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. 349: Turn Dull Virtual Meetings into High-Impact Sessions (On-Air Coaching Session with Jill Molee)

    18 MAR

    349: Turn Dull Virtual Meetings into High-Impact Sessions (On-Air Coaching Session with Jill Molee)

    Have you ever left a virtual meeting thinking, “That could’ve been an email.”? Today’s guest used to feel the same. Meet Jill Molee. Jill is the Director of Counseling & College Advisor at College Prep 360. I’ve been lucky to have Jill as a client and I’m grateful she was willing to experiment with me for this on-air coaching call. As the director of a fully remote, client-facing team, her calendar was packed—but not productive. Her meetings lacked clarity, structure, and worst of all, real collaboration. In this special on-air coaching session, Jill shares how she restructured her meetings around open agendas, clear objectives, and authentic team participation. Learn how she used simple tools (like Google Docs and a consistent format) to shift her team meetings from chaos to clarity—creating a culture where team members engage, collaborate, and even look forward to meetings. 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(01:35) Meet Jill Molee of College Prep 360 (03:31) Managing a fully virtual team(04:04) Jill’s meeting strategies that work(06:10) Tips on how to manage time and prioritize better(08:15) Encouraging participation in meetings(12:07) Building community in a virtual team(15:08) Types of meetings Jill runs(18:18) Knowing when to end meetings early(21:19) Encouraging attendance in optional meetings(24:07) Celebrating collaboration outside of meetings(25:08) Leadership lessons and takeaways(27:26) [Extended Episode] Bonus Tips for Improving Meetings 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 Jill Molee  - Visit College Prep 360 here FREE PDF: 2 Strategies for Assessing and Improving Your Meetings  This step-by-step workbook walks you through two simple strategies that any manager can immediately implement to improve their meetings. 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!

    29 min
  2. 348: Master Collaboration and Leadership Using Improv Techniques with Joel Zeff

    11 MAR

    348: Master Collaboration and Leadership Using Improv Techniques with Joel Zeff

    Most workplaces focus too much on structure and not enough on fun. But what if the secret to a thriving team was something unexpected—like improv? Fortunately, today’s guest is here to break down everything you need to know about improv and how it can benefit you and your team. Meet Joel Zeff. Joel creates energy. His spontaneous humor and vital messages have thrilled audiences for more than 25 years. As a national speaker, work culture expert, author, and humorist, Joel captivates audiences with a unique blend of hilarious improvisational comedy and essential ideas on work and life.  He has shared his experience and insight on collaboration, leadership, change, communication, innovation, fun and passion at more than 2,500 events. His new book, “Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work,” is now available. In this episode, you’ll discover practical ideas for bringing fun into the workplace—from skit nights to appreciation rituals–in ways that translate to greater collaboration every day. Joel and I also discuss why great leaders should focus on setting their teams up for success rather than simply directing them. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we talk about navigating change with an improv-inspired mindset. 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(02:49) How improv principles improve teamwork and leadership(05:31) Examples of improv games and their workplace implications(13:07) Why fun at work matters (and how to introduce it)(17:15) Building “team currency” through shared experiences(22:07) The best question a leader can ask(26:10) How to facilitate an improv game with your team(30:53) A great manager Joel has worked for(34:49) Keep up with Joel(36:33) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate change with an improv mindset(43:07) [Extended Episode Only] The one thing you can’t do in improv (and why it matters for teams) 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 Joel Zeff - Follow Joel on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of his book Make the Right Choice here - Visit his website for more information here Free Excerpt on Teamwork from Make the Right Choice Joel is providing members of Podcast+ with an excerpt on Teamwork from his book Make the Right Choice.  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
  3. 347: 8 Toxic Thought Patterns That are Sabotaging You at Work (And How to Stop Them) with Cynthia Pong

    4 MAR

    347: 8 Toxic Thought Patterns That are Sabotaging You at Work (And How to Stop Them) with Cynthia Pong

