The Modern Manager

Documentation isn’t just a system—it’s a daily habit that you can master. When was the last time you actually enjoyed documenting a meeting or your thought process?  For most of us, documentation feels tedious and intimidating. Just the idea of making things “official” can stir up fear that it might one day be used against us.  Fortunately, this week’s guest brings a fresh perspective on why docum...

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by your leadership role? Are you always reacting to everyone else’s agenda instead of creating your own? What if you could reclaim your power and lead confidently through any situation? Today’s guest reveals exactly how to make that shift. Meet Dr. Sharon Melnick. Sharon is recognized as a Marshall Goldsmith Top 50 executive coach and is the author of three books...

Leadership can feel overwhelming, especially when the world around you is constantly changing. But what if small, science-backed changes in how you lead could create a bigger impact than you ever imagined?  This week’s guests will explore key findings from their research on the nine science-based traits of effective leadership, enabling us to become better managers today. Meet Margaret Moore and J...

Do you feel like you’re drowning in your task list?  You know delegation is important . You know your team wants to contribute . But still, something holds you back—whether it’s fear of mistakes or the lack of time to explain things. You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. Joining me today is Dallas Burnett. Dallas is the founder and CEO of Perforam and author of "Lift," "MOVE!" and "Caveman D...

Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, unsure about the exact strategy to guide your decisions? This episode will change that. In the business world, the word “ strategy” is quite the buzzword. But what does it really mean to think and lead strategically? And what can you do as a manager to get better at it? If you want to stop wasting time and start making powerful s...

You’re in a team meeting, someone starts talking… and keeps talking.  They lose their train of thought, fill the air with “likes” and “ums” , and before long, the point is lost. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Because here’s the truth: verbal communication isn’t innate—it’s a learned skill.  And this week’s guest has spent 35 years helping people master it. Meet Ruth Milligan. Ruth is a 35-y...

What if the most valuable thing you can build in your career isn’t a product, a strategy, or even a list of accolades—but a community? We all know relationships matter. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to build them with real intention .  Today’s guest is here to help you and your team rethink what’s possible when we shift from collecting contacts to cultivating purposeful connections. Meet...

We celebrate the wins. The promotions. The milestones. But no one talks about the price tag that comes with constantly performing at a high level. For Dana L. Cox, that price came quietly—missed family moments, sleepless nights, and a level of exhaustion that no amount of caffeine could fix.  She calls it the “success tax” —the hidden costs we pay in pursuit of achievement. Thankfully, Dana’s here...

You’ve just stepped into a new manager role—congratulations! Now what? The first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. One day you’re a high-performing individual contributor, and the next, you’re expected to lead a team, set direction, and navigate complex dynamics—all while still figuring out what kind of leader you want to be. Thankfully, today’s guest is here to guide you through those critical...

Have you ever sat down to work, only to be pulled in a dozen directions—emails, Slack messages, endless browser tabs—all demanding your attention? You’re not alone. All the technological advancements have made it almost impossible to focus.  But what if it didn’t have to be this way? Fortunately, this week’s guest is here to share with us how you can be more focused at work and finally reclaim you...

Do you feel like your team isn’t really listening to you? It might be time to rethink your influence. Many managers assume authority is enough. But real leadership—motivating people to take action—comes from influence. And this week’s guest believes that one of the most powerful ways to build it is by strengthening your communication skills. Today’s guest is Stacey Hanke. Stacey is a leading exper...

Are you overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI in the workplace? AI tools are already being used by managers and teams in various forms. But what are the risks that come with using them? Today’s guest believes that clear guidelines and educational training can help everyone use AI wisely without feeling restricted. Meet Theresa Fesinstine. Theresa is a 25-year HR executive turned AI educator. She has...

Are you struggling to get your team to perform at its best? Are you unsure about how to unlock the potential of each individual? This week’s guest says the key is inclusive leadership. Meet Kelli Lester. Kelli is co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fosterin...

Being a working parent shouldn’t feel like a daily juggling act on the brink of disaster.  If you truly want everyone on your team—parent or not—to thrive at work, you need a workplace that lets them show up as their best selves. And today’s guest is the perfect expert to discuss how to make work work for working parents. Today’s guest is Dr. Anne Welsh, a sought after thought leader on working pa...

Ever felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done? You’re not alone—managers know this struggle well. Fortunately, today’s guest has the time mastery secrets to help us take control of our time. Meet Andrew Hartman. Andrew is the founder of Time Boss, a training organization helping leaders and their teams master their week to get the results they want without overwhelm. ...

How do you make your team members feel truly seen and heard at work? It’s a common struggle for many managers, but this week’s guest says there’s something even more powerful than praising your team. Joining me today is Dr. Caroline Fleck. Caroline is a licensed psychologist, corporate consultant, and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford University. She is the author of Validation: How the S...

Have you ever left a virtual meeting thinking, “That could’ve been an email.” ? Today’s guest used to feel the same. Meet Jill Molee. Jill is the Director of Counseling & College Advisor at College Prep 360. I’ve been lucky to have Jill as a client and I’m grateful she was willing to experiment with me for this on-air coaching call. As the director of a fully remote, client-facing team, her ca...

Most workplaces focus too much on structure and not enough on fun. But what if the secret to a thriving team was something unexpected—like improv ? Fortunately, today’s guest is here to break down everything you need to know about improv and how it can benefit you and your team. Meet Joel Zeff. Joel creates energy. His spontaneous humor and vital messages have thrilled audiences for more than 25 y...

We all have thought patterns that work against us—whether it’s feeling like an imposter, overextending ourselves at work, or assuming the worst in situations.  Today’s guest breaks down eight negative mindsets that prevent professionals from thriving. Meet Cynthia Pong. Cynthia is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positio...

Do you realize how important virtual communications are to your team’s effectiveness? Except for in-person meetings, all our communications with our colleagues happen virtually. This is true whether you’re fully remote, hybrid, or even in-office. But what if you could communicate clearly and authentically every time, no matter the virtual method? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here for. Meet...

You’ve probably heard that hiring the best talent is the key to building a high-performing team. But what if that’s only half the truth? Thankfully, today’s guest will reveal what it really takes to build the best team ever. Today’s guest is David Burkus. One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David’s forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are changing how companies approach leadershi...

Does your team struggle to collaborate effectively due to clashing personalities? Say no more. Today’s guest is here to dive deep into how you can enhance your team dynamics using DiSC. Meet Jen Fox. Jen has spent the last 25 years working inside and outside of global organizations, listening to employees, facilitating learning, and leading cultural change. Hailed as one of the "most no-nonsense l...

You’ve heard it before: “People don’t quit jobs; they quit bad bosses.” But is that really the whole story? Why do employees really leave their jobs? That’s exactly what we’ll answer today with our guest. Meet Michael Horn.  Michael is the co-author of Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career. Michael strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions, fulfill...

Have you ever held back in a meeting, fearing how your words might be received?  Fear often takes the driver’s seat in our communication, keeping us from building better relationships and unlocking new opportunities.  But what if you could overcome those fears? This week’s guest is here to help you do just that. Meet Michelle Gladieux. Michelle is the author of Communicate with Courage , a transfo...

Why do people often struggle to follow through on their responsibilities, even after they agree to do so in a meeting?  Today’s guest is here to unpack this exact issue and offers practical solutions to help you and your team get things done. Meet Steven Blue. Steven is the CEO of Miller Ingenuity, which creates high technology products that save lives and preserve the environment. He is a keynote...