#17: Which Came First, The Merger Or The Layoff? (mini-episode) Manager On A Mission podcast

32:52

Today’s episode is exactly what we need for hard times when it seems like good people can’t finish first. My guest is an author, thought leader and visionary who proves every day that principled leadership isn’t just possible but actually drives results. I’m so excited to introduce Irma Neal, who has navigated everything from being the actual Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis to corporate executive positions to building multiple successful businesses, all while maintaining her core principles and beliefs. Irma shares how she identifies and handles people who thrive on chaos, why she always looks at herself first when mistakes happen, and how creating clear values-based boundaries actually empowers teams to self-police toxic behavior. Rather than accepting that you have to compromise your integrity to succeed, Irma shows us how leaders who stay true to their values create loyalty, reduce turnover, and build environments where people genuinely want to contribute their best work. She also reveals why financial wellness programs aren't just nice-to-haves but strategic investments that create measurable returns in productivity, retention, and employee loyalty. Resources: " Leading in Chaos " by Irma Neal Onyx Rising website Onyx Rising on Instagram , LinkedIn and Facebook Free Money Mindset Quiz Irma Neal on LinkedIn…

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#35: From Corporate Executive to Certified Goofball: Why Success Doesn't Have to Be Boring - with Todd Schuchart 44:02

7 weeks ago44:02

44:02

Many of us secretly (or not so secretly) believe that being successful means being boring, safe, and having basically no fun at work. But if you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll probably remember a few shining moments where you were having a great time AND doing some of the best work of your life. My guest, Todd Schuchart, is all about creating these moments for himself and his teams. Sure, you aren’t going to love everything about your work, but why is it inevitable that we accept environments that squeeze the creativity and humanity out of talented people when we have experts like Todd dedicating their lives to making work more fun and creative? In this episode, you'll learn how to do exactly this from Todd, who went from corporate executive to self-proclaimed "certified goofball" running a multi-million dollar lead generation company. Todd challenges the myth that you have to choose between being successful and being yourself, sharing his "sandbox method" for managing teams and his philosophy that being serious about results doesn't mean you can't have fun doing the work. Rather than accepting the soul-crushing aspects of traditional corporate culture, Todd shows us how setting boundaries, maintaining your sense of humor, and focusing on what really matters can create both better business outcomes and a workplace where people actually want to show up. Resources: Todd’s YouTube Channel - Razor Ridge Leads Razor Ridge website Razor Ridge on LinkedIn Razor Ridge on Facebook…

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#34: Stop Resisting Change, Start Creating With It: A Masterclass in Adaptive Leadership with Valarie Sandjivy 43:55

8 weeks ago43:55

43:55

Conventional wisdom often says that leadership is about having all the answers. But I’d argue that today’s business world requires the opposite: the skill and comfort to ask the right questions and help teams navigate change and ambiguity. If you’re a leader, I implore you to ask yourself: when was the last time you helped someone see a "failure" as an iteration? Or created space for your team to actually innovate instead of just survive? In this episode, we explore these questions with adaptive leadership coach Valerie Sandjivy, who challenges us to find harmony amidst the chaos by fundamentally reframing how we think about change, mistakes, and what it means to lead. In this moment when businesses desperately need innovation and resilience, too many leaders are clinging to outdated approaches that create fear instead of the creative, collaborative cultures that would actually drive real results and retain talent. Rather than resisting the constant shifts in our world, Valerie shows us how adaptive leadership means staying "one step ahead" by listening to signals and creating with intention instead of reacting from fear. She breaks down her four-pillar foundation for leadership and reveals why the most successful leaders treat every challenge as a training room for the next level. Resources: Valarie’s Free Leadership Self-Assessment Quiz Valerie Sandjivy on LinkedIn Book: " Not Safe for Work: A good manager's guide to better feeling work in a toxic culture " by me…

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#33: Unproductively Productive: Corporate America's "always on" culture is killing innovation 15:16

14 weeks ago15:16

15:16

Remember Six Sigma? Before you say “no” and feel super smug that you never had to deal with it, how about Lean UX or Agile? And do you remember how much more awesome work became after your company rolled those out? No? Me either. I know it’s more complicated than that. And maybe some things did improve in some ways. But I have to ask: why do companies insist on chasing trendy, expensive, complicated workflow and productivity overhauls when we already know some very simple things corporations COULD do to truly improve productivity, innovation, and even employee retention. In this episode, we explore this question and look at the reasons why companies continue to chase a new fix while ignoring what we employees already know, including the mounting evidence that "always on" culture actually destroys productivity and innovation. Rather than making us more efficient, this constant availability has allowed corporations to ignore and even indulge in their systemic inefficiencies, passing problems downstream to employees instead of fixing broken processes and placing accountability where it actually belongs. The irony? In this historic moment when U.S. businesses desperately need to be more innovative and competitive, senior executives are turning instead to being more controlling and stifling the creativity and culture that would actually allow them to deliver real impact and results. Resources: Making Time Off Predictable - Harvard Business Review Deloitte Workplace Study on Right to Disconnect policies That’s What the Money is For! Manager on a Mission podcast episode From Gatekeeping to Gardening Manager on a Mission podcast episode Books: " Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less " by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang and Not Safe for Work: A good manager’s guide to better feeling work in a toxic culture by me…

