The Modern Manager

We don’t come into this world with particular biases. We pick them up from our experiences with the people and world around us over time. And these biases affect how we show up every day (and not in a good way!)So, today’s guest is here to share her wisdom on what managers can do to have a more inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.Today’s guest is Risha Grant. Risha is an award-winning diversity consultant and international corporate speaker. She is the author of Be Better Than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion.In this week’s episode, Risha and I talk about what “BS” is and how to identify your own biases and work through them.We also talk about microaggressions and their opposite - micro-inclusions - and how to respond when someone has said or done something you’ve found offensive and when someone calls you out. Ready to create a more inclusive workplace for your team?Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(02:07) What does BS stand for(04:08) How Risha became more aware of her own BS (11:21) The microaggression and micro-inclusion concepts explained(19:15) What managers can do differently in handling microaggressive behaviors(24:53) The role that radical acceptance plays in creating an inclusive workplace(29:23) How to create an organization that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion(34:22) A great manager that Risha has worked for(35:38) Keep up with Risha(36:44) [Extended Episode Only] How to start educating yourself to undo internal biases(43:53) [Extended Episode Only] An honest answer to a tough questionAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Risha:- Follow Risha on Instagram here- Follow her on Twitter here- Check her out on LinkedIn here- Visit her official website for more information hereGuest Bonus: 5 Copies of Be Better Than Your BS Book Risha is happy to offer 5 copies of “Be Better Than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion” to members of The Modern Manager community. Using stories from her personal and professional journey as well as those of her clients, Grant encourages you to first examine the roots of your own BS through a process of radically accepting yourself and then to build a BS-free culture, which can only happen when you learn to radically accept others. She also shares the exercises, tools, and strategies she has taught thousands of people at all levels to make their workplaces more accepting, inclusive, and productive. Get a chance to win a copy of this book and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Is your team safe enough at work? Just like physical safety in the workplace, we also need psychological safety if we want people to do their best at work.Psychological safety is about creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable taking risks, sharing their thoughts or ideas, and making mistakes without worrying about ridicule, punishment, or exclusion. And today’s guest is just the right person to talk about psychological safety at work.Today’s guest is Rich Fernandez. Rich is the CEO of SIY Global and a former Executive Director for People Development at Google. His Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia University, as well as his extensive background in senior leadership for multiple Fortune 500 companies, has made him an unmatched thought leader in the industry of workplace psychology. Rich is an expert in cultivating workplace environments that foster emotional intelligence and mindfulness from the top down. In this episode, Rich and I talk about psychological safety and the interplay between trust, inclusion, belonging, and safety. He also shares why psychological safety at work matters and how you can foster more of it within your team.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(01:41) What is psychological safety, and how is it different from trust?