    We all have thought patterns that work against us—whether it’s feeling like an imposter, overextending ourselves at work, or assuming the worst in situations.  Today’s guest breaks down eight negative mindsets that prevent professionals from thriving. Meet Cynthia Pong. Cynthia is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positions of power. A Forbes Contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she has been featured in HBR, The Atlantic, and on NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, has cemented her as a foremost voice on career advancement, negotiation, and thought leadership. In this episode, Cynthia shares how we can recognize and reframe limiting beliefs, such as the martyr complex, regretful thinking, and comparison bias, to step into our power with confidence. Through real-world examples, you’ll learn actionable strategies to develop a growth mindset, set healthier work boundaries, and show up as your best self.  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(02:35) Dealing with the martyr complex in the workplace(10:31) Self-doubt isn’t always imposter syndrome(14:56) The impact of a weaker locus of control (20:09) Letting go of regretful thinking(23:44) Judgmental thinking creates a toxic team culture(29:05) Stop assuming the worst with crystal ball thinking(32:35) A great manager Cynthia has worked for(33:49) Keep up with Cynthia(35:00) [Extended Episode Only] Comparison bias is stealing your joy(41:28) [Extended Episode Only] Catastrophic thinking turns small problems into crises 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 - Watch this quick lesson on Imposter Syndrome - Check out the Self-Compassion Skills Workbook   Keep up with Cynthia Pong - Follow Cynthia on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok - Subscribe to her YouTube channel here - Explore her work on Forbes here FREE PDF: Overcome Negative Beliefs Cynthia is giving members of Podcast+ a Free 10+ page PDF that includes activities to address the Martyr Complex, Locus of Control, and Comparison Bias to help you overcome negative beliefs.   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
  4. 346: Elevate Your Virtual Communication with Science-Backed Strategies with Andrew Brodsky

    25 FEB

    346: Elevate Your Virtual Communication with Science-Backed Strategies with Andrew Brodsky

    Do you realize how important virtual communications are to your team’s effectiveness? Except for in-person meetings, all our communications with our colleagues happen virtually. This is true whether you’re fully remote, hybrid, or even in-office. But what if you could communicate clearly and authentically every time, no matter the virtual method? That’s exactly what today’s guest is here for. Meet Andrew Brodsky. Andrew is the CEO of Ping Group and an award-winning professor at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the author Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication and was named one of Poets&Quants' “World’s 40 Best Business School Professors Under 40”.  Andrew specializes in workplace technology, communication, and productivity, and today, he is going to share his science-backed strategies for communicating effectively through virtual modalities.  We dive into why even in-office teams are communicating virtually more than ever, how different modes (like audio vs. video) affect perceived authenticity, and practical tips for setting communication norms in the workplace. In the extended episode available to Podcast+, we explore the dangers of relying too heavily on AI to help you manage your communication and how to avoid misinterpretations in virtual communication. 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(02:20) Defining virtual communication beyond remote work(04:54) Different modes of virtual communication and what they’re intended for(06:39) The importance of authenticity in virtual communication(11:03) When to choose synchronous vs. asynchronous communication(15:57) The PING Framework for effective virtual communication(20:51) Adapting language mimicry for better text-based communication(23:21) Tips for setting communication norms (29:28) A great manager Andrew has worked for(30:24) Keep up with Andrew(31:53) [Extended Episode Only] The hidden problem with using AI for virtual communication(36:50) [Extended Episode Only] Misinterpretations in virtual communication and how to avoid them(40:06) [Extended Episode Only] Overcoming communication default bias 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 - Watch this episode on Brainstorming Hacks Keep up with Andrew Brodsky - Follow Andrew on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of his book here FREE PDF: Virtual Communication Styles Tool Andrew is providing members of Podcast+ his Virtual Communication Styles Tool. This tool will not only help you identify your virtual communication style but it will also help you adapt your communication approach to facilitate clearer exchanges, forge stronger connections in virtual settings, and achieve your communication goals. 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
  5. 345: The Shocking Truth About High-Performing Teams with David Burkus