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#32: SheThrives with Lori Murphy 55:01

16 weeks ago55:01

55:01

Featuring an episode of SheThrives - Influencing women to rise above fear, build self esteem and THRIVE in all areas of their lives. With Lori Murphy. Join Tosca and Lori as they talk about Tosca’s mission of creating a safe and healthy work environment. Tosca is a former Fortune 100 executive on a mission to rework the workplace by putting people first. After snagging her first management role at age 25, she knew that creating a vision with a team, coaching them to succeed, and building a culture where team members actually liked and respected each other was her life’s work. Tosca left her Wall Street position to write her book “Not Safe for Work – A good manager’s guide to better feeling work in a toxic culture”. She also hosts the Manager on a Mission podcast and coaches people-focused leaders who know there’s a better way to manage teams but need just a little support to build the systems that are both good for people as well as profits. Join Lori’s FREE Facebook Community for Women: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ENSALcUax…

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#31: That's What the Money Is For! - Corporate America’s emotional abuse contract with employees 18:40

17 weeks ago18:40

18:40

Is emotional abuse just part of the deal when you work in corporate America? In this episode, we’re talking about the unspoken contract that many of us have accepted at work: that we have to tolerate being treated badly in exchange for a paycheck. And yes, the title of this episode references Don Draper's infamous line from Mad Men. As a former ad agency copywriter when the legendary show was on the air, I certainly didn’t enjoy working for people who treated me and my team members badly, yet I admit to pretty much buying into this mentality. There has always been a sort of accepted level of misery we’re supposed to endure on the job in exchange for money. Then something happened: the pandemic created a natural experiment that exposed the true nature of the emotional contract between employers and employees and broke open something we never expected - initially, the freedom to work more comfortably and flexibly. But later, the backlash and control tactics - one of the most troubling examples of which is JP Morgan Chase's surveillance system, which has created a culture of paranoia and distrust. The fundamental question becomes: what is the limit of treatment we're willing to endure in exchange for money? And why do we assume work has to include some level of emotional abuse at all? Resources you might like: Manager on a Mission podcast episode: Hell, No RTO My book: NSFW - A good manager’s guide to better-feeling work in a toxic culture…

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#30: Rediscovering Joy on the Job: Breaking the Burnout Cycle with Tracy LaLonde 40:17

18 weeks ago40:17

40:17

Are you an overachiever who struggles to find joy in your work? Or maybe you feel like quitting your job but you really can’t afford to make that move. Either way, you need to hear this conversation with Tracy LaLonde. Tracy brings over 30 years of experience in training and development across high-tech consulting and legal industries. And in this conversation, she shares her journey from burnout (traveling 40 weeks a year to three cities a week!) to becoming a trust expert and "joychiever" (that’s right: joy + achiever). Tracy explains how high achievers and burnout candidates can become “joychievers” by understanding what makes them uniquely joyful and recognizing that joy comes from small daily choices. She shares insights from her book " The Joychiever Journey ," which includes seven "true self stops" to help professionals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, including: Values Village - identifying your 5-10 highest priority values that guide all your choices Strengths Mountain - focusing on your most joyous strengths (not just what you're good at) Body Beach - taking care of your physical health Relationships Harbor - prioritizing joy-inducing relationships over joy-robbing ones Tracy also reveals fascinating insights about workplace trust, including: The six elements of trust: competence, openness, integrity, empathy, empowerment, and consistency Why trust should be given rather than earned (it's actually physiological - it releases oxytocin!) How managers inadvertently erode trust through behaviors like not acknowledging effort Why saying "thank you" and acknowledging effort matters, even when people are "just doing their job" How to repair trust when it's broken (hint: it's a two-way street) One of my favorite takeaways? If you're able to do what you really enjoy at least 30% of the time in your job, you'll be "exponentially more joyful.” It’s not about loving every aspect of your work - it's about intentionally designing your work to include enough of what brings you joy. Here's how to connect with Tracy: LinkedIn: Tracy LaLonde Website: joychiever.com Email: tracy@joychiever.com Books: " The Joychiever Journey: Evade Burnout, Surpass Your Goals and Out-Happy Everyone " and " Trust Me: An Insider's Guide to Being the Go-To Person at Work "…

