Feeling awkward or unsure about managing friends or former teammates?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out the hard way. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin breaks down one of the toughest leadership transitions—going from peer to boss—and shares real stories, hard lessons, and actionable strategies to help you lead with confidence, authority, and empathy.

Whether you're a first-time manager, newly promoted, or coaching others through this tricky leadership shift, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
✅ Why managing a former peer or friend is harder than it seems
✅ The 3 BIGGEST mistakes new managers make (and how to avoid them)
✅ How to set boundaries and expectations without damaging relationships
✅ Why downplaying your promotion hurts you—and your team
✅ The exact conversation to have when roles shift from peer to manager
✅ How to reset the working dynamic while building trust and buy-in

If you’ve recently been promoted or are preparing to take the next step in your career, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to thrive as a new manager.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes of The New Manager Playbook with Lia Garvin

📤 Share this episode with a colleague who's stepping into leadership!

📘 Grab the Book:

Lia’s The New Manager Playbook is packed with practical tools, mindset shifts, and scripts to help you lead with confidence from Day One.

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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/

Download my FREE guide to making hard conversations with your team easier at liagarvin.com/convo

Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

I transform teams from cost centers to profit centers with practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing EASIER.

Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
Contact: liagarvin.com/contact
Email: [email protected]

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lia.Garvin

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© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple