In this episode of BizBlend podcast, host Sana dives deep with transformation consultant Simon Copsey to unpack one of the most overlooked transitions in business: stepping into a managerial role for the first time. Simon draws from personal experiences as a developer-turned-leader and offers real-world strategies for navigating uncertainty, avoiding burnout, handling conflicts, and shifting from "impact addition" to "impact multiplication." Together, they explore how new managers can build confidence, foster collaboration, and create conditions for their teams to thrive in today’s fast-paced workplace. This conversation is packed with actionable insights that resonate whether you're a first-time manager or supporting those making the leap.

Simon Copsey is a transformation consultant with a background in software development and leadership. He helps organizations and managers untangle the human side of tech delivery, focusing on systems thinking, team dynamics, and organizational performance. Simon shares candid stories from his own leadership journey and consults with companies to improve collaboration and performance at scale.

First-time managers often struggle with uncertainty, performance expectations, and balancing personal contributions with team leadership.

Leadership requires a mindset shift: from doing the work yourself to creating conditions for others to succeed.

Common mistakes include over-relying on past technical skills, micromanaging, or trying to "add impact" rather than multiply it.

Conflict resolution is easier when managers reframe disagreements as “you and me versus the problem,” fostering collaboration and shared goals.

Burnout prevention starts with identifying root causes instead of reacting to surface-level issues. Managers should focus on the organization's key bottlenecks rather than spreading themselves too thin.

Emotional resilience, clear communication, and seeking mentorship early can make the first 6 months as a manager more effective and less overwhelming.

Website: https://curiouscoffee.club/ – includes free resources and Simon's articles

LinkedIn: Simon Copsey

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