307 episodes

Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart shares practical approaches to help you be a great manager. Learn more at: https://themodernmanager.com/

Solo episodes are like mini-courses, providing actionable tips based on experience and research. Guest episodes are engaging conversations that elicit insights and suggestions for how to apply the ideas.

Learn more about effective meeting practices, communication skills, managing conflict, team building, time management, group dynamics, goal setting and accountability, team competencies, productivity and collaboration technologies, organizational culture, and more.

Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode!

The Modern Manager Mamie Kanfer Stewart

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 167 Ratings

Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart shares practical approaches to help you be a great manager. Learn more at: https://themodernmanager.com/

Solo episodes are like mini-courses, providing actionable tips based on experience and research. Guest episodes are engaging conversations that elicit insights and suggestions for how to apply the ideas.

Learn more about effective meeting practices, communication skills, managing conflict, team building, time management, group dynamics, goal setting and accountability, team competencies, productivity and collaboration technologies, organizational culture, and more.

Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode!

    299: How to Think Strategically with Julia Sloan

    299: How to Think Strategically with Julia Sloan

    What exactly is strategic thinking? Many of us often confuse strategic thinking with strategic planning and implementation. We know strategy is crucial in the business world and that strategic thinking skills are valued by senior executives. This week’s podcast guest says anyone can be a strategic thinker and explains how!

    Today’s guest is Dr. Julia Sloan. Julia is the author of the definitive book, Learning to Think Strategically, and is recognized for her pioneering work on the application of complex cognitive theory to everyday strategic thinking practice. A Fulbright fellow, she teaches strategic thinking at her alma mater, Columbia Univand, and has worked globally with corporate & public policy leaders, start-ups, refugees, & military leaders.

    Julia and I talk about everything strategic thinking–what it is, how it differs from strategic planning and implementation, how we can develop strategic thinking skill sets, the foundation of strategic thinking, and so much more.

    Join the conversation now!

    Get FREE mini-episode guides 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(01:22) Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning vs. Strategic Implementation(07:23) How managers can use strategic thinking with their team members(10:20) Does strategic thinking always precede strategic planning?(13:06) Example of putting strategic thinking into action and in place(16:53) How we can develop our strategic thinking skill sets(22:28) The value of slowing down and pressing the pause button(25:35) The four Cs of strategic thinking and how it helps keep your team on track(30:55) A great manager Julia has worked for(31:50) Keep up with Julia(33:34) [Extended Episode Only] How to still think strategically amidst constant changes
    Additional Resources:
    - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
    - Read the full transcript here
    - Follow me on Instagram here 
    - Visit my website for more here
    - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

    Keep up with Dr. Julia Sloan

    - Follow Julia on LinkedIn here
    - Grab a copy of Julia’s book Learn to Think Strategically here
    - Visit Learn Strategic Thinking for more details here

    FREE PDF Download: 40 Leadership Tips to Strengthen Strategic Thinking

    Dr. Julia-Sloan is happy to offer a four-page PDF outlining 40 leadership tips you can implement to strengthen your strategic thinking. The tips are organized into three categories—before, during, and after a strategy session—and lined up chronologically to help you build your strategic thinking muscles. 

    To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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    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!

    • 34 min
    298: Using Rituals to Create Certainty in Times of Change with Ashley Goodall

    298: Using Rituals to Create Certainty in Times of Change with Ashley Goodall

    Most people think that change at work is great. It has become the defining characteristic of successful organizations, teams, and individuals. But psychologically, change is HARD on humans–it’s a common source of stress for many of us. 

    When there’s change or uncertainty at work, it creates a degree of fear and anxiety. However, work rituals can help team members feel that sense of continuity amidst changes. So, how can leaders (and team members) effectively leverage rituals to foster stability?

