You’re The Boss, Now What? with Desiree Petrich | Leadership Development for New Managers

Desiree Petrich - Intentional Action

This isn’t another “be more confident and host better meetings” podcast for managers. When you stepped into leadership, everything changed. Assigning tasks now feels risky. Your team dynamics are confusing. Toxic culture might be creeping in. And suddenly, managing isn’t just about work, it’s about showing up as the leader your team needs. I’m Desiree, the leadership coach who got promoted at 24, led a healthcare facility through the pandemic, and now helps new and aspiring managers build their leadership skills from the inside out. On You’re the Boss, Now What?, you’ll get the actionable tools seasoned experts often miss: How to delegate without losing controlHow to build trust, respect, and executive presenceHow to stop feeling overwhelmed and actually enjoy leadingHow to lead impactful team meetings and build a cohesive, high-performing teamHow to fix toxic culture, handle conflict and difficult employees, and hold people accountable Among the episodes, we also break down popular leadership books, so you can apply what matters and skip what doesn’t. If you’re wondering why your team doesn’t respect you, why conflict keeps flaring up, or how to get promoted into leadership, you've landed in the right place.  Each week, I share candid coaching, real-world frameworks like DISC, Working Genius, and the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, and the kind of clarity you won’t get from a generic Google search. So if you’re ready to stop second-guessing yourself, elevate your leadership presence, and build a team that actually works, hit play. This podcast is your behind-the-scenes edge to becoming the leader you were meant to be. This is where we will answer the question; "You're the Boss, Now What?"  Popular episode topics include:  We Read The Book “The Six Types of Working Genius” so you don't have to; How to Have Hard Conversations (Like a Hostage Negotiator!), 9 Life Lessons to Cut Your Learning Curve in Half, Why Better Time Management Won’t Fix Your Team’s Problems, Love + Work: Finding Joy in Your Job Isn’t a Luxury - It’s a Necessity!, Can You Be Authentic at Work Without Losing Respect?, How the Right Frameworks Turn Fear into Confidence (Craig Denison), Hiring Like a Pro: Building a Team That Actually Loves Their Work, Strengths vs. Skills: Are You Leading from Your True Strengths?, How to Successfully Go From Doing the Work to Leading the Team 

  1. 3D AGO

    How to Handle a Negative Employee Without Losing Your Best People

    One negative employee can tank performance by 30 to 40 percent. Learn how to tell the difference between realism and pessimism, protect team dynamics, and know when it’s time to let someone go with confidence.  Last week we talked about imposter syndrome, storytelling, and executive presence with a communication Matt Mosich. This week we shift from the stories in your head to the stories on your team. If you’ve inherited a high performer who drags down morale, you’re not alone. Many first-time managers avoid action because conflict feels risky and backfilling is hard. Meanwhile, your best people consider leaving. In this episode, we unpack the root causes behind “negativity” and why not all pushback is toxic. You’ll learn how to spot the difference between a realist who’s trying to protect the team and a pessimist who drains it, how to coach for better behavior, and how to document impact so HR conversations are clear and actionable. You’ll also get three reflection questions to help you decide if it’s time to let someone go. Key Takeaways  • Realism vs pessimism: identify intent, not just tone, so you don’t label constructive risk checks as negativity.  • Coachable or contagious: use behavior impact and willingness to change to decide your next step.  • Protect the team’s energy: leaders keep culture by addressing harmful behavior early and documenting impact, not just attitude.  Want help understanding your team’s default styles so meetings stop derailing and decisions stick? Take a quick self-awareness assessment and explore DISC or Working Genius for your team at intentionalaction.net/self-awareness. Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website Coachin...

    30 min
  2. OCT 16

    The Secret to All-Day Energy for Leaders (It’s Not More Coffee)

    Part two of our energy mini-series! Learn five glucose hacks to help first-time managers stay focused, avoid the afternoon crash, and lead their teams with steady energy all day long. Listen to Part 1: New Manager Tips for Better Sleep to Make You a More Confident and In-Control Manager Last week we talked about how sleep impacts your energy as a leader. This week, we’re tackling the other half of the equation—what’s actually happening in your body all day that makes you tired, irritable, and unfocused. If you’ve ever hit that 2 p.m. crash, snapped at a teammate, or reached for another cup of coffee to power through, this episode is for you. We will talk about five practical glucose-stabilizing hacks that help you sustain your energy, sharpen your focus, and lead your team with more patience and presence. You’ll learn how blood sugar impacts your mood, motivation, and ability to manage effectively, and what you can do about it starting today. By the end, you’ll see how managing your energy isn’t just a wellness trend, it’s leadership development in action. Because when your energy dips, so does your influence. Key Takeaways How glucose spikes drain your patience, focus, and confidence at workFive sustainable habits to prevent the afternoon crash: savory breakfast, food order, post-meal movement, pairing carbs with protein, and the apple cider vinegar trickWhy steady energy makes you a calmer, more consistent leader who builds trust and holds employees accountableLinks As Promised! Glucose Goddess on Instagram Glucose Revolution Book  Glucose Goddes Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website Coachin...