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#29: The RTO Hall of Shame: Worst C-Suite Takes on Return-to-Office Mandates 14:05

19 weeks ago14:05

14:05

Are CEOs actually using data when making return-to-office decisions? Come on, you know the answer. (No, they aren't.) In today’s episode I'm taking on the worst corner-office offenders in the corporate world who are mandating returns to office with flawed logic, hypocrisy, and tone-deaf policies. This episode was inspired by Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Chase, who declared at a town hall early in 2025 that remote work "simply doesn't work" for creativity and decision-making—with no data to back his claims. It got me wondering why so many CEOs who usually pride themselves on being "data-driven" and "innovative" are so determined to make backward, uninformed declarations about how work should happen. I cover four of the worst RTO offenders, from A to Z, starting with Andy (Jassy) of Amazon. and also share common threads among the reasons behind these mandates. And for managers caught in the middle, I offer some practical advice. I also revisit one of my common rants: that proximity doesn't automatically build culture or innovation. These are built through consistent, committed leadership choices that include listening to people and adapting to new ways of working. Take a listen and let me know in the comments which CEO gets your vote for the worst RTO take! Connect with me: Get my newsletter My book NSFW Previous RTO episode: Hell No, RTO Website Instagram…

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#28: Choose Your Hard: Dr. Taryn Fletcher on Finding Your Leadership Voice, PIVOTing, and Purpose 44:30

21 weeks ago44:30

44:30

This whole episode is full of a-ha moments, those things that make you stop your usual routine and question if you’re doing everything you were meant to do with your life. It’s full of thought-provoking questions, like: did your 6-year old self already have the answer to who you really are? Or are you a closet changemaker? And how do you make a PIVOT? Dr. Taryn Fletcher is coach, author, and educator who's on a mission to empower one million (or more!) humans to boldly pivot into the leaders they want to be. We explore how to recognize when it's time to pivot, the importance of listening to your inner wisdom, and her proven framework for navigating change authentically. Dr. Fletcher shares her personal journey of pivoting after receiving life-changing news during her pregnancy with her third child, and how this catalyst helped her discover her true purpose. This conversation is perfect for anyone who feels that quiet (or not so quiet!) nudge that there might be more to their leadership journey. Resources: Website: drtaryn.co Dr. Taryn on LinkedIn "The Pivot Plan" - Dr. Fletcher's upcoming book " Closet Changemaker " private podcast just for listeners of Manager on a Mission…

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#27: Layoff-Proof Your Career: Insider Strategies from Certified Career Coach, Nicole Miles 41:10

22 weeks ago41:10

41:10

Can your career be completely layoff-proof? Probably not. But can you do more than just worry about a layoff happening to you? Heck, yeah, and in this episode my guest shares some of her best strategies for protecting and advancing your career with you. Nicole Miles is a Certified Career Coach, founder of HerCareerStrategist and former Global Recruiting Leader at Tesla, and she brings over 20 years of corporate experience from all sides of the career equation. I’ve been a recruiter and hiring manager in my corporate career, and Nicole even schooled me on a few things, including warning signs of potential layoffs, like: Restructuring and team consolidations Hiring freezes after periods of growth Negative financial performance (especially in publicly traded companies) Elimination of key programs like DEI initiatives Budget cuts across departments Return-to-office mandates (which Nicole notes can sometimes be designed to prompt voluntary departures) She also shares the importance of staying ready, maintaining networking connections, and developing areas of expertise and differentiation. We also talk salary negotiations and resume strategy - as well as whether anyone actually reads your cover letters. Here’s how to connect with Nicole: LinkedIn: Nicole Miles Website: HerCareerStrategist.com Book a complimentary Launch Your Dream Career session to discuss your specific situation Download Nicole’s free Standout Resume Toolkit Follow Nicole on Instagram The WARN Act page that Nicole mentioned where employers notify of impending layoffs is by state, so Google yours, but here is the federal page.…

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#26: Beyond Vulnerability: Leading through Radical Authenticity, Trust and Letting Go - with Conner Kees 45:09

24 weeks ago45:09

45:09

Wait, what’s wrong with vulnerability? And are we really talking about cosmology and poetry on this podcast? Yes, today’s episode is a bit different from our usual fare here at Manager on a Mission. My guest is Conner Kees - author, acupuncturist, and interfaith minister. In this convo, we explore why traditional notions of vulnerability in leadership might be missing the mark, and how radical authenticity offers a more powerful path forward. We even talk about what it truly means to trust yourself and let go of the controlling mindset that keeps many leaders from their full potential. I promise this episode will challenge your usual thinking about leadership and get you thinking! Even if you never want to manage people, this conversation offers a unique lens for examining your approach to leadership and authenticity at work and in life in general. You can find out more about Conner on his site where you can also get his book, Trusting Your Foundation .…