    Today’s guest is Ashley Goodall. Ashley is a leadership expert who has spent his career exploring large organizations from the inside, most recently as an executive at Cisco. He is the co-author of Nine Lies About Work, which was selected as the best management book of 2019 by Strategy + Business and as one of Amazon’s best business and leadership books of 2019. Prior to Cisco, he spent fourteen years at Deloitte as a consultant and as the Chief Learning Officer for Leadership and Professional development. His book, The Problem with Change, publishes in May.

    During our conversation, Ashley and I discussed the challenges of constant change and its impact on us and our team members. He also shared how managers and team members can use rituals to create a sense of certainty, predictability, and stability amidst changes, how to support team members during these changes, the important role of language, and more.

    Join the conversation now!

    Get FREE mini-episode guides 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(02:32) Why are there constant changes in today’s workplace?(04:48) Is change always a good thing?(10:36) Challenges that come with being in a constant state of change(16:06) The role of a team in creating stability and a sense of continuity amidst changes(18:08) How to support your team members when going through changes(20:32) The power of rituals and “ritualization”(28:04) A great manager Ashley has worked for(31:57) Keep up with Ashley(33:07) [Extended Episode Only] Surprising insight on how leaders can foster stability, consistency, and predictability (39:52) [Extended Episode Only] The role of language in creating certainty in times of change
    Additional Resources:
    - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
    - Read the full transcript here
    - Follow me on Instagram here 
    - Visit my website for more here
    - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

    Keep up with Ashley Goodall

    - Grab a copy of Ashley’s book The Problem with Change here
    - Visit Ashley’s website for more information here

    10% Discount on The Problem With Change

    Drawing on two decades spent leading HR organizations at Deloitte and Cisco, in this book, Ashley Goodall reveals the truth about human performance and offers a radical new alternative to the constant turbulence that defines corporate life. Members can get 10% off a pre-order of The Problem With Change - valid through May 6.

    To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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    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!

    • 34 min
    297: Generate Buy-in and Change People’s Minds with Michael McQueen

    297: Generate Buy-in and Change People’s Minds with Michael McQueen

    When was the last time you effortlessly swayed someone's opinion? For leaders, it's likely that not everyone who works with you will embrace the ideas and decisions you make—and that's okay.

    But convincing people to rally behind your vision, sway their perspectives, and generate buy-in is part of the job. Conventional strategies have lost their effectiveness (if ever they were effective!), but today's guest has unlocked the secrets to mastering the art (and science) of changing people's minds to help you move work forward.

    Today’s guest is Michael McQueen. Michael is a multi-award winning speaker, change strategist and bestselling author of ten books. With clients including Google, Toyota, and Mastercard, he has helped some of the world’s most successful brands navigate uncertainty and stay one step ahead of change.

    Michael and I talk about how to change people’s minds. We get into the details on why it’s harder to influence people now than ever, ways to prime people to hear your ideas without triggering their defense mechanisms, tips for getting buy-in even from the most stubborn colleagues, and so much more.

    Join the conversation now!

    Get FREE mini-episode guides 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(02:15) Why is it so hard to influence people?(05:33) Why giving more information doesn’t persuade people(10:01) The secret to using storytelling effectively to influence people(14:42) Tips and tricks for persuading people in the workplace(18:33) Why go for a walk when trying to gain someone’s trust(20:43) Simple things you can do to prime people to be more open(25:05) Why constructive arguments are essential in the workplace(28:09) Generating buy-in from your team member through motivational interviewing (31:02) A great manager Michael has worked for(32:33) Keep up with Michael(33:59) [Extended Episode Only] The importance of our two minds(37:30) [Extended Episode Only] Phrases to avoid and use when trying to get a message or an idea through to someone(39:48) [Extended Episode Only] Easy techniques to help people see things differentlyAdditional Resources:
    - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
    - Read the full transcript here
    - Follow me on Instagram here 
    - Visit my website for more here
    - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here
    - Listen to episode 42: Deep Listening with Oscar Trimboli here

    Keep up with Michael McQueen

    - Follow Michael on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook 
    - Visit Michael’s official website for other resources here

    FREE Exclusive Mini Masterclass Video Series

    In this mini masterclass video series, bestselling author Michael McQueen will share practical insights for mastering the art of changing stubborn minds from his latest book, Mindstuck. The series includes 5 videos on topics including “What we’ve got wrong about being right” and “It takes 2 questions to change a mind”.

