The Manager Track

Ramona Shaw
The Manager Track

If you’re in you're a new manager and want to become a confident and competent leader people love to work with, then join leadership expert Ramona Shaw in this podcast. Each week, Ramona shares inspiring new perspectives and practical tips you can use right away to successfully transition into your first leadership role and to think, act, and communicate like the leader you know you can be.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Why “Figure It Out” Doesn’t Work: The Cost of Untrained Managers

    Remember your first time leading a team? That mix of excitement and uncertainty, wondering if you're making the right calls. For most of us, it meant long hours, unclear expectations, and a whole lot of trial and error. In this episode, Ramona Shaw shares how this common "figure it out" approach to leadership development creates ripple effects that impact entire organizations. Ramona explores: - What really happens when new managers learn through trial and error - The hidden impact of delayed performance conversations - How unclear expectations affect team dynamics and productivity - Why working longer hours often signals a deeper leadership challenge - What effective leadership development looks like in practice This episode is especially valuable for HR leaders and executives who want to set their new managers up for success from day one. Check it out HERE. Watch it on YouTube HERE. Reflective Questions: - How many hours are your new managers really working? - What's the cost of delayed performance conversations in your team? - Are your first-time managers getting the support they need? - How is the "figure it out" approach affecting your team's morale? — RESOURCES MENTIONED — - Check out the Complete Guide: Building Effective New Managers - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 29 The Two Common Blindspots Managers Have and How to Overcome Them - Episode 54 3 Big Mistakes New Managers Make & How to Avoid Them — WHAT’S NEXT? — Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org. Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: www.archova.org/masterclass Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    15 min
  2. FEB 4

    From Director to VP: How to Build an Executive Mindset for a Promotion

    Leadership promotions don’t reward competence - they demand reinvention. In this Manager Track episode, Ramona Shaw reveals why about two-thirds of technically skilled directors plateau before reaching VP level… and how to beat the odds. She discusses: - The “Better Director” Fallacy - The DJ’s Secret Power - From Expert to Influencer - Silent Promotion Killers Plus, by the end of the episode, you'll know: - Why the increasing popularity of lean management structures creates both risks and opportunities for mid-level leaders - How to demonstrate "VP-readiness" without saying yes to more and more work - How crisis leadership can become your ultimate influence amplifier Getting that VP title is about already thinking, acting, and moving like a VP before anyone hands you the business card. So, this episode is perfect for directors who feel stuck or senior managers eyeing that next big promotion. Check it out HERE. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — - Get more information on the Executive Presence Intensive Program HERE. - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 105 - Train Your Thinking to Become a Better Leader - Episode 157 - Retain Employees Who Didn't Get Promoted — WHAT’S NEXT? — Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org. Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: www.archova.org/masterclass Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    13 min
  3. JAN 28

    Mental Traps That Keep Leaders Stuck

    Sometimes, the hardest barriers to growth aren’t the challenges we face on the outside - they’re the silent battles in our own minds. In this episode, Ramona Shaw unpacks five thought patterns that can quietly sabotage leaders. These traps aren’t always easy to spot because they often masquerade as wisdom or practicality. Understanding these traps is the first step to overcoming them. Let’s dig into what they are, why they happen, and how you can step past them to become the best leader you can be. Check it out HERE. Watch it on YouTube HERE. Reflective Questions: - Do you frequently assume your team is too busy to take on additional tasks? - How often do you think you should be the most knowledgeable person in the room? - Do you hesitate to share your perspective with senior leaders? - Are you always available for your team and think that you should be? - How do you respond to mistakes - both your own and your team’s?   RESOURCES MENTIONED — - Get more information on the Executive Presence Intensive Program HERE. - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 25 The Reason Why You're Feeling Stuck - Episode 220 Mental Health Awareness for Leaders - A Panel Discussion — WHAT’S NEXT? — Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org. Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: www.archova.org/masterclass Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    20 min
  4. JAN 21

    Beyond Values - Creating Explicit Leadership Expectations

    For all our coffee lovers, imagine your organization’s leadership culture as a finely brewed cup of coffee. When done right, it tastes rich, distinct, and pure. But when you mix in different types of beans or even a splash of almond milk and half and half, that delicious cup starts to quickly turn into an off-putting drink. Similarly, as your team grows and new leaders join your organization, each bringing their own “flavor,” the leadership culture can become diluted and fragmented—less bold, less recognizable, and less impactful. In this episode, we explore what happens when leadership culture loses its essence, why it happens, and how to protect what makes your organization thrive. Ramona breaks down: - Why newly hired leaders often stick to their proven playbooks instead of assessing the new company's approach - How remote work makes it harder for leaders to pick up on the unwritten rules and norms - What happens when different managers run their teams in completely opposite ways - Specific solutions that actually work, with real examples from companies who got it right This episode is perfect for anyone bringing in new leaders, joining a new company as a lateral hire, or trying to keep their leadership team aligned through growth. Check it out HERE. Watch it on YouTube HERE. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 57 Attitude & Leadership - Episode 105 Train Your Thinking to Become a Better Leader — WHAT’S NEXT? — Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org. Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: www.archova.org/masterclass Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    26 min
  5. JAN 14