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#25: Don't you know that you're toxic? Why bosses become toxic and what to do about it 15:14

25 weeks ago15:14

15:14

Recent data from Gallup's State of the Global Workplace report reveals that 76% of workers experience burnout at least sometimes, with 28% reporting they feel burned out "very often" or "always." The financial impact is staggering - employee burnout costs companies over $320 billion globally in turnover and lost productivity. In this episode, we explore how toxic management behaviors have become normalized in workplace culture and then take a look what we can do to create positive change. We dive deep into why toxic bosses may not even realize they're toxic, how harmful behaviors get reframed as workplace virtues, and the real cost of burnout in today's workplace. Referenced in this episode is the interview with the authors of Better Capitalism. Spotify Apple The Toxic Boss session on LinkedIn Live My book, NSFW. Barnes & Noble Amazon…

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#24: From gatekeeping to…gardening? How and why to lead like a landscape architect 21:25

27 weeks ago21:25

21:25

The evidence is clear: rigid RTO policies and stack ranking systems are failing modern teams. But there are some innovative companies embracing flexibility and trust. And they are thriving. In this episode, we contrast outdated "Factory Floor Management" and more innovative, modern approaches, including my own “Lead Like a Landscape Architect” approach. We take a look at recent studies that provide the proof that flexible work supports creativity and productivity, including research from Owl Labs that reveals that 62% of workers aged 22-65 report higher productivity when working remotely. The financial impact is equally significant, with companies saving approximately $11,000 per half-time remote worker annually, as reported by Global Workplace Analytics. We’ll also showcase some of the companies leading the way in modern management, including Airbnb and GitHub, as well as Pinterest, who uses intentional in-person gatherings for team building while allowing day-to-day work to happen wherever employees are most productive. Finally, I share some of my tips for working within restrictive, old-school cultures, including: * Flexible scheduling * Reserving rooms and spaces * Supporting buffer time for commutes and personal needs As well as not being a robot and using empathy and transparency to create psychological safety for your team. Get my book, Not Safe for Work…

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#23: Why I'm still obsessed with 1:1s (mini-episode) 12:50

29 weeks ago12:50

12:50

(This episode features three special guests: my birds Nacho, Goochie, and Smokey who were in the hotel room with me when I recorded this due to Southern California wildfire evacuations.) Get my book, Not Safe for Work A 1:1 meeting may sound basic, but it can absolutely transform how you and your team work together. If your 1:1s are supportive, consistent, and positive, your team has a much better chance of being healthy and happy. On the other hand, if they’re not those things, bad 1:1s can damage your relationship with your employees - more than you may realize. The good news is that great 1:1s aren't hard to do! In this episode, I share ideas for questions and meeting structure that might surprise you, and certainly will help you and your team do better work together. We’ll also talk about common things that go wrong with 1:1s, as well as some simple reframes and techniques to make them instantly better. I promise it’s easier than you might think, and January is the perfect time to reboot how you run your 1:1s!…

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#22: Let's leave imposter syndrome behind this year (mini-episode) 14:16

30 weeks ago14:16

14:16

Did you know that almost 80% of people have experienced imposter syndrome at some point? According to the American Psychological Association, people with imposter syndrome live with the ongoing fear that they’re going to be unmasked as being incompetent and unable to perform according to expectations. When you boil it down, imposter syndrome is a combination of constant inner judgment and the underlying belief that we are just not good enough. Before doing research, I assumed that imposter syndrome is experienced mostly by women. But that's not exactly correct. In this episode, I cover who is most likely to suffer from it, as well as the 5 sub-types: Perfectionist, Natural Genius, Superperson, Expert, and Soloist. In this episode, I talk about my own experience with major imposter syndrome and how I analyzed and questioned my way out of it. And finally, I share my ideas for helping reframe being new at something and not voluntarily making ourselves small, so that we can all leave imposter syndrome behind this year. Get my book, Not Safe for Work…

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#21: Doing business while still doing good - with Aurora Dawn Benton 58:14