    23 min
  3. OCT 9

    New Manager Tips for Better Sleep to Make You a More Confident and In-Control Manager

    New managers don’t need another hack, they need sleep that supports leadership. Sleep coach Morgan Adams shares simple circadian rhythm habits so you show up clear-minded, calm, and confident at work. Last week we talked about building trust and holding employees accountable with effective one-on-ones. This week, we’re zooming out: your energy and focus start long before the meeting, while you sleep. Struggling to lead with confidence because you’re exhausted, foggy, or short-tempered? New managers often try more coffee, later nights, and weekend catch-up. That’s not Coaching for Managers, it’s burnout on repeat. Here’s the fix: strengthen your circadian rhythm. In this Leadership Podcast for New Managers, sleep coach Morgan Adams breaks down manager-friendly habits that reduce 3 a.m. wakeups, stabilize energy, and help you run better team meetings, hold employees accountable, and handle conflict without snapping. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:  • Why “bright days, dark nights” is the simplest way to reset your sleep and leadership focus  • The MEQ chronotype quiz and how to schedule team meetings for better Team Dynamics  • Seven daily habits that improve sleep quality and office performance: morning light, dim evenings, consistent wake time (even on weekends), smart napping rules, cool-dark-quiet bedroom setup, five-minute “mindfulness snacks,” and a high-protein breakfast to stabilize glucose  • How social jet lag wrecks Monday mornings (and what to do instead)  • When blue-light glasses help, when they don’t, and what to buy to avoid cheap knockoffs  • How steady glucose curbs afternoon crashes so you can lead effective team meetings and coach Difficult Employees without losing your patience Key Takeaways  • Consistency beats hacks: a regular sleep-wake window improves decision-making, patience, and How to Be a Better Manager.  • Align work with people: know your team’s chronotypes to reduce burnout, improve Team Dynamics, and How to Lead Effective Team Meetings.  • Stabilize energy: protein-forward mornings and fewer spikes help you hold employees accountable and handle conflict at work as a manager. Up next: I read Glucose Revolution so you don’t have to—how steady glucose gives new managers more all-day energy Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website Coachin...

    34 min
  4. OCT 2

    5 Steps to Make One-on-One Meetings Build Trust Instead of Waste Time

    Last week we talked about accountability and why trust is the foundation for holding employees accountable. This week, let’s get practical. The problem? One-on-ones often feel awkward, get canceled, or turn into quick status updates. Managers end up doing all the talking, rushing through them, or skipping them entirely until annual reviews roll around. The result? Frustration, missed opportunities, and a team that doesn’t feel supported. The solution? Structure your one-on-ones so they build trust, create connection, and drive accountability. In this episode, I walk you through what managers get wrong — and 5 simple steps you can use to make your meetings actually matter. Key Takeaways One-on-ones are for coaching and trust, not status updatesA repeatable 5-step structure turns awkward meetings into growth conversationsWritten commitments at the end create accountability without micromanaging Subscribe and Follow for new manager tips, coaching for managers, and strategies on how to lead effective team meetings. If you found this episode helpful, leave a quick review so other new managers can find this leadership podcast. Episode Links  The Trust About Employee Engagement - 3 Tools to Engage Your Team I Read "Death By Meeting" So You Don't Have To  Coaching for Managers, Desiree Petrich, First-Time Manager Podcast, Leadership Podcast for New Managers, Team Dynamics, How to Build Trust as a Manager, How to Hold Employees Accountable, How to Be a Better Manager, How to Lead Effective Team Meetings, New Manager Tips. Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website Coachin...

    24 min
  5. SEP 25

    Stop Carrying Your Team’s Problems and Build Accountability That Sticks

    Ever feel like managing a team means carrying everyone’s mistakes, conflicts, and missed deadlines on your shoulders? You’re not alone. Many first-time managers fall into people-pleasing, micromanaging, or doing the work themselves instead of coaching their team. That weight leads to burnout, toxic culture, and imposter syndrome in leadership. But managing isn’t about fixing, it’s about building. In this episode, Desiree Petrich unpacks how to build a team that feels like a community: one built on trust, productive conflict, real commitment, and shared accountability. You’ll learn how to apply Patrick Lencioni’s 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, why the Platinum Rule matters for team dynamics, and how to overcome the fears that keep managers from holding employees accountable. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: Why new managers avoid accountability conversations—and the exact scripts to use insteadHow to apply trust, conflict, and commitment to build accountability that sticksWays to use the Platinum Rule to adapt your leadership style to different team membersAdditional Links: • Self-Awareness Assessments to use in Team Development • Listen to the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Recap episode  • Listen to the 5 Love Languages Episode  Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website Coachin...

