Podcasts · Business · Education

The Modern Manager

Mamie Kanfer Stewart

300 episodes

Practical management skills you can use this week. Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart helps managers close the gap between knowing what good management looks like and actually doing it.

More about the show

Each week brings either a short solo lesson with one tool you can use right away, or a conversation with an expert on topics like feedback, difficult conversations, delegation, meetings, strategic thinking, team culture, collaboration and using AI at work.

Get new episodes and one-page takeaways by email: https://www.themodernmanager.com

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. 431: How to Delegate Without Micromanaging: Define What Done Looks Like

    · 8:48

    Learning how to delegate without micromanaging starts before you hand anything off. You ask for something that feels perfectly clear, and it comes back reasonable, thoughtful, and not at all what you wanted. The…

  2. 430: How to Overcome Resistance to Change on Your Team with Tony Chatman

    · 31 min

    Want to overcome resistance to change on your team? Start by noticing that the loudest pushback usually isn't the real problem. Hidden resistance often looks like nodding along in the meeting, then quietly sticking to…

  3. How to Figure Out What’s Really Behind a Performance Problem

    · 7:10

    It's 4:47 on Thursday, the report still isn't in, and the story forming in your head is that they just don't care. But that story is usually wrong, and it's also the easiest one to tell because it means you don't have…

  4. 428: How Grateful Leaders Build Teams No One Wants to Leave with TJ Sweet

    · 29 min

    Some days, gratitude feels like something for people with calmer inboxes. Someone dropped the ball, you're three meetings deep, and "thank you" is the last thing on your mind. But gratitude that only shows up on easy…

  5. 427: The Meeting Portfolio Every Manager Needs

    · 7:14

    Planning an agenda feels like it takes forever, so too often, we skip it or do it poorly at the last minute. But that’s often because we treat each meeting like we’re starting from scratch. Instead, what if you…

  6. 426: How Tiny Habits Rewire Your Identity with BJ Fogg

    · 32 min

    Most of what happens in a workday, from how you open a meeting to how you respond to bad news, runs on autopilot. Habits, not decisions, are doing the heavy lifting. Behavior scientist BJ Fogg explains why willpower…

  7. 425: 4 AI Tools I Use Every Single Day (And the Friction They Remove)

    · 8:59

    Most AI tools promise to make you more productive, but few actually remove the friction hiding in your daily grind. This episode breaks down four AI tools used every single day, not for the novelty, but for the real…

  8. 424: How to Manage Up, Down, and Across with Kristen Harcourt

    · 35 min

    Most leaders pour all their energy into managing the people who report to them and forget the other two-thirds of the job: managing up to their boss and across to the peers who can make or break a project. Skip those…

  9. 423: How AI Can Help Us Show Meaningful Appreciation (And Be More Human at Work)

    · 6:40

    Most of us have an instinctual positive response to great work.“This is amazing, thank you so much.” It feels warm and authentic, but could have been said about anyone or any work. The lack of specificity means those…

  10. 422: Turn Uncomfortable Conversations into Just Conversations with Amy Jacobson

    · 32 min

    That stomach-drop feeling before a hard conversation? It's not weakness. It's your brain doing exactly what it was designed to do. Emotional intelligence expert Amy Jacobson breaks down the neuroscience of avoidance,…

  11. 421: The Difference Between Consensus and Agreement That's Costing You Decisions

    · 7:33

    Picture a room stuck for three weeks on one sentence for a new policy. Half the team wants a rule tight enough to enforce, the other half wants it loose enough to survive real life. Nobody's wrong, and nobody's moving.…

  12. 420: The Hidden Force Pulling Your Team Apart (and How to Reverse It) with Matt Poepsel

    · 30 min

    Your team isn't falling apart because something went wrong. It's falling apart because that's what teams do by default, drifting toward disconnection unless someone actively counteracts it. Lucky for us, there are four…

  13. 419: What It Really Means to Have Integrity

    · 8:59

    You say yes to the small stuff: the draft review, the book recommendation, the shampoo run. Then Thursday comes and none of it has happened. No one complains, but something quietly cracks. Every broken commitment, even…

  14. 418: Insights on Effective Leadership from the LGBTQ+ Community with Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown

    · 34 min

    Some of the best leadership lessons don't come from business books. Throughout history, different cultures have developed wisdom for how we can interact with and lead others. By exploring what different cultures value,…

  15. 417: Why Hitting Your Goal Doesn't Always Mean You Were Successful

    · 6:57

    Hitting the goal doesn’t always mean the project was a success. A project can finish on time, hit every target, and look like a clear win on the dashboard while quietly burning out the team, damaging trust, or leaving…

  16. 416: Stop Difficult Conversations From Going Wrong (Before They Even Start)