31 weeks ago58:14

58:14

I know you listen to this podcast at least in part because you believe everyone should have dignity in their work. But do you also like chocolate? If you’re wondering what those two things have to do with each other you’re going to have to check out this conversation with Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton! Aurora is Founder and Chief Change Agent of Astrapto LLC, which exists to advance positive impact in the workplace. Her passion is to make sustainability practical and approachable for people whose main job is not sustainability, but who have a passion to improve social and environmental performance in their operations and supply chains. Aurora loves helping people realize their potential while discovering a greater purpose for good in business. In this episode, Aurora and I talk about the idea that business and the good you can do in the world don’t have to be separate. And she shares her four Es for helping her clients move toward sustainability: Empathize, Enlighten, Empower, and Encourage. I think you’ll love her positive approach to helping drive change and her hopeful message that sustainability will be BUILT IN to how corporations will do business. Aurora has a Doctorate in Business Administration in Social Impact Management and was named a 2021 Top 30 Sustainability Champions by the International Hospitality Institute. In August 2024, she published her first book, Exponential Impact: Harnessing Human Potential to Drive Sustainability in Organizations . Find out more about Aurora and her work here: Astrapto Website Exponential Impact book Instagram LinkedIn We also talk about the UN Sustainable Development Goals Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#20: What the heck is visionary leadership? And do you need it? - A sample from my book! 13:15

34 weeks ago13:15

13:15

In this episode, I read a section from my book on leading with vision. Many leaders think “having a vision” is a luxury, or even just a waste of time. But every team needs one - especially when you feel like you don’t have time for one. Yes, even your team. A vision is more than just goals and objectives. It’s a way for you and your team to identify the “why” behind what you do and map out a path for the future. Is your work too boring and basic for a vision? Nope. I can pretty much guarantee you that you’re wrong about that. Every team has a purpose and can find a shared reason for coming together, and even finding joy, from their vision. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#19: Leading with curiosity, and what's wrong with HR these days? - with Megan Wheeler 36:35

35 weeks ago36:35

36:35

What's the connection between why HR is getting a bad rap and why some employees don't want to be managers? Listen as Megan Wheeler and I try to unravel this tough question and talk about leading with curiosity and questions instead of making assumptions. Megan is a former coworker of mine from my design agency days in Brooklyn. She is the founder of Spoken, a consultancy dedicated to helping leaders and teams achieve meaningful growth. Megan has over 15 years of global experience and a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. As you’ll hear in this episode, she combines academic expertise with practical application to address real-world challenges. Megan is an ICF-certified coach and leadership facilitator, and she has supported leaders from organizations across the globe focusing on building individual capabilities and strengthening team dynamics. Listen in as we talk about how Megan brings clarity and focus to leadership development, and also as she shares a couple of her journeys - from academia to corporate, from corporate to consulting and back to corporate - and what is drawing her back to the corporate world. Connect with Megan on LinkedIn or visit her website to learn more about her work. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon ! Resources Megan discusses in this episode: So, Human Resources Is Making You Miserable? - NYT Why HR is Getting Tougher - and How to Break Through - McKinsey Human Centered Organizations - Articulate Inclusion on Purpose - Ruchika Tulshyan Scaling People - Claire Hughes Johnson…

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#18: Sticks and Stones - A sample from my book! 12:23

36 weeks ago12:23

12:23

For a change of pace, I'm excited to read to you from my book, NSFW (Not Safe for Work) - A good manager's guide to better-feeling work in a toxic culture . In this episode I'm going to share little bit of Chapter 5: Lead and Inspire or Get Out of the Way - the section called “Sticks and Stones.” Spoiler: It’s about words. Well, it’s about phrases - some of my least favorite phrases, because I think they point fingers at and shame employees in an unfair and outsized way. And I think managers can do better. So sit back and listen for a little corporate storytime. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#17: Which came first, the merger or the layoff? (mini-episode) 10:53

37 weeks ago10:53

10:53

Forbes reports that the tech industry has laid off more than 124,000 workers in 2024 alone. Layoffs are a massive problem and source of strife and low morale - not just for those laid off, but for those who remain. But this episode isn’t about layoffs. Well, it’s not JUST about layoffs. Layoffs are a symptom. Lower salaries and less frequent raises are a symptom. Having less power and leverage in job offer negotiation - also a symptom. Of what? Mergers. In this episode we’ll be talking about how mergers cause layoffs - and how to protect yourself and your team. For additional info on the Google cases I mention in the episode, you might also like these articles from Ed Zitron: Monopoly Money Matt Stoler Explains Monopolies Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#16: Making the Leap from Operations to Entrepreneurship - with Diane Lam 47:47

