Managing Made Simple

By Lia GarvinBusiness Management

Managing Made Simple episodes

February 18, 2025 How the ”Let Them Theory” helps you be a better manager
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.
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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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
12 min
February 11, 2025 How to combat resistance to working in the office
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 office, yet must support company policy, which can hinder team accountability.
04:46 Optimize in-person work by planning meetings, utilizing resources, and offering flexible hours to ease commutes.
06:09 Align policies and communication among teams to reduce transition stress and enhance collaboration, accommodating necessary exceptions.
09:55 Eager to assist, stay authentic, and facilitate team transitions.

--

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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
11 min
February 04, 2025 Holding a high standard without micromanaging
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 your team for enhanced service delivery.
06:39 Co-create and agree on norms with your team to set expectations and easily provide feedback without micromanaging.

--

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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
8 min
January 27, 2025 The New Manager Playbook BOOK LAUNCH!
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 why this book is so needed.
[2:23] The challenges managers face and the inspiration behind the book.
[4:10] How this book is different: practical, actionable, and real.
[6:45] Why this book matters at any stage of your career.
📚 Get your copy of The New Manager Playbook today! Available on Amazon: https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/
Need help managing your team? Email me at [email protected].
--

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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
12 min
January 21, 2025 Leading a team outside your area of expertise
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 effectively lead a team outside your area of expertise, including how to acknowledge your limitations without diminishing your value, how to leverage your strengths, and how to be a connector who gets your team the support they need. Plus, I'll share a personal story about the time I had to manage an engineer (with zero engineering background!) and what I learned from that experience.
🎙️ Key Takeaways:
[0:00] Intro: The challenge of managing outside your expertise.
[1:17] The common mistake managers make in this situation.
[3:25] How to lead with humility and credibility.
[6:05] A personal story of managing an engineer as a program manager.
[9:45] Final tips for building trust and confidence as a leader.
📚 Book Launch: The New Manager Playbook
Launching January 27th, 2025! Join the launch notification list for exclusive bonuses and updates: Click here to join.
Need help managing your team? Email me at [email protected].

--

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 ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.
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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
12 min
January 14, 20253 ways to stop turnover on your team
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 how to empower your team by letting go of control.
Telling instead of asking: Build trust and accountability through thoughtful questions.
Criticizing instead of recognizing: Discover why frequent appreciation leads to stronger, more confident teams.
These small shifts can make a big difference in how your team sees you—and how they show up every day.
Key takeaways from this episode:
[0:00] Intro: Why people leave managers, not jobs
[1:30] Doing instead of delegating: How to let go and empower your team
[4:50] Telling instead of asking: The art of coaching and thoughtful questions
[7:20] Criticizing instead of recognizing: Why appreciation is essential for growth
📚 Ready to become the manager your team deserves? The New Manager Playbook launches January 27th. Join the list for updates and bonuses: liagarvin.com/newbook.
--

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 ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.
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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
12 min
January 09, 2025Reducing the pressure cooker of being a manager
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 and makes managing easier.
Key Takeaways with Timestamps:
(00:01) Why middle management feels like a pressure cooker.
(01:36) A simple strategy to align expectations from all sides.
(04:47) How setting intentions can transform team dynamics.
📚 The New Manager Playbook launches January 27th, 2025! Join the launch list for exclusive bonuses.
--

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 ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.
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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
8 min
January 07, 2025 Quick tips to boost productivity as a manager
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 reduce task overload
📚 Ready to manage with more confidence? My book, The New Manager Playbook, launches January 27th. Get exclusive updates and bonuses: https://www.liagarvin.com/new-manager-playbook/

--

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 ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.
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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
13 min
January 02, 2025 158: Inside The New Manager Playbook - How to delegate and get your time back
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 exclusive bonuses—Click here to sign up.
Need help managing your team? Email me at [email protected]

--

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 ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.
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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
7 min
December 31, 2024 A simple framework to help your team stay motivated
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] Why team members lose sight of current responsibilities.
[2:30] How building trust keeps your team motivated.
[4:45] A simple approach to balancing growth and current work.
[7:00] A real-world example: Helping a project manager find the right balance.
[9:17] Final thoughts on having open career conversations.
📚 The New Manager Playbook launches January 27th, 2025! Join the launch list for exclusive bonuses.

--

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 ease and confidence launches on January 27th and I could not be more excited to share it with you.

Head to liagarvin.com/newbook for exclusive updates and bonuses related to launch.
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
--
© 2026 Lia Garvin / Managing Made Simple
11 min

About Managing Made Simple

From the publisher's feed

Managing Made Simple is a weekly leadership and management podcast for people managers, business owners, and founders who want to lead high-performing teams without falling back into the work themselves.