The Modern Manager

Mamie Kanfer Stewart
The Modern Manager

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!

  1. 335: How to Build a Gender-Inclusive Workplace with Davey Shlasko

    6 DAYS AGO

    335: How to Build a Gender-Inclusive Workplace with Davey Shlasko

    Did you know that many workplaces unintentionally exclude trans and non-binary individuals? Part of the reason for this is the widespread assumption that humanity only fits neatly into two categories: men and women. However, this perspective has never been universally true–and it’s time we challenge it at work. Fortunately, our guest is here to help us understand these gender terminologies and how to build a truly gender-inclusive workplace. Today’s guest is Davey Shlasko. Davey is the founder and director of Think Again Training & Consulting. For over two decades, Davey has cultivated a practice of facilitating adult learning to drive organizational and systemic change for equity and justice, with a unique niche in transgender inclusion. In this episode, Davey defines the different gender terminologies we should be aware of and shares practical strategies for creating workplaces where everyone feels respected. From understanding gender pronouns to designing trans-inclusive policies, this conversation has actionable insights for fostering gender inclusivity at work. 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) Introduction(02:02) Understanding gender terminologies(05:07) Fashion and gender are not the same (and shouldn’t be)(09:07) How to foster gender inclusivity without making assumptions(11:09) They/them isn’t new at all(15:18) Navigating gender pronouns respectfully(17:02) Handling gender pronoun mistakes with care(18:44) Key tips for practicing pronouns(21:09) Understanding and respecting neo-pronouns(26:02) Keep up with Davey(26:45) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate gender-inclusive practices into your team or organization(32:23) [Extended Episode Only] Prioritizing respect over comfort in the workplace for everyone 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Davey Shlasko - Follow Davey on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram - Grab a copy of Davey’s Trans Allyship Workbook here - Visit Think Again Training for more information here Free PDF Checklist on Inclusivity Best Practices Davey is providing members of Podcast+ with a PDF checklist that will help you identify practices that are beginning to work toward inclusion, better practices for inclusion, and finally, “best practices.” 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!

    28 min
  2. 334: HR Expert Reveals The Ultimate Onboarding Guide for Managers with Dr. Tiffany E. Slater

    NOV 26

    334: HR Expert Reveals The Ultimate Onboarding Guide for Managers with Dr. Tiffany E. Slater

    Onboarding sets the tone for an employee’s success. It’s more than just paperwork and introductions–it’s about creating the foundation for engagement, productivity, and belonging. But how can you set your new hires up for success even before their first day of work? Today’s guest will walk us through how to onboard a new employee from start to finish. Meet Dr. Tiffany E. Slater. Tiffany is the Founder & CEO of HR TailorMade - THE human resource solution for small businesses and nonprofits. HR TailorMade partners with nonprofits and small businesses to provide seamless Fractional HR support for their teams. Dr. Tiffany has been an HR professional for over 25 years with experience in all aspects of human resources. She also has experience in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and casino industries, to name a few.  In this episode, Tiffany and I discuss the essential onboarding steps–from pre-start logistics like swag boxes and tech setup to embedding a culture of feedback and performance management. Learn how to keep your new employee engaged, productive, and excited from day one and gain practical tips you can implement immediately. 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) Introduction(02:07) What really is onboarding a new hire?(03:43) Key segments of an effective onboarding process (06:44) Creative ways to welcome new hires on their first day(10:36) Using an onboarding checklist to set new hires up for success(21:30) Introducing your team culture to new team members(25:43) A great manager Tiffany has worked for(28:51) Keep up with Tiffany (29:05) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate feedback and performance management into onboarding (33:35) [Extended Episode Only] Making feedback a part of your team culture 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Dr. Tiffany E. Slater - Follow Dr. Tiffany on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook - Visit HR TailorMade’s website for more information here Free Download: Anatomy of a Difficult Conversation Tiffany is giving members of Podcast+ access to her PDF - Anatomy of a Difficult Conversation. This checklist helps prepare all of the information so that the conversation flows smoothly and you are able to answer questions and provide facts when needed. 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!

