"ChatGPT gave me the PERFECT step-by step plan to fix my team! I'll be out of the weeds by tomorrow!" We've said it, we've hoped for it, we've wanted it to be true. And... without these critical human steps, this approach is destined to fail. In this episode, I share the tale of an agency leader who thought AI would instantly solve his team management challenge that so many of us face - being deep in the weeds, unable to rely on our teams to step up as proactive owners - and what would have happ...
Mar 25, 2025•18 min
"But if I don't micromanage, nothing gets done correctly!" Yeah, no.... we've got to leave that myth in the past right now, because the truth is, it's only keeping you stuck and your team feeling disempowered. In this episode, I talk about why micromanagement is NEVER the answer (even when it feels like your only option). Learn the two powerful alternatives that transformed both a frustrated business owner and an overwhelmed corporate manager from exhausted micromanagers into strategic leaders. ...
Mar 18, 2025•12 min
"Where do I even stand on this team?" This simple question is what every team member secretly wonders - and yet... 78% of leaders wait until big milestones to provide recognition. In this week's episode, I share why "pouring gas on what's going well" transforms average performers into team champions, how to avoid the ole' "compliment sandwich," and the language to use when giving effective praise that drives real behavior change (without sounding like you're handing out participation awards). Re...
Mar 11, 2025•12 min
"I'm going to HR!" - the four words that strike fear into every manager's heart... four words that might lead us to avoiding giving feedback altogether. Hey, I've been there too. In this week's episode of Managing Made Simple, I share a story of feedback gone wrong and break down exactly how to handle defensive responses, people threatening to quit, and the worst of all, a team member threatening to go to HR. For leaders who want to stop walking on eggshells and start having real conversations t...
Mar 04, 2025•14 min
We've prepared a clear message, we've blocked out ample time for the conversation, and then our feedback conversation still goes sideways? We can wonder what the heck went wrong. That's why in today's episode, I'm breaking down the most important step to do BEFORE giving feedback: emotional regulation. When we have to give feedback about something we're frustrated about, sometimes we don't realize that frustration is showing up all over our face. Letting yourself take a beat, or checking in to m...
Feb 25, 2025•12 min
Two sentences into Mel Robbins' new book "The Let Them Theory" and I was hooked - not just because it applied immediately to my life, but also to all of my teachings for teams and managers. In this week's episode, I break down how to apply this game-changing practice of non-attachment to managing your team, which will not only help you make more of an impact as a leader, it will help you more trust with your teams. -- WORK WITH LIA: How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing peo...
Feb 18, 2025•11 min
Not a week goes by where a company isn't announcing new return to office plans. Whether you are in favor of it or not, as a manager, if your company is enforcing it, it is part of your job to get your team onboard. But I get that is easier said than done ;) In this episode, I share a pitfall to avoid when talking about return to office and how to get your teams excited about the potential of it. A peek into the episode... 00:00 Managers struggle with empathy when they dislike returning to the of...
Feb 11, 2025•10 min
We've all been there... we want to hold a high bar for our teams, but we're also worried we're coming across too nitpicky. What do you do? In this episode, I share how to strike the balance between holding a high standard and still letting your teams bring their own ideas to the table. 00:00 Details matter when creating a high-end experience; high standards shouldn't be seen as personal preferences. 04:11 Focus on creating high-end client experiences by discussing expectations and details with y...
Feb 04, 2025•8 min
Ready to finally feel a sense of ease when it comes to managing your team? Then look no further because today is launch day for The New Manager Playbook ! In this special Monday episode, I’m sharing the story behind the book and how it’s designed to help you manage with ease and confidence. Whether you’re a new manager or an experienced leader facing new challenges, this book is packed with actionable tools to support you every step of the way. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: [0:00] Launch day excitement and...
Jan 27, 2025•11 min
Ever found yourself managing a team where you don't have direct experience in their field? I've been there, and I know how nerve-wracking it can be. In Episode 162 of Managing Made Simple , I'm sharing one of the biggest mistakes I see managers make in this situation: downplaying their own expertise. It might seem humble, but trust me, this can seriously backfire. Your team needs a confident leader, someone who can guide them and provide support. I'll share some practical tips on how to effectiv...