    · 29 min

    Difficult conversations are rarely difficult because we don't know what to say. More often, they fall apart because we have the conversation at the wrong time, in the wrong way, or without realizing that the other…

  17. 415: The 30-Day Onboarding Plan Isn't a Welcome Packet

    · 11 min

    Most onboarding plans focus on helping new hires feel welcome and settled in their role. But the real purpose of onboarding isn't orientation; it's creating clarity before misunderstandings become habits and before…

  18. 414: How to Create Space for Strategic Thinking with Howard Tiebel

    · 30 min

    Most managers know they should spend more time thinking strategically. The problem is that strategy often gets crowded out by urgent tasks, endless decisions, and the pressure to solve today's problems. But strategic…

  19. 413: What to Do When a Meeting Gets Heated

    · 9:14

    When a meeting becomes tense, your natural instinct might be to calm things down. But when emotions start rising, the real problem usually isn’t the conflict itself. It’s that something important is at stake, and the…

  20. 412: How Great Managers Create Accountability Without Micromanaging with Molly Rodau

    · 32 min

    Managers often say they want more accountability on their teams. But accountability often feels like micromanaging people, chasing updates, or constantly correcting mistakes. In fact, many accountability problems…

  21. 411: 3 Types of Team Conflict and How to Resolve Each One

    · 13 min

    Some team conflicts seem to get resolved quickly. Others keep resurfacing in meeting after meeting, leaving everyone frustrated and no closer to a solution. In this episode, I explain why certain disagreements are so…

  22. 410: The Simple Coaching Habit That Changes How Teams Think with Laura and Dominic Ashley-Timms

    · 32 min

    Most managers think their job is to have the answers. But the managers who create the strongest teams often do the opposite: they ask better questions. The challenge is that under pressure, most of us default to…

  23. 409: The Feedback Conversation Managers Avoid (And How to Finally Have It)

    · 8:02

    Most managers think difficult feedback conversations are hard because they don’t know what to say. But often the real problem is that the conversation they’re preparing for is the wrong one. In this episode, I break…

  24. 408: Why AI Makes Human Thinking More Valuable, Not Less with Dr. Vivienne Ming

    · 34 min

    AI can now answer questions faster, cheaper, and sometimes better than humans. So where does that leave managers and teams? For many leaders, the instinct is to use AI to speed up execution and automate tasks. But the…

  25. 407: Hidden Causes of Burnout (And How to Fix Them Before It’s Too Late) – Part 2

    · 10 min

    Most managers assume burnout is caused by one thing: workload. But in reality, burnout is rarely that simple. It’s usually the result of multiple hidden workplace dynamics that quietly drain energy over time, long…

  26. 406: What to Do Instead of “Pushing Though” During Tough Times with Jay Abbasi

    · 35 min

    Resilience is often framed as pushing through, staying positive, and powering past challenges. But that version of resilience can backfire, especially for managers trying to support their teams. When leaders jump too…

  27. 405: The Hidden Causes Of Burnout (And How To Fix Them Before It's Too Late) - Part 1

    · 11 min

    Most managers assume burnout is caused by one thing: workload. But in reality, burnout is rarely that simple. It’s usually the result of multiple hidden workplace dynamics that quietly drain energy over time long…

  28. 404: How to Spot and Stop Toxic Workplace Culture with Aoife O’Brien

    · 30 min

    Toxic workplaces come in many different forms that we might not always notice. And because we aren’t all affected in the same ways, even the most well-meaning managers can unintentionally contribute to an unhealthy…

  29. 403: How To Escape The Either/Or Trap And Make Better Decisions

    · 5:27

    You’re stuck between two options, going back and forth, trying to figure out the “right” choice. Should you hire or not? Change systems or stay the same? Restructure or keep things as they are? The more you think about…

  30. 402: The Missing Link Between Communication and Connection with Nidhi Tewari

    · 33 min

    We often think our reactions at work are about what’s happening in the moment: a frustrating colleague, a difficult conversation, or a stressful situation. But what if those reactions are actually coming from…

  31. 401: How to Use Nature to Rewire Your Brain for Greater Focus, Creativity, and Energy with Dr. John La Puma

    · 34 min

    We spend most of our time indoors moving from screens to meetings to more screens without realizing the toll it’s taking on our focus, energy, and overall well-being. For many managers, burnout and fatigue feel like a…

  32. 400: Tackle the Five Sources of Stress at Work with Amy Leneker

    · 34 min

    Stress is something every manager experiences. Tight deadlines, constant decisions, competing priorities; it can feel like pressure is simply part of the job. Most leaders treat stress like one big, unavoidable force.…

  33. 399: How to Build Radical Trust Through Better Listening with Leilani Garrett

    · 30 min

    Empathy is often talked about as a “soft skill,” but in reality, it can be one of the most powerful leadership strategies for building trust, improving collaboration, and helping teams perform at their best. When…

