Leadership in Real Life - Raw Stories of Leading and Learning for the Everyday Manager

Erika Taylor-Beck
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MANAGEMENT

Let's lift the curtain on some common challenges leaders face, as well as other ways we can demonstrate leadership outside of the workplace. As society evolves, managers will need to learn more emotional intelligence, empathy, and vulnerability to be successful at leading teams. Erika shares tips on how to handle situations in a way that adapts to the ever-changing workplace.

  1. 10/08/2025

    Ep. 30 Empowering Leadership: The Art of Letting Go

    Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the common misconception among new managers that they are helping their teams by doing the work for them. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear roles and responsibilities, the dangers of enabling learned helplessness, and the need for leaders to empower their teams rather than rescue them. The discussion covers strategies for effective leadership, including clarifying ownership, coaching, and creating systems that promote accountability and productivity. Need help managing a team more effectively? Go to: https://authenticfoundations.podia.com Use code PODCAST10 for 10% any coaching or courses.

    11 min

  2. 10/02/2025

    Ep. 29 One-on-One Meetings

    In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the significance of one-on-one meetings between managers and employees. She emphasizes the need for regular, structured meetings to build trust, provide feedback, and support employee development. Erika shares best practices for conducting effective one-on-ones, including setting a recurring schedule, documenting conversations, and balancing constructive and positive feedback. She also highlights the importance of understanding individual employee needs and the role of one-on-ones in the annual review process. Need help with your 1:1s or any other management tasks? Go to https://authenticfoundations.podia.com Use code: PODCAST10 to get 10% off any courses or coaching

    16 min

  3. 10/01/2025

    Ep. 28 Importance of Reverse Shadowing and Getting Different Perspectives

    In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the concept of reverse shadowing and its significance for leaders. She emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their team's day-to-day challenges and dynamics, advocating for a more engaged and empathetic leadership style. By spending time with team members and asking the right questions, leaders can build trust, improve communication, and effectively advocate for their team's needs, ultimately fostering a positive workplace culture. https://authenticfoundations.podia.com

    8 min

  4. 09/30/2025

    Ep. 27 Lessons in Leadership: Accountability and Expectations

    In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the critical role of accountability in leadership, using personal anecdotes and professional insights to illustrate how leaders must take ownership of their team's performance. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and standards, both in personal situations, like dog training, and in professional environments. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to reflect on their own actions and the culture they create, ultimately recognizing that what they tolerate in behavior can perpetuate issues within their teams.

    9 min

  5. 09/18/2025

    Ep. 26: Employee Termination - Best Practices for Firing an Employee

    In this episode, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the challenging process of terminating an employee, offering guidance on how to handle it professionally and empathetically. She emphasizes the importance of documentation, clear communication, and maintaining objectivity during the termination process. Terminating an employee is a challenging but necessary part of management.Documentation and feedback are crucial before considering termination.A performance improvement plan (PIP) can help address issues before termination.Clear communication and setting expectations are key to managing performance.Emotions should be managed during the termination process.HR involvement is important to ensure a fair and legal process.Termination should be based on documented facts, not emotions.A structured process helps protect against legal issues.Support and coaching can aid in handling difficult conversations.Practicing termination conversations can help managers prepare. #termination, #employeemanagement, #performance #firing #PIP #improvement, #HR, #documentation RESOURCES https://authenticfoundations.podia.comhttps://authenticfoundations.podia.com/performance-managementhttps://authenticfoundations.podia.com/5-crucial-conversations-managers-need-to-have

    16 min

  6. 09/05/2025

    Ep. 25 Navigating the Messy Middle: Insights from Andrea Liebross

    Join Erika Taylor-Beck as she welcomes Andrea Liebross, founder of Andrea Liebross Coaching, author, and host of the podcast, "She Thinks Big," to discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Andrea emphasizes the significance of big thinking, embracing uncertainty, and taking massive action to achieve success. The conversation highlights the need for investment in personal development and the value of having a supportive network. She shares practical advice for entrepreneurs, encouraging them to focus on their vision and take bold steps towards their goals. Discover how to navigate the "messy middle" of business growth and learn practical tips for scaling with intention. Key Takeaways: The significance of mindset in achieving success. Success is 80% mindset, 20% systemsDifferentiating between passive and massive action. Embracing uncertainty and the unknown in business. The role of secure support in personal and professional growth. Andrea's TRUST framework for big thinking.The difference in a "To-Do" list and a "To Believe" list Resources: https://andreaslinks.comThe "2-minute Audit": https://andrealiebross.com/auditAndrea's book and podcast: "She Thinks Big" #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #BusinessGrowth #Leadership

    32 min

  7. 07/09/2025

    Ep. 24 From Burnout to Boundaries -- A Conversation with Chelsey Kramer

    In this episode of Leadership in Real Life, host Erika Taylor-Beck sits down with career coach Chelsey Kramer for an honest and insightful conversation about burnout—what it looks like, why it happens, and how to move through it. Chelsey shares her personal journey from high-achieving professional to burned-out and disconnected, and how that led her to rediscover the power of authenticity and boundaries. Together, they explore the subtle signs of burnout, the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace, and practical tools for protecting your energy while staying true to your values. Whether you're navigating a career transition or simply feeling stretched too thin, this episode offers real talk and real strategies for staying well—and leading well. Connect with Chelsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseykramer/FREE Career Realignment Guide!: www.chelseykramer.com/freebieIG and Threads: @chelseykramercoachinghttps://www.chelseykramer.com/ Connect with Erika: https://Authenticfoundations.podia.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-r-taylor-beckIG and Threads: @authentic.foundations Use code PODCAST10 to get 10% off any service or course on Erika's site. Keywords: burnout, career coaching, work-life balance, boundaries, mental health, self-care, achievement, authenticity, personal growth, coaching

    48 min

  8. 06/18/2025

    Ep. 23 Leading by Example: The Leadership Skill That Speaks Louder Than Words

    What do the most trusted and effective leaders have in common? They walk their talk. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked but powerful leadership principle of leading by example—and why it's more important now than ever. You'll learn: What “leading by example” really means in today’s work culture Key areas where leaders must set the tone—accountability, communication, boundaries, and more The hidden cost of not practicing what you preach Real-world stats on trust, engagement, and leadership influence Simple, actionable ways to model the values and behaviors you want to see in your team Whether you're a manager, founder, or someone stepping into leadership for the first time, this episode will give you the clarity and courage to lead from a place of alignment. Key Takeaways: 83% of employees say their leader’s behavior directly impacts engagement (Gallup) Trust is built when leaders do what they say Modeling boundaries and self-awareness is just as important as modeling productivity Even one small example can shift a team's culture authenticfoundations.podia.com Use Podcast10 to get 10% off any purchase from my site.

    22 min
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5
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About

Let's lift the curtain on some common challenges leaders face, as well as other ways we can demonstrate leadership outside of the workplace. As society evolves, managers will need to learn more emotional intelligence, empathy, and vulnerability to be successful at leading teams. Erika shares tips on how to handle situations in a way that adapts to the ever-changing workplace.

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