Jan 21, 2025•12 min
Ever had a boss who made you dread coming to work? It happens more than we like to admit. But here’s the good news: Being a great manager isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels supported, valued, and motivated to give their best. In Episode 161 of Managing Made Simple, I’m sharing three habits that can unknowingly push team members away—and how to turn them into strategies that build trust, engagement, and retention: Doing instead of delegating: Learn...
Jan 14, 2025•12 min
Managing a team is hard, but managing in the middle—between the needs of your team and the demands of leadership—can feel like you’re walking a tightrope. Your team needs support, your boss wants results, and somehow, everything lands on your plate. In episode 160 of Managing Made Simple , I’m sharing a key strategy from The New Manager Playbook to help you navigate these competing priorities without burning out. Discover how to set clear intentions and build trust in a way that reduces stress a...
Jan 09, 2025•8 min
Ever wonder why your to-do list never gets done? The answer might surprise you—it’s context switching. In Episode 159, I unpack how constantly jumping between tasks drains your energy and productivity. But don’t worry, I’ve got solutions! 🎙️ Key takeaways: [0:00] Intro: Why managers feel like they’re drowning in tasks [1:20] The real cost of context switching (hint: it’s more than time) [3:45] Simple ways to organize your calendar for better focus [6:15] Practical tips to manage your week and r...
Jan 07, 2025•12 min
Ever feel like you’re drowning in tasks with no time to breathe? In Episode 158 of Managing Made Simple , I dive into how to get your time back by delegating smarter and reducing meeting overload. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: [0:00] Intro: The constant pressure of not enough time. [1:19] Why meeting overload is holding you back. [3:08] Training your team to step up and lead. [4:48] The mindset shift that will free up your schedule. 📚 The New Manager Playbook launches January 27th! Join the list for exclu...
Jan 02, 2025•6 min
What do we do when our team member is eager to get to their promotion, so they start moving away from their current responsibilities, thinking those will hold them back? We want to support our team members' ambitions, but they job they're in right now still has to get done. In Episode 157 of Managing Made Simple , I dive into how to keep your team engaged in their current role while supporting their career goals. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: [0:00] Intro: The challenge of balancing growth and focus. [1:13...
Dec 31, 2024•10 min
We all want to be liked - it's human nature! But when we lean on this too hard as a manager, it can actually work against us, leading to having a team that isn't confident in our ability to lead. In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I talk about how avoid the "wanting to be liked" trap and build trust and respect, which in turn, often leads to our teams liking us better anyway. Wins all around. Key Topics Covered: [0:00] Why people-pleasing can damage your leadership credibility. [3:00] Stra...
Dec 26, 2024•7 min
Could the way you're advocating for your team actually be working against you? Spoiler: yes, the answer is yes. When we're under a lot of pressure, it can be easy to pass this along to our higher-ups, trying to get some relief for our team. But when we sound the alarms without coming with solutions, our own leaders can lose confidence in our abilities. In this episode, I talk about how to effectively manage up, one of the most important ways to earn respect from both your team and own managers. ...
Dec 24, 2024•10 min
Trust is everything when it comes to managing teams, but building it takes intention and consistency. In this episode of Managing Made Simple , I share how to recognize trust gaps, the impact of trust on delegation and accountability, and practical ways to foster mutual trust in your team. Key Topics Covered: [0:00] Why trust matters for managers and teams. [2:13] How trust impacts delegation, micromanagement, and accountability. [4:50] Quick strategies to build trust with your team. -- WORK WIT...
Dec 19, 2024•7 min
How do you get your team to invest more in their work? It's actually really simple. You show them you're invested in *them*. As we approach the end of the year, now is the time to proactively invest in your team to ensure success in 2025. In this episode, I dive into how being intentional with team support, feedback, and culture-building sets you apart as a leader and builds unstoppable teams. Whether your team is facing challenges or already excelling, proactively showing your teams you are inv...
Dec 17, 2024•11 min
Motivating your team (and yourself) is one of the hardest challenges in management. In this episode, I share actionable strategies for identifying what motivates your team members, why their lack of motivation is your responsibility, and how to reconnect with your own purpose as a leader. Key Topics Covered: [0:00] Why motivation matters for your team and you as a leader [1:01] What to do when team members feel unmotivated [3:16] Understanding intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators [4:15] How to tap...