    To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ 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!

    • 35 min
    296: Make Professional Development a Habit with Skot Waldron

    296: Make Professional Development a Habit with Skot Waldron

    Being a successful manager in today’s modern workplace is not a straightforward task. It requires delivering results and thinking strategically, all the while supporting team members’ growth and development. 

    Given these demands, it’s unsurprising that professional development may not be your top priority. Today’s guest thinks otherwise–you can make professional development a habit!

    Today’s guest is Skot Waldron. Skot is a communication strategist, coach, podcast host, and author of the best-selling "Unlocked: A 52-Week Guide For The Intentional Leader", renowned for transforming complex communication challenges into growth opportunities. His practical strategies foster effective leadership, influence, and alignment in top-tier organizations like J.P. Morgan Chase, the CDC, and The Coca-Cola Company.

    In this interview, Skot and I discuss how you can integrate self-development into your daily life in manageable ways. He also shares some practical examples of going from inspiration to transformation and how you can bring that same approach to your team members.

    Join the conversation now!

    Get FREE mini-episode guides 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(02:44) The secret ingredient that turns information and inspiration into transformation(06:59) Structuring self-improvement for leaders(13:27) The role of responsibility vs. blame in leadership(19:39) What is the 1N=5P ratio?(23:14) How to apply the 1N=5P ratio at work(29:29) A great manager Skot has worked for(30:31) Keep up with Skot(32:07) [Extended Episode Only] How to apply Skot’s self-development approach to your team members(36:01) [Extended Episode Only] Tips on navigating team resistance to self-development
    Additional Resources:
    - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
    - Read the full transcript here
    - Follow me on Instagram here 
    - Visit my website for more here
    - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

    Keep up with Skot Waldron

    - Subscribe to Skot’s YouTube channel here
    - Listen to his podcast here
    - Connect with him on LinkedIn here
    - Grab a copy of his book here
    -Visit Skot’s website for more here

    Free Sample (34 Pages) of Skot’s Book, “Unlocked”

    Download a PDF sample of Skot’s book, “Unlocked: A 52-Week Guide for the Intentional Leader”. In this book, Skot offers a unique system of personal transformation through small, intentional actions. His structured path to personal growth travels through 52 short chapters - each representing a week's journey - focusing on inspiration, reflection, and purposeful action.

    Free Group Coaching

    You and your team can meet with Skot every other week to receive coaching and learn from each other. Skot will use the Altitude Training program to teach the art of leadership.

    Free ‘5 Voices’ Communication Assessment

    Learn your communication style and understand your strengths and weaknesses with this 15-minute assessment.

    Free ‘5 Voices’ Team Bootcamp

    You and your team can join a 90-minute virtual session with Skot, where you will:
    Understand the communication dynamics of your team.Understand how to gain more influence with those around you.Relate to what it looks like when you’re accidental in your leadership.Walk away with an actionable leadership insight to apply.
    To get these guest bonuses and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ 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!

    • 33 min
    295: Using the 8% Principle to Build a High Performance Culture with Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry

    295: Using the 8% Principle to Build a High Performance Culture with Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry

    A high performance culture is what often separates great teams from the rest. Culture is vital to your organization's success, but do managers really have that much influence on culture? This week’s guest says we do!

    Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry is a pioneering force in culture development and building high-performing teams. His journey began with a personal struggle with ADHD, which ultimately led him on a profound quest for understanding how emotions drive behavior. This exploration culminated in the development of the "Last 8%" system, a transformative approach that has empowered Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, CEOs, and Fortune 500 employees.