    18 FEB

    345: The Shocking Truth About High-Performing Teams with David Burkus

    You’ve probably heard that hiring the best talent is the key to building a high-performing team. But what if that’s only half the truth? Thankfully, today’s guest will reveal what it really takes to build the best team ever. Today’s guest is David Burkus. One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David’s forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are changing how companies approach leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.  A skilled researcher and inspiring communicator, David is the bestselling author of five books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. Since 2017, David has been ranked multiple times as one of the world’s top business thought leaders.  In this episode, David shares why the best teams aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the ones with the strongest culture. He breaks down three key elements that make teams thrive, including the incredible story of Alan Mulally’s turnaround at Ford Motor Company. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we dive into practical ways to get your team actively involved in cultivating a strong culture. 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(01:15) What makes a team the best team ever?(03:40) Why the “team” makes the talent, not the other way around(06:32) The three core elements of high-performing teams(10:15) How Alan Mulally saved Ford through cultural change(20:10) Culture is not built; it’s cultivated(21:13) Steps to start moving your team culture in the right direction(26:59) How gratitude and impact statements improve motivation(28:09) A great manager David has worked for(30:22) Keep up with David(33:53) [Extended Episode Only] How team members can actively participate in cultivating a strong culture(38:43) [Extended Episode Only] The importance of specificity in team communication 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 David Burkus - Follow David on LinkedIn here - Subscribe to David’s YouTube channel here - Grab a copy of his book Best Team Ever! Here Free PDF Guides for Manual of Me and Team Charter  David is providing members of Podcast+ with two guides - The Manual of Me and Team Charter which he speaks about in the extended episode.  Originally conceived by Ben Dattner, Manual of Me is a really useful tool for showing people how they can best work with you. The Team Charter is a living document that will be used to develop shared understanding and expectations about working together as a team moving forward. 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!

    33 min
  6. 344: Enhancing Team Dynamics with The Power of DiSC with Jen Fox

    11 FEB

    344: Enhancing Team Dynamics with The Power of DiSC with Jen Fox

    Does your team struggle to collaborate effectively due to clashing personalities? Say no more. Today’s guest is here to dive deep into how you can enhance your team dynamics using DiSC. Meet Jen Fox. Jen has spent the last 25 years working inside and outside of global organizations, listening to employees, facilitating learning, and leading cultural change. Hailed as one of the "most no-nonsense learning & development professionals on the planet", she brings pragmatic solutions to the most complex workplace challenges. She is a trusted executive coach, dynamic facilitator, and advocate for flexible work. And she was recently recognized as a Top 10 DiSC Provider by ManageHR Magazine. In this episode, Jen shares how the DiSC profile assessment can unlock your team’s potential through self-awareness and an understanding of different working styles. Learn how DiSc categorizes behaviors into four main styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and how managers can leverage this knowledge to delegate tasks, motivate employees, and resolve conflicts. 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(00:31) What is DiSC, and how is it different from other profile tests?(02:55) An overview of the four DiSC styles (06:07) How DiSC affects interpersonal collaboration at work(10:39) Does your DiSC profile change over time?(14:05) An in-depth analysis of the four DiSC styles(31:13) A great manager Jen has worked for(32:58) Keep up with Jen(33:31) [Extended Episode Only] How to use DiSC to help you and your team perform better(37:41) [Extended Episode Only] Using the DiSC framework to improve feedback 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 Jen Fox - Follow Jen on LinkedIn here - Visit Jen’s website here 20% OFF INDIVIDUAL DiSC ASSESSMENT Jen is offering a 20% discount on any individual DiSC assessment. In addition, if you'd like to bring DiSC to your team meeting or offsite, you'll receive 20% off all assessments for your workshop as long as you book by April 30, 2025.  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!

    37 min
  7. 343: The Real Reason People Leave Jobs (And How to Retain Your Best Employees) w/ Michael Horn

    4 FEB

    343: The Real Reason People Leave Jobs (And How to Retain Your Best Employees) w/ Michael Horn

    You’ve heard it before: “People don’t quit jobs; they quit bad bosses.” But is that really the whole story? Why do employees really leave their jobs? That’s exactly what we’ll answer today with our guest. Meet Michael Horn.  Michael is the co-author of Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career. Michael strives to create a world in which all individuals can build their passions, fulfill their potential, and live a life of purpose. He is the author of several books, including the award-winning Disrupting Class, Choosing College, Blended, and From Reopen to Reinvent.  He is the co-founder and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, a non-profit think tank, and teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also co-hosts the top higher education podcast, Future U., writes the popular Substack newsletter The Future of Education, and is a regular contributor to Forbes.com. In this episode, Michael shares his research into job transitions, highlighting the four distinct clusters and how managers can better support their teams. We explore how understanding each team member’s personal goals, life circumstances, and work preferences can create a stronger, more aligned team. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Michael dives into strategies for how managers can take control of the situation, work with HR for extra support, and leverage practical tools like personal cheat sheets to improve communication between managers and employees. 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(01:49) Defining the “Jobs to Be Done” methodology(04:27) Examples of common “push” and “pull” factors in job decisions(07:22) The four macro clusters in job transitions(11:35) Signs to watch for when an employee is considering leaving(18:08) Team dynamics and their impact on employee dissatisfaction(19:09) Why convincing someone to stay could hurt your team(23:03) Should managers share their own “pushes” and “pulls” with their teams?(24:34) Using assessments to gauge job satisfaction (and dissatisfaction) in real-time(27:16) A great manager Michael has worked with(28:05) Keep up with Michael(29:04) [Extended Episode Only] How managers can take control when an employee is thinking of leaving(34:02) [Extended Episode Only] Working with HR for extra support and the magic of personalized cheat sheets 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 Michael Horn - Follow Michael on LinkedIn here - Grab a copy of Michael’s new book, Job Moves, here Book Giveaway: 5 Free Signed Copies of Job Moves Michael is giving away five copies of his book Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress In Your Career to members of Podcast+. Full of useful activities and tools, Job Moves offers the timeless framework of our generation to help anyone create a career that will be happier and more fulfilling. You must enter the drawing by February 28th. 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
  8. 342: The Power of Courageous Communication (and How to Unlock It) with Michelle Gladieux

    28 ENE

    342: The Power of Courageous Communication (and How to Unlock It) with Michelle Gladieux

    Have you ever held back in a meeting, fearing how your words might be received?  Fear often takes the driver’s seat in our communication, keeping us from building better relationships and unlocking new opportunities.  But what if you could overcome those fears? This week’s guest is here to help you do just that. Meet Michelle Gladieux. Michelle is the author of Communicate with Courage, a transformative and award-winning bravery manual for your personal and professional life. She leads a consulting company offering development programs across sectors (for profit, non-profit, government, academia, and industry) and has been called a human potential whisperer who loves what she does - and it shows! Today, Michelle reveals the four hidden challenges blocking our communication potential and shares actionable advice to help you become a courageous communicator. In the extended episode available to members of Podcast+, Michelle dives deeper, discussing how managers can empower their teams to communicate courageously and how feedback can be a powerful tool for growth. 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(02:03) What communicating with courage means(03:36) Four hidden challenges in communication(11:01) How small shifts in communication create a lasting impact(16:16) The power of stating your intention upfront(23:08) How owning your weaknesses improves communication(26:05) The Fighter Wing Feedback Challenge(33:12) Keep up with Michelle(34:33) [Extended Episode Only] How to help your team become courageous communicators(40:32) [Extended Episode Only] Why it’s hard to give praise and say “Thank you” 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 Michelle Gladieux - Follow Michelle on Instagram here - Sign up for Michelle’s quarterly newsletters here - Grab a copy of her book Communicate with Courage here FREE PDF Download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator Michelle is providing members of Podcast+ a Free PDF download of 10 Tips to Turn Up Your Courage as a Communicator. This tip sheet is exclusively available to Modern Manager Podcast+ members! 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!

    37 min
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    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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