(05:43) How psychological safety and trust go hand-in-hand(07:26) An example of psychological safety in Rich’s team  (10:02) How do you know if you’re fostering psychological safety in your team(13:03) Two ways for managers to create psychological safety at work(17:18) How to create an atmosphere where all team members can freely share their perspectives(19:10) How to handle dissenting views without scaring off your team members(22:34) Challenges that managers need to overcome when cultivating psychological safety in the team(29:17) A great manager that Rich has worked for(32:52) Keep up with Rich(34:24) [Extended Episode Only] The role of emotional intelligence in fostering psychological safety(39:10) [Extended Episode Only] First step in developing emotional intelligenceAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Rich:- Follow Rich on LinkedIn here- Visit SIY Global for more information hereFree eBook: Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness at WorkRich Fernandez is happy to offer a free eBook to The Modern Manager membership community: Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness at Work: Why Human-Centered Skills are Essential to Future-Proof Your Organization. In this eBook, you will find the latest research conducted by SIY Global and experts around the impact of emotional intelligence and mindfulness on 4 key organizational trends: 1. Why current levels of stress and burnout are costly and unstable; 2. How connection and belonging in a disconnected world are essential for team performance; 3. The emerging demands for human-centered leadership; 4. The need for resilience and agility to innovate and adapt.Get this free eBook and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you ever wish you could accomplish more of your goals personally and professionally?Many people believe that accomplishing goals is about time management when, in fact, it’s about holding yourself accountable.But why is it hard for people to be accountable?Joining me in this week’s episode are two guests who live and breathe accountability.Today’s guests are Tasha Howland and Cheron Porter. Tasha and Cheron are passionate about helping individuals reach their highest potential both personally and professionally through accountability coaching, which they do through their business AQ partners.Today, Tasha, Cheron, and I talk about all things accountability. We discuss why it’s hard to be accountable and the strategies to increase accountability for yourself and your team members.We also dive into what a good accountability partnership looks like, how to support your team members to be accountable, and more.Join the conversation now!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Conversation Topics(00:00) Intro(01:45) Why is it hard to hold people accountable(03:13) #1 reason why people avoid self-accountability(06:51) Explaining the chances of reaching your goals(09:32) How to manage accountability during uncertain times(11:51) What does it look like to have an accountability partner(15:15) Factors that are essential in making a good accountability partner(18:34) Formula in setting goals(20:25) The power of specificity(21:58) Tips for doing effective weekly accountability conversations(26:41) Great managers that Tasha and Cheron have worked for(29:50) Keep up with Tasha and Cheron(31:04) [Extended Episode Only] How to find an accountability partner(37:24) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when the other person always seems to make excuses(41:02) [Extended Episode Only] How to make progress when accountability isn’t enoughAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Cheron and Tasha- Follow Cheron on LinkedIn here- Follow Tasha on LinkedIn here- Check out The AQ Partners on LinkedIn here- Visit their website to learn more here50% Off One-Hour Strategy SessionThe AQ Partners will offer a one-hour strategy session designed to help you break down your big-picture goal into small, actionable steps and craft a massive plan of action tailored to your lifestyle. This dynamic roadmap will guide you and help serve as a foundation when you encounter inevitable struggles and setbacks so you can focus on success. The cost is typically $300, but you can book a strategy session for $150. Get this discount and many other member benefits when you join The Modern Manager Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Rob Kalwarowsky, High-Performance Leadership Coach, joins the podcast to discuss the six types of bad bosses and how to avoid becoming one. They delve into topics like self-awareness, identifying bad boss behaviors, and personal growth for better leadership. Rob also shares his own experiences and offers tips on dealing with toxic bosses. Tune in for an insightful conversation on navigating the world of management.

Executive coach Helen Dayen discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT can help managers improve their communication skills. Topics include crafting better prompts, using AI for actual conversations, and leveraging its features for strategic thinking. The podcast explores the benefits and limitations of AI technology, emphasizing the importance of understanding context and building relationships that cannot be replaced by AI.