    In this episode, JP and I talk about building a high performance culture using the 8% principle. He sheds light on the often-overlooked gap that holds teams back from peak performance.

    We explore what the last 8% is, what managers can do to tackle that 8%, how to foster a high performance culture, highlighting the value of accountability with empathy, plus so much 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(02:26) What is the 8% principle?(05:07) Important skills to push yourself into the discomfort zone(10:27) How to foster a high-performance culture using the 8% principle(15:07) A real-life example of leveraging culture effectively(20:39) Common norms for teams functioning in the 8% quadrant(25:19) What managers can do to start fostering a high-performance culture(29:39) A great manager JP has worked for(31:57) Keep up with JP(33:23) [Extended Episode Only] How to hold yourself and your team accountable(41:07) [Extended Episode Only] The most important equation in human behavior
    Additional Resources:
    - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
    - Read the full transcript here
    - Follow me on Instagram here 
    - Visit my website for more here
    - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

    Keep up with Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry

    - Follow Dr. JP on LinkedIn here
    - Visit the Last Eight Percent website here
    - Subscribe to the Last 8% Morning podcast here

    15% off Live Online Science of Emotional Intelligence Program

    Members get 15% off the live, online Science of Emotional Intelligence program by Last Eight Percent. This program teaches you the most important skill to have in your toolkit – Emotional Intelligence. Their blended approach to learning combines pre-work, program materials, and homework assignments in their Learning Management System (LMS) with three 2-hour live online video meetings for an enriching and truly collaborative group experience.

    To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ 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!

    • 34 min
    294: 5 Skills for Effective Decision-Making

    294: 5 Skills for Effective Decision-Making

    Life is a series of choices. We make decisions every single day that affect how we live our lives–whether you’re picking what to have for lunch or steering a company strategy. For managers, effective decision-making skills at work are essential. So, how do you ensure you make the right decisions and stay on top of your game?

    In this week’s episode, we’ll explore the five (5) critical decision-making skills that can help you and your team members make effective decisions. 

    From mastering timelines to harnessing the power of collaborative thinking, this episode is your guide to navigating the complex world of workplace decisions.

    Join me for an insightful discussion!

    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(01:18) The importance of timelines(02:41) 2 questions to ask when making a decision(03:39) The role of emotions in decision-making(06:28) How to draw logical conclusions through information discernment(08:47) Why big-picture thinking is critical(10:08) The value of collaborative thinking(10:58) How to be a good collaborative partner(12:48) [Extended Episode Only] The 6th essential skill for effective decision-making(13:29) [Extended Episode Only] Examples of an effective decision-making process
    Additional Resources:
    - Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month
    - Read the full transcript here
    - Follow me on Instagram here 
    - Visit my website for more here
    - Join the Skills Accelerator Program here

    FREE One-Page Overview of the Decision-Making Skills 

    Members of Podcast Plus get a copy of my one-page overview of the decision-making skills that I talked about today to help improve your decision-making skills or support a team member in developing theirs. 

    To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ 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!

    • 14 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
167 Ratings

167 Ratings

987362847 ,

Great and useful podcast for new managers

I've only been a manager for a few years and so I'm continuing to learn how to manage people, processes, and substantive matters. As a former litigation attorney who has transitioned to a non-legal role, I'm aware that lawyers tend to be terrible managers! This podcast has helped me tremendously.

kahpyt ,

Great direction for an overlooked audience

In my work as a DEI facilitator and consultant, I often see managers who are expected to be “all things” but don’t get the training and support to do it well. While we can challenge our organizations to do this differently, this podcast serves as a helpful guide for mid-level managers to build their people and management skills along the way.

Devlinreed ,

The vocal fry ruins it

I really wanted to like this podcast but the host ruins it. The constant vocal fry and uptalk is awful!

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