    31 min
  3. 333:  Elevate Your Workday Well-Being with These Easy, Powerful Practices with Kristel Bauer

    NOV 19

    333: Elevate Your Workday Well-Being with These Easy, Powerful Practices with Kristel Bauer

    Your skills alone don’t determine your work performance–it’s also about being in the right physical, mental, and emotional state.  That’s where wellness practices come in. In today’s episode, our guest will share powerful practices for incorporating wellness into the workday. Meet Kristel Bauer. Kristel is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. Kristel and I dive into why the traditional work-life balance model no longer works and explore practical tips for blending work with personal fulfillment. From intentional morning routines to micro-breaks and building trust within your team, Kristel highlights how small, powerful changes can transform how you show up at work daily. 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) Introduction(02:14) Why the work-life balance model is no longer working(05:24) The three different components of work-life integration (08:23) How you start your day matters more than you think(13:53) Micro breaks and rituals make a big impact(20:30) Are unscheduled mid-day breaks acceptable for remote workers?(23:49) The most important wellness habit for you and your team (25:53) A great manager Kristel has worked for(28:37) Keep up with Kristel(29:11) [Extended Episode Only] How to incorporate wellness practices into your team’s culture(36:27) [Extended Episode Only] Final tip for practicing work-life harmony 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Kristel Bauer - Follow Kristel on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter - Listen to Live Greatly podcast here - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here FREE Stress Management Checklist Kristel is providing her Stress Management Checklist for FREE to members of Podcast+.  This PDF includes tips and examples of six approaches Kristel recommends to help you incorporate stress management practices into your life. 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!

    31 min
  4. 332: Unlock High-Impact Team Performance with Simpler Delegation Tools with Brian Irwin

    NOV 12

    332: Unlock High-Impact Team Performance with Simpler Delegation Tools with Brian Irwin

    Do you struggle with giving your team members more ownership and authority? If you’ve ever wrestled with how to empower your team with confidence, today’s guest will tell you exactly what to do. Meet Brian Irwin. Brian is an author, speaker, coach, and mentor. He has a history of successfully leading management teams through complex transformations. Brian considers himself a "strategic simplifier" and has a passion for bringing humanity back into the workplace. He is also a recovering '80s hair band guitarist. In this week’s episode, Brian reveals his framework for unlocking hidden potential in every team member. His approach revolves around simple, effective tools that empower employees by defining decision-making authority, mapping team competencies, and identifying the hidden costs that hinder productivity. Join the conversation now and learn how to maximize your team’s impact through smarter yet simpler delegation tactics! 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) Introduction(02:02) People should be led, and work should be managed(03:30) What’s stopping managers from empowering their teams(06:54) Empower your team using the Delegation Tool(11:57) The Internal-External Strategic Action Plan explained(17:03) Why alignment isn’t achievable with automation(19:56) Mastering delegation using a skill competency grid(25:27) A great manager Brian has worked for(27:29) Keep up with Brian(28:22) [Extended Episode Only] Hidden costs that are holding your team back(33:26) [Extended Episode Only] Benefits of engaging employees in organizational 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Brian Irwin - Follow Brian on LinkedIn here - Download his book here - Visit his official website for more information here FREE Hidden Cost Assessment Engagement Brian is offering one member of Podcast+ a hidden costs assessment, usually priced at $10,000. Brian will interview your team members and produce a custom report that includes quotes and a breakout of hidden costs by category. Prior engagements have identified an average of $50,000 per person in hidden costs identified!  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!

