The People Mentor Podcast

Nicola Richardson

Series 5: No Room for Fluff – The Workplace Edit This series is all about leading with clarity, courage, and humanity, because soft skills aren't soft when the stakes are high. I'm Nicola Richardson from The People Mentor, and I've spent over 30 years leading teams through change, challenge and growth. I know what it takes to build trust, manage conflict, and bring people with you, without losing sight of results. In this series, I'm bringing you real-world stories and practical strategies to help you lead more humanely - whether it's handling miscommunication, boosting resilience, or navigating the one person who always gets under your skin. If you're ready to grow your career and your confidence, without the fluff, you're in the right place. Listen now for honest insight and down-to-earth leadership support.

  1. Managing Managers for the First Time -The Reality Nobody Prepares You For

    21 SEPT.

    Managing Managers for the First Time -The Reality Nobody Prepares You For

    Managing Managers for the First Time I thought this would be just like leading my old team, but bigger. I was so wrong. If This Sounds Like You, This Episode Is Essential: ❌ Your old success moves now create bottlenecks ❌ Direct instructions that used to work are failing ❌ You feel like you're failing at everything ❌ Your confidence has been knocked sideways ❌ You're drowning in detail instead of leading The Uncomfortable Truth Managing managers isn't a scaled-up version of your old job. It's an entirely different game - and most leaders are thrown into it without a roadmap. What You'll Learn ✅ The identity shift that's messing with your head ✅ Why you're avoiding the conversations you need to have ✅ The four critical mistakes every new leader makes ✅ Your inner critic voices and how they're sabotaging you ✅ The reframe that changes everything Perfect If You're: Recently promoted to manage other managers Feeling overwhelmed and out of your depth Missing the days when you "just got things done" Ready to stop struggling and start leading with confidence This episode could be the turning point that helps you see this transition for what it truly is and gives you the clarity to navigate it successfully. 🎧 Listen now - because you're not supposed to have all the answers anymore. Want more support making this transition? Check out the Conversation Catalyst programs mentioned at the end.

    14 min
  2. How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt and Stop Exhaustion for Leaders

    7 SEPT.

    How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt and Stop Exhaustion for Leaders

    That stomach-dropping feeling when someone asks for just five minutes of your time? The way you end up hiding in staff toilets just to get a moment's peace? You're not alone. In this episode, I dive into the real reason managers struggle to say no at work - and it's not what you think. It's not about being too nice or lacking assertiveness. The truth is, poor boundaries are actually stopping you from having the conversations that matter most. I share why those tiny "yes" moments are stealing your energy from the big stuff - like addressing performance issues, team conflicts, and the difficult decisions that make the difference between a struggling team and a thriving one. You'll discover: 👉 Why your body gives you boundary signals before your brain catches up (and how to listen to them) 👉 The difference between being liked versus being respected as a leader 👉 Practical scripts for workplace boundaries that sound professional, not harsh 👉 A simple nervous system regulation technique you can use before any difficult conversation 👉 How avoiding conversations actually creates more stress for your entire team 👉 Why boundaries are a core leadership skill, not just a personal wellness thing This episode is for you if: You're exhausted from saying yes to everything.You're avoiding workplace conversations you know need to happen.You want to create space for the leadership work that actually matters.You're ready to stop managing by crisis and start leading with clarity. Stop hiding in the toilets. Start setting boundaries that give you back the headspace to actually lead.

    17 min

À propos

Series 5: No Room for Fluff – The Workplace Edit This series is all about leading with clarity, courage, and humanity, because soft skills aren't soft when the stakes are high. I'm Nicola Richardson from The People Mentor, and I've spent over 30 years leading teams through change, challenge and growth. I know what it takes to build trust, manage conflict, and bring people with you, without losing sight of results. In this series, I'm bringing you real-world stories and practical strategies to help you lead more humanely - whether it's handling miscommunication, boosting resilience, or navigating the one person who always gets under your skin. If you're ready to grow your career and your confidence, without the fluff, you're in the right place. Listen now for honest insight and down-to-earth leadership support.