38 weeks ago47:47

47:47

A lot of us have dreamed of - or even dabbled in - entrepreneurship at some point. But you probably have so many questions, like: How do you make the transition? What if your initial business strategy needs to change? How do you handle all the technology and platforms? Well you found the right episode of Manager on a Mission, because our guest has the answers. Diane Lam comes from the corporate world, more specifically operations, and finance operations at that! In her business as an operations strategist she has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider and more. In this episode, we talk about the six years she’s spent building her business and how she helps other entrepreneurs untangle their systems and scale their businesses faster. We also talk about self-discovery and working in harmony with your natural working style. Diane is on Instagram and welcomes hearing from you! Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#15: Better Capitalism with Paul Knowlton and Aaron Hedges 1:09:57

39 weeks ago1:09:57

1:09:57

I’m not an economist, a historian, or a philosopher. But when I started putting out podcasts and writing my book, I had to go outside of my comfort zone in order to develop a sense of context, as well as a more informed opinion, on what is happening for employees and why in so many cases it feels so wrong. In this episode, I interview some real experts - Paul Knowlton and Aaron Hedges, authors of the book, "Better Capitalism - Jesus, Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, and MLK Jr. on moving from plantation to partnership economics." That subtitle both triggered and intrigued me, and I needed to find out more. So I read the book, and had Paul and Aaron on the podcast! Paul and Aaron are experts on economics, but also on theology. I had my hackles up when I started reading their book, but it's actually about a lot of the things I talk about, like the power dynamics in Corporate America, why work is so bad for so many employees, and of course, some things we can do to fix it. Paul is an attorney, pastoral counselor, and author. He is a first-generation Cuban American who spent some years in the foster system. Paul combines his unusually broad and diverse background in engineering, law, business, and seminary training for a truly interdisciplinary approach to every question. Aaron is the CEO of Inheritance of Hope,a nonprofit that helps families who have lost parents due to terminal illness. He is also an entrepreneur and business coach, and of course an author. Find out more about them and their mission by reading their book or visiting their site, bettercapitalism.org Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#14: The moment I realized I was tone-policing myself (mini-episode) 10:27

40 weeks ago10:27

10:27

I recorded my first podcast as a guest on Friday. I was so excited, but afterward I didn't celebrate or rest. No, instead I worried. I worried about everything I said that might have been offensive. I was terrified and ashamed that when the episode came out, I would come across as too angry, too negative, too opinionated. Why? That's exactly what we'll explore in this short little episode: how in order to survive and even have a chance at thriving in Corporate America, most of us have to deny our bad days and show up with a smile and be a problem-solver through every situation. We’re not allowed to say we’re not ok. We're not allowed to have bad days. We shoot the messenger and we criticize the way the message is delivered. And that's not ok. Sometimes we're not ok. We've learned so well how to deny ourselves and our feelings. And that's why we need to talk about it. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#13: Get unstuck, find your voice, and take aligned action - with Creativity Expert Steph Sheldon 1:02:05

42 weeks ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Whether entrepreneurialism is burning inside you or is something you've never allowed yourself to consider, Steph Sheldon shares her wisdom about the creative process and finding your voice. Yes, even in a corporate job. Steph is the talent behind my top-to-bottom rebrand - from this podcast name and artwork, to my new site, and all those photos I've been using on the socials. In this episode we talk about how to find your authentic voice, honor what your body is telling you, and build a business foundation. Steph shares the concept of "unstructing," a counter to the prevalent belief that we always need to learn more things. Instead, she believes we need to strip away everything in order to find our true, authentic selves. Visit Steph's beautiful site and Insta to learn more! Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#12: No budget. No approvals. No problem! 15:51

44 weeks ago15:51

15:51

Sometimes it feels like nothing you do matters as a manager, unless maybe you're the CEO. You can't hire the people you need to hire, you can't get the software your team needs, and you can't get them the raises they deserve. It feels like no matter what you do, you just can’t make a difference. What if i told you you don’t need to fix everything and you could still improve the lives of your team? And what if you could do it without getting approval of budget dollars from your manager? What if it was just YOU who could make a big impact and you could do it this week? In this episode I’m going to show you how. I'm going to share my tips for dramatically changing your team members’ experience at work, enough to improve their mental health and their job satisfaction, regardless of whether you have anyone else's approval or support. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#11: Let's Retire 1990s Manager Mentality 19:55

46 weeks ago19:55

19:55

In the first episode of Season 2, we look at how management is stuck in the 90s and hasn’t kept pace with the challenges that employees are dealing with at work, like how quickly priorities change, how ambiguous projects can be, and how much more complexity employees face as far as office politics, layoffs, and far-flung coworkers in multiple time zones. Old-school managers are shortchanging their team members by holding on to past ideas of what management looks like, instead of what is required to lead today - not just procedural things like how we assign work but big things like kindness, trust, and coaching instead of just correcting. Work is changing RIGHT NOW. We can let change happen, or we can lead the change. This podcast is for the ones who are ready to lead. Here's the Season 1 episode I mention - Coaching Beats Feedback Spotify Apple Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

