Leadership in Real Life - Raw Stories of Leading and Learning for the Everyday Manager

Work makes us weird — and I think that’s actually okay.

Ever feel like your workplace brings out your inner chaos? You're not alone, and surprisingly, it’s totally human.

Drop a 💡 if you've ever overthought a simple Slack message or second-guessed your tone in an email.

Most of us carry personal baggage into work — stressed, tired, overwhelmed — and it affects how we show up. Your emotional state influences your team more than you think.

Acknowledging your feelings and giving yourself a "do-over" can transform your leadership — and your own peace of mind.

Remember, showing vulnerability is powerful, not weak.What’s one small way you can be kinder to yourself today?

*P.S. We’re all just imperfect humans trying our best. Let’s give ourselves grace.*

#EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipTips #WorkplaceWellness #SelfGrowth #MentalHealthMatters

Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the common misconception among new managers that they are helping their teams by doing the work for them. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear roles and responsibilities, the dangers of enabling learned helplessness, and the need for leaders to empower their teams rather than rescue them. The discussion covers strategies for effective leadership, including clarifying ownership, coaching, and creating systems that promote accountability and productivity.

Need help managing a team more effectively? Go to: https://authenticfoundations.podia.com

Use code PODCAST10 for 10% any coaching or courses.

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the significance of one-on-one meetings between managers and employees.

She emphasizes the need for regular, structured meetings to build trust, provide feedback, and support employee development.

Erika shares best practices for conducting effective one-on-ones, including setting a recurring schedule, documenting conversations, and balancing constructive and positive feedback. She also highlights the importance of understanding individual employee needs and the role of one-on-ones in the annual review process.

Need help with your 1:1s or any other management tasks? Go to https://authenticfoundations.podia.com

Use code: PODCAST10 to get 10% off any courses or coaching

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the concept of reverse shadowing and its significance for leaders.

She emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their team's day-to-day challenges and dynamics, advocating for a more engaged and empathetic leadership style.

By spending time with team members and asking the right questions, leaders can build trust, improve communication, and effectively advocate for their team's needs, ultimately fostering a positive workplace culture.

https://authenticfoundations.podia.com

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the critical role of accountability in leadership, using personal anecdotes and professional insights to illustrate how leaders must take ownership of their team's performance.

She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and standards, both in personal situations, like dog training, and in professional environments.

The discussion highlights the need for leaders to reflect on their own actions and the culture they create, ultimately recognizing that what they tolerate in behavior can perpetuate issues within their teams.

In this episode, Erika Taylor-Beck discusses the challenging process of terminating an employee, offering guidance on how to handle it professionally and empathetically.

She emphasizes the importance of documentation, clear communication, and maintaining objectivity during the termination process.

• Terminating an employee is a challenging but necessary part of management.
• Documentation and feedback are crucial before considering termination.
• A performance improvement plan (PIP) can help address issues before termination.
• Clear communication and setting expectations are key to managing performance.
• Emotions should be managed during the termination process.
• HR involvement is important to ensure a fair and legal process.
• Termination should be based on documented facts, not emotions.
• A structured process helps protect against legal issues.
• Support and coaching can aid in handling difficult conversations.
• Practicing termination conversations can help managers prepare.

#termination, #employeemanagement, #performance #firing #PIP #improvement, #HR, #documentation

RESOURCES

• https://authenticfoundations.podia.com

• https://authenticfoundations.podia.com/performance-management

• https://authenticfoundations.podia.com/5-crucial-conversations-managers-need-to-have

Join Erika Taylor-Beck as she welcomes Andrea Liebross, founder of Andrea Liebross Coaching, author, and host of the podcast, "She Thinks Big," to discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

Andrea emphasizes the significance of big thinking, embracing uncertainty, and taking massive action to achieve success.

The conversation highlights the need for investment in personal development and the value of having a supportive network.

She shares practical advice for entrepreneurs, encouraging them to focus on their vision and take bold steps towards their goals.

Discover how to navigate the "messy middle" of business growth and learn practical tips for scaling with intention.

Key Takeaways:

• The significance of mindset in achieving success.
• Success is 80% mindset, 20% systems
• Differentiating between passive and massive action.
• Embracing uncertainty and the unknown in business.
• The role of secure support in personal and professional growth.
• Andrea's TRUST framework for big thinking.
• The difference in a "To-Do" list and a "To Believe" list

Resources:

• https://andreaslinks.com
• The "2-minute Audit": https://andrealiebross.com/audit
• Andrea's book and podcast: "She Thinks Big"

In this episode of Leadership in Real Life, host Erika Taylor-Beck sits down with career coach Chelsey Kramer for an honest and insightful conversation about burnout—what it looks like, why it happens, and how to move through it.

Chelsey shares her personal journey from high-achieving professional to burned-out and disconnected, and how that led her to rediscover the power of authenticity and boundaries.

Together, they explore the subtle signs of burnout, the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace, and practical tools for protecting your energy while staying true to your values.

Whether you're navigating a career transition or simply feeling stretched too thin, this episode offers real talk and real strategies for staying well—and leading well.

Connect with Chelsey:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseykramer/

• FREE Career Realignment Guide!: www.chelseykramer.com/freebie

• IG and Threads: @chelseykramercoaching
• https://www.chelseykramer.com/

Connect with Erika:

• https://Authenticfoundations.podia.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-r-taylor-beck
• IG and Threads: @authentic.foundations

Use code PODCAST10 to get 10% off any service or course on Erika's site.

Keywords:

burnout, career coaching, work-life balance, boundaries, mental health, self-care, achievement, authenticity, personal growth, coaching

What do the most trusted and effective leaders have in common? They walk their talk. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked but powerful leadership principle of leading by example—and why it's more important now than ever.

You'll learn:

• What “leading by example” really means in today’s work culture

• Key areas where leaders must set the tone—accountability, communication, boundaries, and more

• The hidden cost of not practicing what you preach

• Real-world stats on trust, engagement, and leadership influence

• Simple, actionable ways to model the values and behaviors you want to see in your team

Whether you're a manager, founder, or someone stepping into leadership for the first time, this episode will give you the clarity and courage to lead from a place of alignment.

Key Takeaways:

• 83% of employees say their leader’s behavior directly impacts engagement (Gallup)

• Trust is built when leaders do what they say

• Modeling boundaries and self-awareness is just as important as modeling productivity

• Even one small example can shift a team's culture

authenticfoundations.podia.com

Use Podcast10 to get 10% off any purchase from my site.

In this conversation, Erika Taylor-Beck and Hillary Emer discuss the nuances of management and leadership, emphasizing the importance of feedback, understanding individual motivations, and the dynamics of one-on-one meetings.

They explore the challenges new managers face, the significance of documentation, and the balance between employee development and business needs.

The discussion also touches on the fear of not being liked as a manager and the importance of advocating for team members.

In this conversation, Hillary Emer and Erika Taylor-Beck discuss the complexities of management, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, the challenges of navigating difficult conversations, and the balance between advocating for oneself and one's team.

They explore the emotional aspects of management, the necessity of being comfortable with discomfort, and the unique challenges faced by entry-level managers.

The discussion highlights the significance of therapy and self-understanding in overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and fostering authentic leadership.

Connect with Hillary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryemer/

Keywords: management, leadership, feedback, employee development, one-on-ones, motivation, consulting, project management, team dynamics, performance reviews, self-understanding, therapy, management challenges, uncomfortable conversations, compensation, employee reactions, entry-level management, advocacy, professionalism