    Reading The Room

    Have you ever been in a meeting where something felt off, but you couldn't quite put your finger on it, and everyone else seemed to ignore it too? Or watched a leader completely miss the signs of their team's growing anxiety? In this episode of The Manager Track podcast, Ramona Shaw dives into the often-discussed but rarely explained skill of "reading the room" - breaking down what it really means and how to get better at it. Through real examples, from Google's layoff announcement to BP's oil spill crisis response, Ramona illustrates how even seasoned leaders can miss crucial social cues and context, leading to damaged relationships and eroded trust. She shares a practical framework for becoming more aware of what's happening beneath the surface in any social setting, whether you're leading a team meeting or navigating a difficult conversation. Key topics include: - Understanding the hidden layers in conversations - authority, bias, context, culture, and mood - Picking up on changes in body language and engagement without overanalyzing - Getting out of your own head to truly tune into others If you've ever wondered why some leaders seem to navigate social situations effortlessly while others stumble, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you develop this essential EQ skill. Check it out HERE. Watch it on YouTube HERE. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 42 Why Telling People What To Do Often Doesn't Work - Episode 183 Creating Effective, Engaging, and Enjoyable Meetings - Interview with Mamie Kanfer Stewart — WHAT’S NEXT? — Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org. Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: www.archova.org/masterclass Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    26 min
  6. JAN 7

    Working With People You Don't Like

    Let's be honest – working with people we don’t click with can be draining. Day in and day out, we have to chat with them, get things done with them, and manage our emotions around them. It’s easy to get frustrated or stuck in a negative cycle. But what if we stopped waiting and hoping for them to change and focused on what we can control instead? In this episode of The Manager Track podcast, Ramona Shaw offers a fresh perspective on how to manage tricky work relationships by focusing on what’s within our control: our mindset and reactions. Ramona breaks the topic into two parts: - Everyday strategies most of us are familiar with - A deeper approach that leads to lasting change in how we relate to others This episode helps you see how your perspective shapes your work relationships and offers actionable steps to make those tough interactions easier. Let the work drama be a thing of the past, and start the year with a new approach to working with people you don't like. Check it out HERE. Watch it on YouTube HERE. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 12 Why Telling People What To Do Often Doesn't Work - Episode 72 Manage Your Mind Before You Manage People — WHAT’S NEXT? — Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org. Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: www.archova.org/masterclass Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    22 min
  7. 12/31/2024

    Changing Behaviors and Achieving Goals

    This episode is a re-release of Ep 196, one of the most popular episodes of The Manager Track podcast. We'll be back next week, January 7th with a fresh new episode! "Quitter's Day." No, it's not the day that a person quits their job. It's the second Friday in January, designated as the day when most people are likely to give up on their New Year's resolution (unofficially, of course). Change, no matter how big or small can be difficult because our brains are wired to seek established patterns of consistency. I'm sure you can easily recall that feeling of discomfort when you've tried doing something new in the past. Maybe you wanted to get better at delegating work and you leaned into it. But seconds later you felt like you made a mistake and should take that task right back. This feeling of discomfort is normal but when left unmanaged can result in a pattern of backsliding into old comfortable ways. However, there are ways to create a positive feedback loop that fuels continued growth and self-improvement. If you are looking for a blueprint to help you break through your old behaviors and achieve new goals then this episode is for you. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  - Check out our client results HERE. — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 43: Is Your Thinking Helping or Hurting You? - Episode 80: How to Change Behaviors and Grow as a Leader - Episode 175: Red Thread Leadership: A Formula to Navigate Change, Overwork, Confusion - with Sonya Shelton — WHAT’S NEXT? — Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: ramonashaw.com/masterclass Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from your mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: ramonashaw.com/shop Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    25 min
  8. 12/24/2024

    Difficult People at Work

    This episode is a re-release of Ep 187, one of the most popular episodes of The Manager Track podcast. We'll be back Tuesday, January 7th with a new episode. If you've ever been captivated by the challenges and dynamics of competitive reality shows like "Survivor," "Squid Game," or "Hell's Kitchen," you'll find this week's podcast episode particularly intriguing. In the world of leadership, much like these reality TV competitions, the climb up the organizational hierarchy brings heightened challenges. Just as contestants face tougher trials and personalities clash under pressure, leaders encounter more complex problems and, inevitably, "difficult" people the further they get in the competition. The real question isn't IF you'll encounter a challenging individual, but WHEN. Mastering the art of handling difficult people is not just a skill; it's a career game-changer. Whether it's a challenging coworker, a demanding supervisor, or even a problematic direct report, we all encounter difficult people in our careers. This episode provides valuable insights on how to navigate these situations, retain our power, maintain healthy relationships, and when it's time to consider stepping away. If you've ever felt stressed, drained, or frustrated by "difficult" people, this episode is a must-listen. — RESOURCES MENTIONED — - LinkedIn Learning Course: Creating Behavioral Change that Lasts - Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.  - Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11 - Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama — OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE — - Episode 6: Navigating Difficult Conversations at Work - Episode 10: How To Win In Office Politics - Episode 31: Master Any Conflict Situation - Episode 70: How to Deal With "Toxic" People at Work - Episode 125: Navigating Conflict at Work with Sarah Albo - Episode 134: People Are Complicated! How This Team Uses Assessments to Work Better Together - With Amber Zertuche — WHAT’S NEXT? — Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: ramonashaw.com/masterclass Don't forget to invest time each week to increase your self-awareness, celebrate your wins, and learn from your mistakes. Your career grows only to the extent that you grow. Grab your Career Journal with leadership exercises and weekly reflections here: ramonashaw.com/shop Love the podcast and haven’t left a review yet? All you have to do is go to ramonashaw.com/itunes and give your honest review. Thanks for your support of this show! * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. * Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

    28 min
5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

If you’re in you're a new manager and want to become a confident and competent leader people love to work with, then join leadership expert Ramona Shaw in this podcast. Each week, Ramona shares inspiring new perspectives and practical tips you can use right away to successfully transition into your first leadership role and to think, act, and communicate like the leader you know you can be.

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