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#10: Ask Me Anything - Listener Questions Answered! 22:53

1 year ago22:53

22:53

For the final episode of our first season, we’re doing something a little bit different. I asked you to send me questions, and now I'm sharing my best answers regarding: How managers can help you increase your visibility and build your reputation Why doing boring work doesn't mean you're doomed to never get a better job than the one you have now How to become a better presenter, even if you feel like you've already tried everything How to handle an overworked and understaffed team when there's no relief in sight Thank you so much for listening to this season of the Management Detox podcast. I'll be back soon with Season 2! If there's anything you want me to cover in the new season, DM me on LinkedIn . I look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, follow me: Instagram TikTok Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

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#9: How to Build Healthy Management Culture and Why Management Is Like Kayaking - with Brian Walch 48:56

1 year ago48:56

48:56

Brian Walch is a coach, consultant, and speaker who helps organizations develop their managers and build best-in-class management cultures. He is the owner of Shiftfocus Coaching and Consulting, where he provides services to help empower managers to lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations. In this episode, Brian and Tosca talk about management culture and what to do when organizations don't support managers, as well as how easing new managers into their roles is like getting into a kayak. Brian shares why he's passionate about ensuring that managers get the support they need to succeed, including his iterative approach to helping managers and their teams deliver better work over time. Brian also reveals an unexpected source of inspiration for him: death. And he shares the concept of the "modern elder," as coined by Chip Conley and what that means for second acts in life, for managers or otherwise. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Resources: Modern Elder Academy - Chip Conley Brian's consultancy: Shiftfocus.com Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

1
#8: Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Meetings and How to Fix Them 21:33

1 year ago21:33

21:33

The #1 barrier to productivity isn't remote work, or RTO policies, or even mass layoffs. It's meetings. As more and more employees struggle to complete their actual work, why is the tyranny of meetings not just tolerated but expected in Corporate America? The recent Atlassian Workplace Woes survey about meetings validated everything I had been feeling about meetings before I left my corporate job: they're largely ineffective, they waste time and energy, and they make it hard to complete the work that is supposed to matter. They're also a symptom of a larger problem: control and fear of making mistakes. I know we can't do away with meetings completely, and I don't think we have to. But we can't go on like this. Besides sharing key insights from the Atlassian survey, in this episode I offer my own additional insights into why meetings have gone so wrong, guidelines for improving them, and ideas for alternatives to putting another meeting on everyone's calendar. Let's continue the conversation. Connect with me on LinkedIn . Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

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#7: Mindful Leadership and Bringing Your Whole Self to Work - with Dina Berman 1:04:50

1 year ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Dina Berman is a 30 year agency veteran, San Francisco native, and recovering ‘good girl’ who leveraged her mastery as a middle child and her love of commercials into a career in advertising with a focus in Account Management. She is Head of Account and Project Management at wello, Wells Fargo’s creative agency where she’s also a member of the Leadership Team. For the past 6 years Dina has been working on her own transformation as a leader, with a focus on mindful leadership. In this episode, Dina and Tosca talk about the differences between toxic positivity and influential positivity, the power of mindset, and Dina’s Energized Leadership Program. They have a little debate about “feedback,” and share their beliefs about how leaders need to earn the right to ask employees to turn on their cameras on Zoom. Dina explains the two parts of her career: the first part, which was dedicated to output, and this second part as a leader, which is about impact in helping others develop and grow in their own career journeys. Dina’s word of the year is “connection,” and she welcomes listeners connecting with her. You can find her on LinkedIn . Other resources Dina and Tosca discuss: Kelly McGonigal’s TED talk: How to Make Stress Your Friend Author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek Researcher and storyteller Brene Brown Organizational psychologist and author Adam Grant The Energy Bus book Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

1
#6: Demystifying How Corporations Promote Employees and What To Do When They Don't 25:25

1 year ago25:25

25:25

Promotions and progress are the lanugage of success in Corporate America. But promotions can be notoriously difficult to get, or at least difficult to understand. Some companies keep the process shrouded in mystery and very tightly controlled. But when prospective employers want to see progress, advancement, and forward movement - and current employers are reluctant to provide it - what’s an employee to do? We answer that question in this podcast. As someone who spent most of their adult life moving up the corporate ladder and then helping my team members to do the same, I can help demystify the process. In this episode, we walk through how promotions work at different types of companies, how to play the politics game (or not), and the annoying truth that you need to be doing the job you want before you're formally recognized for it. We also cover why promotion scarcity is built-in at American companies, and what you can do about it. Even if we can't fix everything about how corporations promote, knowledge is power - and that's what I'm sharing here with you, including tips for how managers can help their team members show progress when the company you work for doesn't make it easy to do so, and even how to know when it's time for you or your team members to get what you deserve - by taking a job somewhere else. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