Throughout millions of years of evolution, our brains became formidable tools of innovation, helping us transcend from agricultural to industrial. However, as the world of work underwent radical changes, we mostly found ourselves facing new challenges that our brains were not initially designed to handle.Today’s guest is Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman. Gabriella is an author, entrepreneur, executive, and startup advisor trained as an MD. She has served as Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Product Officer at BetterUp, as well as the founding CEO of Lifelink. Her expertise spans the future of work, behavior change, leadership, well-being, productivity, and behavioral health.In this episode, Gabriella and I explore the critical skills required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving work environment. She shares how we can tap into our brain’s evolutionary insights to meet the demands of the modern workplace.From enhancing creativity to fostering trust and collaboration, Gabriella offers practical advice for cultivating these vital skills so you can become a better manager.Tune in now to learn more!Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Key Takeaways:(00:00) Intro(02:26) The evolution of the human brain (06:21)  Five skills that are important for success in today’s modern world (13:33)  How to help your team feel that they and their works matter(21:11)   How to get your team in the mindset of creativity  & innovation(23:23) The four different types of creativity(26:55) Two ways to help your team tap into their strengths(29:43) A great manager Gabriella has worked for(31:18)  Keep up with Gabriella(32:49) [Extended episode only] How to become a more resilient leader(35:34) [Extended episode only] What can managers do to help their team members become resilient(41:53) [Extended episode only] The different faces of resilienceAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman- Follow Gabriella on Instagram here- Check Gabriella out on LinkedIn here- Learn more about Gabriella’s book Tomorrowmind here* Members of the Modern Manager community get a chance to own a signed copy of Dr. Kellerman’s book, “Tomorrowmind”.Get it when you join The Modern Manager Community.-------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

For decades, the office served as the central hub of the business ecosystem until the pandemic. Remote work became a trend, and virtual meetings became the standard for collaboration with our teams and facilitating communication. However, along with the convenience of work-from-home setups, a new challenge arose–how can managers effectively convey their thoughts and ideas and become excellent digital communicators?Today’s guest is Ty Hoesgen. Ty is a top communication coach, #1 best-selling author, and the Founder of Advanced Growth Institute. He helps professionals from around the world communicate with confidence, charisma, and clarity — so they can get more respect, become stronger leaders, and advance their careers.In today’s episode, Ty and I discuss how you can be an excellent communicator using digital mediums - like virtual meetings and emails. We get into the small things you can do to make yourself appear more trustworthy and engaged on the camera, how to write better emails, and more.You don’t want to miss this. Tune in now! Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Key Takeaways:(00:00) Intro(02:34) How to make proper eye contact during video calls(06:15) Getting your body position right when on Zoom(09:02) A great tip you can do at every beginning of a call(11:45) The importance of proper lighting(13:50) Natural vs. virtual backgrounds(16:50) How to get your team to follow good video setups(19:03) Email writing hacks(27:03) A great manager Ty has worked for(29:23) Keeping up with Ty(31:22) [Extended episode only] How to effectively convey your ideas or thoughts to your team(32:34)[Extended episode only] The PREP framework explained(39:14) [Extended episode only] Ty’s final tipsAdditional Resources:- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Community for just $15 per month- Read the full transcript here- Read the related blog article here- Follow me on Instagram here - Visit my website for more hereConnect with Ty Hoesgen- Follow Ty on Instagram here- Check Ty out on TikTok here  - Check out his latest updates on LinkedIn here- Access Ty’s FREE course: 5 Science-Backed Video Call Secrets Every Professional Needs to Know. * Members of the Modern Manager community get a FREE digital copy of Ty’s Elite Communication Skills: How to Get More Respect, Make Your Work Life Easier, and Rapidly Advance Your Career. *PLUS 20% off coaching with Ty if you want to speak with confidence and clarity - and finally, stop being overlooked and undervalued. Get all of these when you join The Modern Manager Community.-------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Many of us fall into the perfectionist trap. Whether it’s because of strict bosses, high academic standards, or just self-motivation, perfectionism is more common than you’d think. While it’s important and healthy to strive to do our best work, at some point all managers have to acknowledge that people will make mistakes and good enough can truly be good enough.Today’s guest is Thomas Curran. Thomas is a professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and author of a landmark study that the BBC hailed as “the first to compare perfectionism across generations.” His TED Talk on perfectionism has received more than three million views. His research has been featured in media ranging from the Harvard Business Review to New Scientist to CNN and he has appeared on numerous television and radio programs.Thomas and I talk about, no surprise, perfectionism. He shares the problems that come from being a perfectionist and working in a perfectionist culture, what’s really driving perfectionist tendencies, how to identify someone struggling with perfectionism, and of course, what to do to manage perfectionist tendencies in yourself and how to help others.Members of the Modern Manager community get a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of “The Perfection Trap”. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community.Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.Read the related blog article: Stop Perfectionism From Impeding Your Team’s SuccessKEEP UP WITH THOMASBook: https://www.amazon.com/Perfection-Trap-Embracing-Power-Enough/dp/1982149531Read the Full Transcript.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:53 What is perfectionism?04:20 What are the harms of always striving for perfection?06:57 A story of unhealthy perfectionism09:29 How can managers give feedback to perfectionists?11:02 How to shift out of perfectionism thinking20:59 Creating a work environment that doesn’t set a perfectionist standard28:31 A great manager Thomas worked for30:45 Keeping up with Thomas31:50 [Extended episode only] Is it true that some aspects of perfectionism lead to success?39:12 [Extended episode only] What is the link between perfectionism and procrastination?Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $15 per month. mamie@mamieks.cominstagram.com/mamieks

Do you ever feel stuck in the middle? Middle managers have a unique opportunity to understand the high-level objectives of an organization and touch the day-to-day activities that accomplish those goals. However, middle managers can often feel pulled in two different directions, answering to their superiors and the employees below them. How can middle managers effectively balance their time and attention to be their best selves at work?Today's guest is Emily Field. Emily helps organizations establish a talent-first approach, instilling a high-performance culture, and adopting effective people-analytics approaches. Her new book Power to the Middle focuses on how organizations can empower their middle managers who are uniquely positioned close to the daily work AND overall business strategy. Emily and I talk about the important role that middle managers play, what it is they are uniquely suited to do, and how they can start to shift their role to do more of what’s essential and less of what isn’t!Five members of the Modern Manager community can get a copy of Emily’s book, Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community. Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Read the related blog article: How to Tap the Hidden Value of Middle Managers KEEP UP WITH EMILYLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykfield/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Middle-Managers-Hold-Future/dp/1647824850/ Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:56 Why middle managers are the secret ingredient in organizations03:24 What aspects of the managerial role make it essential?07:58 A manager’s unique ability to reallocate work10:31 A manager’s unique ability to connect people with roles (supermarket story)13:00 How can managers advocate for appropriate compensation and professional development dollars?24:46 Tools and frameworks to help managers be better in their role27:17 A great boss Emily has worked for29:41 Keeping up with Emily30:50 [Extended episode only] What’s the role of a senior manager in this context?32:40 [Extended episode only] Client story: Bank managers36:09 [Extended episode only] What is the impact of hiring and promoting managers well?Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month. mamie@mamieks.cominstagram.com/mamieks

Teams are the backbone of all workplaces. When teams are functioning properly, organizations can thrive; and in order for teams to function properly, people must be good teammates. Success often comes down to the ability of individuals to work together effectively. But how do people continue to be good team members in today’s ever-changing workforce?Today’s guest is Lance Loya, best-selling author and authority on the mindset of a good teammate. His most recent book, The WE Gear, made Forbes’ list of “20 Books to Make You a Better Coach or Mentor.” He is also the founder and CEO of The Good Teammate Factory and the creator of National Be a Good Teammate Day.Lance and I talk about what it means to be a good team member. He breaks down the ALIVE model and explains the five factors that every person and manager can embody to be a superstar teammate.Members of the Modern Manager community get 50% off Lance’s professional team development course, The Good Teammate Factory. Get it when you join the Modern Manager community. Get FREE mini-sketchnotes with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email. Read the related blog article: The Five Qualities of A Good Teammate Anyone Can Achieve  KEEP UP WITH LANCEWebsite: http://www.coachloya.com/ Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:07 What is the “we gear” concept?05:49 Five components of the ALIVE model: put the “we gear” mindset into action10:11 What did Lance discover in his research about great teammates?11:46 How do leaders show they are truly invested in their teams?16:23 The importance of simply waving hello20:48 How to confront people who aren’t being good team members26:38 A great manager Lance has worked for28:26 Keeping up with Lance30:00 [Extended episode only] The five teammates that each person needs34:37 [Extended episode only] Which of the five roles should the manager be?37:12 [Extended episode only] How can we be a good ‘buddy’ with our colleagues without crossing a boundary?Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager community for just $5 per month. mamie@mamieks.cominstagram.com/mamieks