    29 min
  6. SEP 18

    How Building Your Personal Brand Makes You a More Confident Leader | Liam Darmody

    Do you ever feel like posting on LinkedIn is only for job seekers or entrepreneurs? That belief is holding you back. The truth is, your presence online is your modern-day resume, and the confidence it builds spills into every corner of your leadership. In this conversation with Liam Darmody, founder of Liam’s Brandstand, we dig into why building your personal brand is less about “playing the algorithm” and more about learning who you are as a leader. You’ll hear how Liam went from reluctant poster to confident thought leader—and how that same shift can happen for you. By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover: Why building a personal brand matters even if you’re not looking for a new jobHow posting regularly helps you grow self-confidence and visibility at workWhat happens when you stop following “the rules” and start showing up authenticallyThis episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t just what you do in the office, it’s also how you show up in the world. Connect with Liam liamsbrandstand.com Liam Darmody's LinkedIn  Sign up for Liam's Newsletter  Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website Coachin...

    32 min
  7. SEP 11

    5 Questions Every New Manager Needs to Ask | Lessons from Leveling Up by Ryan Leak

    Rate the Podcast! Do you ever feel like a theme or lesson keeps showing up in your life on repeat—almost like déjà vu? That’s been me lately with words like honesty, integrity, and self-trust. In this episode, I’m diving into Ryan Leak’s book Leveling Up. I thought it would be just personal development, but halfway through I realized: personal development and leadership development are the same conversation. This book held up a mirror and forced me to ask some hard questions I think every new manager needs. We’ll cover: The Self-Awareness Question – “What is it like to be on the other side of me?”The Vision Question – “What is my definition of success?”The Humility and Integrity Questions – “What mistakes can I own?” and “Am I being honest with myself?”The Fun Question – “Am I enjoying it?”I get really vulnerable in this one. From realizing I wasn’t being as honest with myself about small things (like tracking food) to admitting I wasn’t showing up as the mom or leader I wanted to be, this episode is all about how self-integrity connects directly to the way you lead your team. Because leadership isn’t built on perfection. It’s built on honesty, humility, and the courage to ask better questions. By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover: Why feedback is more powerful than grace when it comes to growthHow to define your own version of success so you don’t climb the wrong ladderWhy admitting mistakes builds more trust than pretending to be perfectHow joy and enjoyment fuel culture more than toxic positivity ever couldLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: How to Set Boundaries, Unplug After Work, and Move Your Body Even When You're Exhausted Diving Into the Question around Rest Connect With Desiree on Linkedin Buy the book - Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Get a curated list of Desiree's favorite books in every genre Connect: Linked In | Instagram | Website Coachin...

    26 min
5
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

This isn’t another “be more confident and host better meetings” podcast for managers. When you stepped into leadership, everything changed. Assigning tasks now feels risky. Your team dynamics are confusing. Toxic culture might be creeping in. And suddenly, managing isn’t just about work, it’s about showing up as the leader your team needs. I’m Desiree, the leadership coach who got promoted at 24, led a healthcare facility through the pandemic, and now helps new and aspiring managers build their leadership skills from the inside out. On You’re the Boss, Now What?, you’ll get the actionable tools seasoned experts often miss: How to delegate without losing controlHow to build trust, respect, and executive presenceHow to stop feeling overwhelmed and actually enjoy leadingHow to lead impactful team meetings and build a cohesive, high-performing teamHow to fix toxic culture, handle conflict and difficult employees, and hold people accountable Among the episodes, we also break down popular leadership books, so you can apply what matters and skip what doesn’t. If you’re wondering why your team doesn’t respect you, why conflict keeps flaring up, or how to get promoted into leadership, you've landed in the right place.  Each week, I share candid coaching, real-world frameworks like DISC, Working Genius, and the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, and the kind of clarity you won’t get from a generic Google search. So if you’re ready to stop second-guessing yourself, elevate your leadership presence, and build a team that actually works, hit play. This podcast is your behind-the-scenes edge to becoming the leader you were meant to be. This is where we will answer the question; "You're the Boss, Now What?"  Popular episode topics include:  We Read The Book “The Six Types of Working Genius” so you don't have to; How to Have Hard Conversations (Like a Hostage Negotiator!), 9 Life Lessons to Cut Your Learning Curve in Half, Why Better Time Management Won’t Fix Your Team’s Problems, Love + Work: Finding Joy in Your Job Isn’t a Luxury - It’s a Necessity!, Can You Be Authentic at Work Without Losing Respect?, How the Right Frameworks Turn Fear into Confidence (Craig Denison), Hiring Like a Pro: Building a Team That Actually Loves Their Work, Strengths vs. Skills: Are You Leading from Your True Strengths?, How to Successfully Go From Doing the Work to Leading the Team 

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