1
#5: When People Do Well, Businesses Do Well - with Jessica Walker 1:02:02

1 year ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Jess Walker has spent over 20 years as a manager and organizational leader at some of the top creative agencies in New York City, working with Fortune 10 trailblazers, long-standing companies, and fast-growing brands. She now applies her dedication to creating value and growth to what she cares about most: people. She recently founded Wondering Forward, a coaching practice for individuals and teams, focused on helping people and organizations prevent and recover from burnout. In this episode, Tosca and Jess discuss how managers can care for people, be of service to their teams, respect and honor individual personalities and work styles, and still produce business results. They share ways they've fostered human connection, their 16 Personalities styles, and the "mountains" they've moved through. Jess believes in the power of slowing down and that good energy in creates good energy out, and she shares her coaching philosophy that leans heavily on the healing power of movement, wonder, and possibility - yes, even for the corporate world. How to connect with Jess: Her website wonderingforward.com Her LinkedIn profile More resources Jess and Tosca shared: Arthur Brook's curve/mountain Freudenberger's 12 Stages of Burnout 16 Personalities SYP Superpowers cards and app User Manual Reference Vitaly Friedman's post with "How to Work With Me" templates Marcia Reynolds Cleo Wade Mr. Rogers on Instagram and YouTube One of many articles about Georgia O'Keeffe Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

1
#4: Coaching the Next Generation of Leaders - with Jod Kaftan 45:41

1 year ago45:41

45:41

Our first interview episode features Jod Kaftan, Head of Product Design & Research at Oracle. Jod has over 20 years of experience in product, UX, and strategy, and as a trailblazer and leader in the industry, he is an advocate for a people-centered approach to management. Having recently branched out into coaching, Jod has been reflecting on his evolution as a manager who now believes his job as a leader is to "obsolete himself," and build the next generation of managers. Tosca and Jod discuss the perils (and temptations) of "falling on every grenade for your team," possible futures for UX you've probably never heard of before, and advice for people who want fulfilling careers (that's you, right?) We also discuss Jod's journey from Luke Skywalker to Yoda. If that sounds intriguing to you you're going to have to give this one a listen. Find out more about Jod's coaching practice, Design-Led Futures here . You can also follow Jod on LinkedIn here . Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

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#3: Hell No, RTO 28:21

1 year ago28:21

28:21

RTO, or "Return to Office," edicts swept corporate America in 2023. After a year or two of sweet-talking, strongly suggesting, and guilting employees to come back to the office, it seemed like CEOs of major companies had returned from a League of Doom meeting in which they unanimously decided it was time to end this ridiculous remote work fantasy once and for all - and RTO was born. The question I have - and I bet you have too is, Why? Why would companies want to re-commit to the overhead of physical office locations, at least at the same scale they had pre-pandemic? Why, if corporate America is all about productivity - and we were productive at record levels - wouldn’t businesses want to take a close look at what was happening and try to capitalize on it? Or improve on it? In this episode we try to answer that question. Commercial real estate? Stock prices? Sure, those are probably part of it, but I think there's something else, and you're probably not going to like it. We also cover the positive things about remote work, as well as the history of it. And finally, we look at how managers can help employees who may be struggling with RTO. Even if you can't change the policy, you can still support your people and make a difference in their day-to-day. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

1
#1: Is Corporate America OK? 18:36

1 year ago18:36

18:36

If you’ve been on Tiktok or Insta lately you’ve seen all the posts of terrible bosses. And on LinkedIn it seems like it’s just one layoff after another. You’re not alone in wondering if things have gone off the rails in Corporate America. In today’s episode, we look at some of the reasons work sucks more than ever for so many people. We talk about the worrying trend of corporations having a lack of consideration for employees AS PEOPLE, including things like stack ranking and yearly layoffs and touch on the whole return to office debate. The bad news: We're being asked to take on the work of our team members who have been fired, we’re expected to be available at all times on all of our devices, we’re strategizing on how manage up, we’re working across multiple countries and time zones because of mergers and acquisitions, and we’re also frantically reprioritizing almost every day because senior management never seems to agree on strategy. The good news: We also talk about how managers can positively impact their teams in this climate, even if they can’t change the corporations they work for. In this episode, I share my 3-step plan for massive motivation in hard times, to help team members get through these hard times. Little moments of humanity and kindness add up and help people feel appreciated when times are hard. Get my book on Barnes & Noble or Amazon !…

Manager on a Mission

1
#2: Coaching Beats Feedback 21:16

1 year ago21:16