In this candid live-stream conversation, Andy chats with content creator and project leader Stuart Taylor, the mind behind the Influential PMO platform and the Stuart Taylor Project YouTube channel. They dig into the difference between influencers and thought leaders, how to choose topics that genuinely help practitioners, and what to do when metrics don’t match the effort. Stuart shares practical strategies for building professional visibility on LinkedIn and YouTube, including how to craft resonant messages, handle trolls, and focus on service over self-promotion.

The discussion also explores Stuart’s experiment asking whether AI could manage a project. Spoiler: AI is a strong team member for first drafts and research, but a weak project manager. They wrap with career advice for today’s shifting job market, including why to think like an internal consultant and how to future-proof your career by learning in public.

If you’re looking for insights on personal branding, creator tactics, and AI’s real role in project work, this episode is for you!

• Regarding AI: "It cannot be the project manager. It's spineless. It is a weakling leader."
• "There is no such thing as a permanent job anymore."
• “Share what you know and people will be drawn to you for what you are sharing.”
• “Learn to make a resonating message. Learn how to share value.”
• “I never did this to become internet famous… What problem do I want to solve? That’s it.”
• “Because you don't understand how the algorithm works. You think your whole network's ignoring you, and in fact, all that's happened is maybe less than 10% of your network has seen the message before the algorithm realized that your message wasn't resonating.”
• “It will be the penny pinching execs who want to save a few dollars, who will take your job, and they'll replace it with a machine that can do 50% of your job for a fraction of your price, and they'll live with the 50% they can't do.”

• 00:00 Start of Live Stream
• 02:13 Thoughts on Influencers and Thought Leaders
• 05:28 Deciding on Video Content
• 07:34 Views and Metrics
• 14:41 The Creative Process and Challenges
• 18:28 Sharing Knowledge and Building a Community
• 18:49 Navigating Social Media: The Good, The Bad, and The Trolls
• 19:18 Handling Criticism and Building Connections
• 24:37 The Role of AI in Project Management
• 29:10 The Future of Work: AI, Automation, and Adaptation
• 36:24 Staying Curious and Embracing Change

You can learn more about Stuart and his work here:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/skt
• Website: InfluentialPMO.com
• YouTube: Stuart Taylor Project

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Content Strategy, Personal Branding, Career Development, LinkedIn, Artificial Intelligence, Communication, Influence, