The New Manager Playbook with Lia Garvin

Lia Garvin
The New Manager Playbook with Lia Garvin

Tired of feeling like the old tools for motivating your team aren't working anymore? Productivity is dipping, engagement is at an all time low, and you're supposed to get more done with less people.  Today's workplace needs something different - it needs something new.  The New Manager Playbook podcast breaks the old rules of management and gives you practical, actionable strategies that actually work. Host Lia Garvin, known as the "Team Whisperer," combines her experience working at Google, Microsoft, Apple and supporting small businesses from homebuilding to MedSpas with research-backed methods to help you answer questions like: How do I manage former friends or peers?How do I give feedback without people getting defensive?How do I get out of the weeds as a leader?How do I motivate my team when I can't pay them more?How do I oversee a remote team without micromanaging?How do I improve my team’s productivity and output without burning people out?How do I set priorities when everything is important?Whether you're a first-time manager feeling overwhelmed, a business owner who never signed up for "management," or a seasoned leader ready to break free from outdated practices, each Tuesday episode delivers tactical playbooks you can implement immediately. No more guessing. No more stress. Just clear, proven strategies from someone who's been in your shoes. About Your Host: Lia Garvin, the "Team Whisperer," is a 3x bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and team management consultant who's brings her experience driving team operations at Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Bank of America to help companies transform their management approach and build better teams. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and more. Subscribe now and join thousands of managers who've discovered the playbook for modern leadership success. Learn more: www.liagarvin.com

  1. 3D AGO

    Do Your Team Members Even Care Anymore?

    In this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles the growing frustration managers face—disengaged teams, missed deadlines, and a lack of accountability.  Discover how to shift from confirmation bias to clarity, set powerful expectations, and blend AI with your leadership skills to reignite ownership. Learn how to integrate AI into people management, drive performance with empathy, and improve team culture without micromanaging. If you’re a leader feeling like your team is coasting or dropping the ball, this episode is your reality check. Lia breaks down the perception vs. experience gap that fuels disengagement and shows how using AI for team leadership can support—rather than replace—your emotional intelligence. You’ll also learn how to spot real accountability gaps, communicate expectations clearly, and understand what’s really demotivating your team. And when money’s tight? Lia shares smart ways to use career development, recognition, and transparent compensation conversations to retain top performers plus how AI tools for better employee engagement can streamline that effort. Whether you lead a startup team or a corporate division, this is your tactical guide to improving team accountability with AI insights and meaningful leadership. Love this episode? Subscribe and download the free toolkit at https://liagarvin.com/toolkit Need help with disengaged teams? Message Lia at https://liagarvin.com -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    15 min
  2. JUL 1

    Your Team’s Obsessed With AI—Here’s What Smart Managers Do Differently

    AI tools can help—but what happens when your team leans on them too much? Discover how new managers can regain control, set clear expectations, and lead with purpose in an AI-driven workplace. Subscribe now for real-world leadership tools! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to manage AI usage in the workplace with intentionSigns your team may be overrelying on AI—and how to respondHow to lead with AI, not get replaced by itWhat to do with the time saved by automation and AI productivity toolsSetting expectations with freelancers and remote teamsRethinking employee performance in the age of workplace automationEthical AI in business: what managers need to knowWith the rise of ChatGPT, automation tools, and AI copywriting assistants, today’s managers are walking a tightrope. On one side: innovation and efficiency. On the other: unclear quality control, dropped context, and team members who may be over reliant on AI. In this powerful episode of The New Manager Playbook, leadership expert Lia Garvin dives into the heart of AI in the workplace and what it means for modern leadership skills.  She walks through two urgent questions facing every manager:  (1) How do you set boundaries for AI use without stifling innovation?  (2) What should you do with the hours your team saves using team productivity tools? You’ll learn why setting team expectations is your best weapon against AI misuse and how to help your people stay relevant—not replaced. Lia also addresses how to evaluate employee performance when the workload shifts, especially for freelancers and remote team members. With practical strategies for ethical AI in business, this episode will help you confidently navigate the future of work.  If your team is leaning too hard on AI and you're unsure how to respond, this episode is for you.  Subscribe to The New Manager Playbook and share it with fellow leaders.  Need a custom strategy to manage AI in your workplace? Book a workshop with Lia Garvin: hello@liagarvin.com -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    14 min
  3. JUN 24

    AI Isn’t the Solution Unless You Know the Problem First

    Too many leaders are jumping into AI hoping it’ll fix their workflows—but without clarity on what needs fixing, it might just make things worse. What You’ll Learn: How to identify the real problems AI should solve in your team.The biggest AI misuse traps managers fall into.A decision-making framework for evaluating automation tools.When AI helps—and when human leadership is irreplaceable.In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin breaks down a critical leadership skill for the AI era: discernment. With businesses rushing to adopt automation, Lia explains why understanding the specific problems you’re solving is the only way to ensure AI helps instead of hinders. You’ll hear real client examples where confusion, fear, and inefficiency followed blind AI adoption—and how clarity of purpose turned things around. Lia outlines top use cases for automation (like data aggregation and information flow), while reminding managers that people-centric problems—like communication gaps and turnover—still need human solutions. This is a must-listen for new and seasoned managers who want to lead with intention, empower their teams, and use AI as a tool—not a crutch. Like what you heard? Subscribe to The New Manager Playbook and leave a review! Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear it. -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    14 min
  4. JUN 17

    Are Managers the Easiest Role to Automate? Think Again

    In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin takes on a bold claim made by Sergey Brin — that managers are the easiest roles to automate.  Drawing from her experience at tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, Lia argues that great managers are far from obsolete — they're essential. Learn why leadership, empathy, and cross-functional communication remain irreplaceable in the age of AI. You’ll learn: Why management is more than task delegationWhich aspects of management can and should be automatedWhat leadership skills are truly irreplaceableHow to future-proof your role in the AI-driven workplaceWhether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, this episode will help you rethink how to lead in an era where automation is rising — but human connection still wins. -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    14 min
  5. JUN 10

    How to Build a Culture of Accountability Without Micromanaging

    Missed deadlines, unclear expectations, and endless meetings? These aren’t random problems—they’re symptoms of a deeper issue: lack of accountability. In this episode, discover how to fix that. Subscribe now! In this powerful episode, Lia Garvin breaks down what accountability really means (spoiler: it’s not blame or punishment) and how to create a team culture rooted in ownership. Learn practical tools to shift your team's mindset, build psychological safety, and stop wasting time and money on repeated mistakes. Accountability gets a bad rap. Too often, it’s mistaken for finger-pointing or harsh discipline, but Lia reframes it as ownership—like the difference between renting and owning a home. When team members feel like owners, they show up proactively, avoid costly mistakes, and invest emotionally in outcomes. Lia walks through how to identify gaps in accountability, the hidden costs of inaction, and why even high performers will walk away from teams that lack clarity and follow-through. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, agencies, or running a med spa, the solution starts with candid conversations, clear expectations, and a culture of continual learning. If you’re tired of decisions getting reopened and timelines slipping through the cracks, this episode is your accountability playbook. Love this episode? Subscribe for more real-world strategies to simplify team management.  Share this with a fellow manager and leave a review on your favorite streaming service! 💬 CONNECT WITH LIA: Email:Hello@liagarvin.com Website: liagarvin.com -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    17 min
  6. JUN 3

    Still Drowning in Meetings? Here’s How Smart Managers Reclaim Their Time

    Still Drowning in Meetings? Here’s How Smart Managers Reclaim Their Time Feeling overwhelmed? Here's how managers can reclaim 5+ hours every week. Subscribe now! In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles a challenge every leader faces: not having enough time. If you're a manager drowning in meetings, tasks, and pressure from above, this episode is your wake-up call. Learn how to reclaim your time, empower your team, and finally breathe again. Lia breaks down four powerful time-saving strategies—from delegating with purpose to defining what won’t get done. Whether you're a new team lead or an experienced manager, this episode offers tactical tools to shift from burnout to balance. 🎧 Love this episode? Subscribe for more time-saving leadership tips and leave a review on your favorite streaming service.  📬 Contact Lia: hello@liagarvin.com 🌐 Visit: liagarvin.com -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    18 min
  7. MAY 27

    The #1 Reason Teams Get Burned Out — That No One Talks About

    Is constant change in your team leaving everyone confused, frustrated, or burned out? In this Ask Me Anything episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin dives into the hidden reason so many teams lose steam: unclear expectations in constantly shifting roles. Responding to a powerful question from Stephanie, a rapidly scaling business owner, Lia shares how to maintain engagement while restructuring. You'll learn how to build clarity into flexible environments, set role expectations early, and lead with confidence—even when priorities shift daily. 🙋 Submit your question: https://liagarvin.com/podcast  📧 Contact Lia: hello@liagarvin.com 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly leadership tips! -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    13 min
  8. MAY 20

    How to Lead Through Uncertainty Without Losing Your Team

    Stressed about layoffs, burnout, or quiet quitting? Learn how to lead with clarity when everything feels chaotic. Subscribe for weekly manager tips! In this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles one of today’s most pressing leadership challenges: navigating uncertainty without burning out—or losing your best people. From AI disruptions to economic shifts and employee burnout, leaders are under intense pressure. But what if your assumptions about your team are wrong? Lia reveals how to close the communication gap between managers and employees, manage your own reactivity, and prevent high performers from walking out the door. Learn practical strategies to rebuild trust, re-engage your team, and lead with steadiness even when the future feels unstable. 🎯 Ready to stabilize your team during chaos? Apply these tips or reach out to Lia for coaching support.  💬 Found this episode helpful? Like, comment, or share it with a fellow leader! 🔗 Learn more: https://www.liagarvin.com 📸 Follow Lia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liagarvin -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"? I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available! Grab your copy today! https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/ Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy CONNECT WITH LIA: Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/ Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

    16 min
4.9
out of 5
77 Ratings

About

Tired of feeling like the old tools for motivating your team aren't working anymore? Productivity is dipping, engagement is at an all time low, and you're supposed to get more done with less people.  Today's workplace needs something different - it needs something new.  The New Manager Playbook podcast breaks the old rules of management and gives you practical, actionable strategies that actually work. Host Lia Garvin, known as the "Team Whisperer," combines her experience working at Google, Microsoft, Apple and supporting small businesses from homebuilding to MedSpas with research-backed methods to help you answer questions like: How do I manage former friends or peers?How do I give feedback without people getting defensive?How do I get out of the weeds as a leader?How do I motivate my team when I can't pay them more?How do I oversee a remote team without micromanaging?How do I improve my team’s productivity and output without burning people out?How do I set priorities when everything is important?Whether you're a first-time manager feeling overwhelmed, a business owner who never signed up for "management," or a seasoned leader ready to break free from outdated practices, each Tuesday episode delivers tactical playbooks you can implement immediately. No more guessing. No more stress. Just clear, proven strategies from someone who's been in your shoes. About Your Host: Lia Garvin, the "Team Whisperer," is a 3x bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and team management consultant who's brings her experience driving team operations at Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Bank of America to help companies transform their management approach and build better teams. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and more. Subscribe now and join thousands of managers who've discovered the playbook for modern leadership success. Learn more: www.liagarvin.com

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