    30 min
  5. 331: Essential Tips to Keep Managers Out of Legal Trouble with Peter Rahbar

    NOV 5

    331: Essential Tips to Keep Managers Out of Legal Trouble with Peter Rahbar

    Have you read your company handbook? As a manager, a simple decision at work could land you in hot water, so reading your company handbook is essential, especially for new managers.  You must know not only how to lead effectively but also how to lead legally. That’s where our workplace legal expert comes in. Meet Peter Rahbar. Peter is a workplace legal expert who guides clients through the most important decisions of their professional lives. After almost twenty years of representing major international corporate clients in high-profile matters, including over a decade as the chief employment attorney for a major global media company, Peter founded The Rahbar Group, a boutique employment law practice based in New York City.  Peter specializes in representing individuals, including C-Suite executives, media personalities, and other professionals working in finance, media, sports, real estate, fashion, and tech. In this episode, Peter shares essential legal tips for managers: understanding company policies, maintaining professional boundaries, and handling complaints properly. He discusses why managers should avoid treating their teams like a family, how to respond to health disclosures and accommodations, 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) Introduction(05:05) What does every new manager need to know(04:32) Common pitfalls that managers usually fall into(08:01) How to support company policies, even when you disagree(10:20) Why managers should avoid calling their team a family(12:59) What managers can (and can’t) do when a team member requests a medical accommodation(21:29) Should managers tell their team when accommodations are made?(23:03) A great manager Peter has worked for(26:43) Keep up with Peter(27:04) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when someone brings a complaint against you (32:10) [Extended Episode Only] Adjusting communication styles for different team members 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Peter Rahbar - Connect with Peter on LinkedIn and Instagram - Visit the Rahbar Group’s official website here FREE 30-minute Consultation with Peter Peter is offering a free 30-minute consultation for one member of Podcast+. To enter the drawing, you must be a member and submit your name by Wednesday, November 27th.  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!

    29 min
  6. 330: How to Build a System that Supercharges Your Productivity with Leslie Shreve

    OCT 29

    330: How to Build a System that Supercharges Your Productivity with Leslie Shreve

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by tasks that never seem to end? What if I told you that you don’t need another productivity app to reclaim your time? Today’s guest is here to help us recover our time by working smarter. Meet Leslie Shreve. Leslie is a workload management and productivity expert, and the Founder and CEO of Productive Day®. She created Taskology®, a system that has helped hundreds of professionals from various industries increase efficiency and productivity by up to 300%, reclaim hours in their workday, and reduce time spent in their email inbox. Leslie's work has been featured in outlets like Fast Company, The Huffington Post, and Business Management Daily. In this episode, Leslie shares her game-changing strategies for creating a comprehensive workload management system that ties together task, time, email, and information management. You’ll learn why task management, not project management, is the key to personal productivity and how to break down your tasks into small, manageable actions. We also talk about strategies for protecting your time, mastering your inbox, and getting more done in a day with less stress. Tune in now and discover how to build a workload system that works for you. 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) Introduction(01:54) The missing piece in your workday strategy (Hint: it’s not a productivity app)(03:43) Four key components of effective workload management (08:21) How to break down your to-do list into actionable, achievable tasks(12:09) The Start, Continue, Finish methodology explained(13:54) Why time blocking alone won’t help you reclaim your time (20:09) Mastering email with the Inbox Zero method (24:57) How to handle emails when you’re unsure how to respond(29:00) A great manager Leslie has worked for(30:34) Keep up with Leslie(33:42) [Extended Episode Only] The magic formula for writing an easy and actionable task list(43:52) [Extended Episode Only] #1 mistake everyone makes when organizing tasks 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Leslie Shreve - Follow Leslie on LinkedIn and Facebook - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Take the productivity quiz now here - Sign up for a FREE 52-week productivity audio series here - Get the special report on Seven Surprising Secrets to Saving Time here - Visit her website for more information here FREE Video on Taskology® Task Management + 20% Off the Full Course Leslie is giving members of Podcast+ a FREE Video on Taskology® Task Management + 20% Off the Full Course. When you dive into the first video in the series for Taskology® Task Management, you'll discover the 3 essentials for getting more accomplished in less time with less stress. You'll also discover the Top 6 Benefits of using a central, digital task list and why this type of list will support you in working more proactively and less reactively, in addition to giving you more clarity, confidence, and control in your workday. 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
  7. 329: The Four Dimensions of Team Dynamics Every Leader Should Understand with Christopher Morrison

    OCT 22

    329: The Four Dimensions of Team Dynamics Every Leader Should Understand with Christopher Morrison

