to get into conflict at work, yet it happens all the time - from small irritations to full-blown disagreements. In this episode of The Manager Track, Ramona breaks down why workplace conflicts happen and shares practical ways to handle them before they spiral out of control. Ramona explores: - The crucial difference between healthy opposition and des...

Managing up isn't about being the office suck-up. It's about creating conditions for your success at work. In this episode, executive coach and best-selling author Melody Wilding joins Ramona Shaw and reveals practical skills for navigating relationships with those in positions of power. Melody shares: - Why emotional intelligence is your biggest advantage when influencing others - How to say "no"...

Some people tune in. Others check out. Same message, different reactions. There's a reason for that, and it’s not about who cares more. In this episode, Ramona Shaw breaks down why the same message clicks for some but misses the mark for others. Through concrete examples, she reveals how small shifts in communication can significantly change how well your message lands. Here’s what you’ll learn:...

Many leaders believe that it's important for them to get agreement from others before making a decision. Yet this consensus-focused approach often results in delayed projects, diluted ideas, and teams that only appear aligned on the surface. In this episode, Ramona Shaw examines how the pursuit of consensus, while well-intentioned, can actually hinder team performance and decision-making. She shar...

Remember your first time leading a team? That mix of excitement and uncertainty, wondering if you're making the right calls. For most of us, it meant long hours, unclear expectations, and a whole lot of trial and error. In this episode, Ramona Shaw shares how this common "figure it out" approach to leadership development creates ripple effects that impact entire organizations. Ramona explores: - W...

Leadership promotions don’t reward competence - they demand reinvention. In this Manager Track episode, Ramona Shaw reveals why about two-thirds of technically skilled directors plateau before reaching VP level… and how to beat the odds. She discusses: - The “Better Director” Fallacy - The DJ’s Secret Power - From Expert to Influencer - Silent Promotion Killers Plus, by the end of the episode, you...