  34. 398: Become a Change Leader, Not Just a Change Manager with Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta

    · 33 min

    Change is constant. But too often, leaders treat change as a project instead of a core leadership skill. That’s when teams disengage, resistance grows, and initiatives stall. The problem isn’t the change itself. It’s…

  35. 397: How to Communicate So People Listen, Care, and Take Action with Andy Freed

    · 32 min

    Many leaders assume communication is about clarity. But the real challenge is getting people to truly understand, care, and take action. Too often, managers jump straight into slides, updates, or instructions without…

  36. 396: Mental Performance: Combining High Expectations and High Support with Evan Marks

    · 32 min

    Many managers believe pressure drives performance. Others focus heavily on support. But high-performing teams don’t choose one or the other. They operate with both. When expectations are high, but support is low,…

  37. 395: How Unspoken Norms are Quietly Sabotaging Your Team with Nilofer Merchant

    · 32 min

    Many teams struggle with the same invisible problem: unspoken norms that quietly undermine collaboration, performance, and trust. Even when leaders want better behaviors, more ownership, healthier boundaries, and…

  38. 394: How to Manage Big (and Small) Emotions at Work with Jordanna Eyre

    · 34 min

    Managing a team gets especially challenging when emotions run high. Whether it’s you who regularly rides the emotional rollercoaster or a team member who explodes in meetings, shuts down during feedback, or feels…

  39. 393: How to Build a Win-Win Workplace with Angela Jackson

    · 32 min

    Many organizations say they want to invest in people, but their hiring and talent practices often tell a very different story. Degree requirements, limited benefits packages, and poor management practices continue to…

  40. 392: The Leadership Skill Everyone Thinks They Have (But Rarely Do) with Dr. Helen Fagan

    · 36 min

    About 95% of people believe they’re self-aware, but research shows only 10–15% actually are. And that gap matters, especially for managers. Self-awareness shapes how we communicate, make decisions, handle conflict,…

  41. 391: How to Own Your Reputation and Build a Personal Brand with Andy Storch

    · 33 min

    You already have a personal brand, whether you’ve chosen it or not. And every meeting, email, and interaction at work is quietly shaping it. Many managers assume personal branding is about being visible online or…

  42. 390: What Managers Need to Know Before Hiring a Friend with Dr. Cindi Baldi

    · 34 min

    Hiring a friend can feel both generous and like a leadership landmine waiting to explode. Good intentions aren’t enough when power dynamics shift, boundaries blur, and personal relationships collide with professional…

  43. 389: How to Lead Salary Negotiations Candidates Say Yes To with John Gates

    · 35 min

    Salary conversations are inherently complex and challenging, filled with hidden traps. They are high-stakes, deeply personal, and blend factors like budgets, fairness, expectations, and emotions. Since these…

  44. 388: How to Become a Positive Disruptor and Take Advantage of Change with Patrick Leddin

    · 34 min

    When disruption hits your team, confidence often drops, communication gets messy, and progress slows. But disruption isn’t the problem; how we respond to it is. Fortunately, this week’s guest offers a clear, practical…

  45. 387: Why Managers Should Embrace a Learn-It-All Mindset With Damon Lembi

    · 27 min

    Ever feel like you should know more, be more confident, or have everything figured out by now? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t need to be a “know-it-all” to be an exceptional leader. In fact, the…

  46. 386: Unlock Your Creative and Analytical Skills to Drive Innovation with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden

    · 31 min

    In a world that constantly demands breakthrough solutions, do you ever feel like innovation is reserved for a select few, or that you’re simply not "creative enough"? This week’s guests are here to set the record…

  47. 385: The Hidden Habits That Quietly Destroy Your Leadership with Rob Kalwarowsky

    · 32 min

    When the world around you feels chaotic, leading a team can feel overwhelming, especially when your inner world is just as loud. Most managers try to push through, rely on willpower, or double down on doing more. But…

  48. 384: What Managers Get Wrong About ADHD at Work (and How to Get It Right) with Rita Ramakrishnan

    · 29 min

    Managers play a crucial role in shaping how employees experience work. But when ADHD enters the mix, good intentions can backfire if not handled thoughtfully. With the right mindset and tools, you can create a space…

  49. 383: How to Get People to Listen to Your Ideas (Even When You’re Not in Charge) with Tami Reiss

    · 31 min

    Have you ever had a great idea but struggled to get others on board? You don’t need a title to have influence; you need a strategy. Fortunately, this week’s guest knows exactly how to build credibility and momentum…

  50. 382: How to Bring Your Whole Self to Work (Without Oversharing) with Mike Robbins

    · 41 min

    Are you showing up as your full, authentic self or just the version you think others expect? Authenticity isn’t a matter of oversharing or saying whatever’s on your mind. It’s about honesty balanced with humility and…

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.