Dec 12, 2024•6 min
There's a good chance you're missing the MOST important step in holding your teams accountable. Most managers are. What's that step, you ask? The follow through. So many times as leaders, we set clear expectations and then stop right there, forgetting that there's a critical check point we have to do on the other side. In this episode, I share how to move your team from simply completing tasks to taking full ownership of their responsibilities - and the true enabler of accountability: the follow...
Dec 10, 2024•11 min
In this episode, I share why I wrote The New Manager Playbook and how it’s designed to support new managers and seasoned leaders alike. From my own experience in Big Tech to insights from my workshops and trainings, this book is your go-to resource for making managing easier and more effective. 💡 Tune in to learn: Why many managers feel unprepared for the role. The biggest challenges new managers face. How this book simplifies the hard stuff so you can focus on what matters: leading effectively...
Dec 05, 2024•6 min
Ever wonder why job titles matter so much to your team? It's more than just a nameplate—titles shape clarity, recognition, and growth paths in any organization. In this episode, I unpack the two key motivators behind title discussions and how you can approach them as a leader. Whether you're navigating requests for more clarity or grappling with the pressure to align titles with experience, this episode gives actionable insights to help you strike the right balance for your team. Key Topics Cove...
Dec 03, 2024•14 min
What do you do when feedback doesn’t land the way you’d hoped? In this episode of Managing Made Simple , I dive into a common challenge for managers—team members who respond defensively to feedback—and share actionable strategies for resetting expectations. Key Topics Covered: Feedback Gone Wrong [0:00] How to navigate situations where your feedback is brushed off or met with defensiveness. Resetting Norms [4:12] Tips for re-establishing communication norms and setting the tone for respect. Maki...
Nov 26, 2024•13 min
Are you micromanaging without realizing it? In this special episode, I share a guest appearance on the How to Be Awesome at Your Job podcast, where we explore how to spot the signs of micromanagement and take steps to overcome it. Key Topics Covered: Too Many Meetings? [0:00] How being in every meeting could be holding your team back. Decision Overload [6:12] Why making every decision for your team stifles their growth—and your time. Delegating Done Right [12:45] Tips to empower your team while ...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min
Struggling with team members who hesitate to ask for help until it’s too late? In this episode, I introduce a three-step framework that empowers your team to frame their problems clearly and seek your guidance more efficiently. Discover how to foster proactive problem-solving, keep accountability with your team, and create a culture where they feel confident approaching you without taking up too much of your time. Whether you’re a manager or business owner, these strategies can transform how you...
Nov 12, 2024•9 min
Are you hesitant to invest in training for your team because you're worried about losing the investment if folks leave? In this episode, I discuss why upskilling isn’t just a perk—it’s essential for team growth, productivity, and even loyalty. Learn how proactive investment in your team can make a difference in outcomes, and discover what you risk by skipping it. Whether you're a business owner or team leader, this episode will show you how to turn training into a powerful tool for motivation an...
Nov 05, 2024•13 min
Wondering how to bring out the best in your team, even with tight deadlines and challenging client demands? In this episode of Managing Made Simple , I’m joined by Alison Curtis, Head of Client Services, and Janessa Mason, Senior Creative Director at the creative agency Skona , as they share their strategies for creating harmony in a fast-paced agency environment. Learn how clear communication, aligning agendas, and a bit of fun can help build a motivated, successful team that’s ready for anythi...
Oct 29, 2024•27 min
Wondering when to jump in and stop a mistake, or let your team member learn the hard way? In this episode, I tackle one of the most common questions managers face: when to intervene and when to allow a team member to handle the consequences of their decisions. I’ll share a simple framework for assessing when to step in, how to offer guidance without taking over, and how to set your team up for future success. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go while still ensuring your team doesn’t falter,...
Oct 22, 2024•10 min
When we watch sports, we often look at them as entertainment, but have you ever thought about what would happen if you managed your team like a professional sports team? If you want your team to perform at the highest level, it’s time to start thinking like a pro sports coach. In this episode, I break down three key lessons we can take from the sports world to increase performance, results, and team morale in any workplace. Tune in to learn how to pay for top talent, fully utilize your team’s st...
Oct 15, 2024•14 min