    How well do you know your team? It’s not just about knowing each member’s personality; teams have a unique style, too, that shapes how the members collaborate and perform together. That’s where today’s guest comes in.  Meet Christopher Morrison. Christopher is the co-founder of TeamDynamics, a pioneering platform designed to optimize team collaboration by providing actionable insights into team dynamics. With a rich background in top consulting firms like McKinsey and extensive experience in technology startups, Christopher developed TeamDynamics to address the limitations of traditional personality tests.  His innovative framework, grounded in research and practical experiments, focuses on four key dimensions of team interaction to enhance organizational performance and foster successful, collaborative teams. Today, Christopher explains how TeamDynamics helps leaders enhance collaboration, make better decisions, and improve execution. Plus, in the extended episode available only to Podcast+ members, he offers practical advice on what to do when your team’s preferences don’t align with your leadership style. 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) Introduction(02:22) What is TeamDynamics and how it works(09:44) The four dimensions of TeamDynamics(16:11) Can teams exist along a spectrum within each dimension?(17:10) Are there better or worse team dynamics?(18:18) How TeamDynamics transforms collaboration across various industries(22:28) Managers aren’t as influential as you might think(25:20) Adapt or shift: knowing when to change your team dynamics for success(30:24) A great manager Christopher has worked for(31:51) Keep up with Christopher(32:30) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when your team’s preferences don’t match with your style(36:56) [Extended Episode Only] How structured processes interplay with four different team dynamics (40:27) [Extended Episode Only] Bridging the gap between what you want and how your team works 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Christopher Morrison - Reach out to Christopher at christopher@teamdynamics.io - Visit TeamDynamics for more information here 10% Off TeamDynamics Pro Christopher is providing members of Podcast+ 10% Off TeamDynamics Pro. Invite your team to complete the assessment and receive a guide for understanding how modern teams work together, personalized for your team. 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
  8. 328: How to Effectively Manage Gen Z Employees at Work with Madeline Miller

    OCT 15

    328: How to Effectively Manage Gen Z Employees at Work with Madeline Miller

    Are Gen Zs really difficult to work with? As more Gen Z employees enter and advance in the workforce, it’s crucial for business leaders to understand this generation’s unique experiences–shaped by remote work, self-directed learning, and the disruptions caused by the pandemic. So, how should managers lead this new cohort? To help us navigate managing Gen Z and unlock their true potential, I spoke with today’s guest, Madeline Miller. Madeline is making executive coaching more accessible and inclusive for Gen Z and Millennials through her Dream Career Accelerator coaching program. As a coach, Madeline is known for helping her clients build the strongest career foundation possible by aligning their work and values, increasing visibility and influence through effective communication, and dismantling limiting self-beliefs that lead to perfectionism, people-pleasing, or despondency. In this episode, Madeline shares practical insights on how managers can step up to support their young team members in developing the skills they need to succeed. From redefining professionalism to fostering ownership and modeling effective communication, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss. 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) Introduction(02:15) The challenges faced by today’s new workforce entrants (04:38) How Gen Z is adapting to remote work and self-sufficiency(07:00) The importance of setting expectations in today’s remote work environment(10:19) What does it mean to be professional?(15:12) How managers can foster proactiveness and ownership in their teams(18:49) Could your team’s lack of proactivity reflect your leadership style?(23:52) Telling your team they’re empowered isn’t enough(26:46) The 1st step to empowering Gen Z(28:12) A great manager Madeline has worked for(29:44) Keep up with Madeline(30:25) [Extended Episode Only] How to role model and support your team members in becoming effective communicators.(34:04) [Extended Episode Only] Applying the four communication styles in real-life scenarios 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 - Upskill your team here - Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here Keep up with Madeline Miller - Follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok - Visit her website for more information here FREE Communications Style Tutorial and Worksheet Madeline is providing a Free Communications Style Tutorial and Worksheet. The short video introduces the different communication styles and provides a short exercise you can do to reduce communicating poorly when under pressure. 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!

    32 min
4.8
out of 5
177 Ratings

About

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!

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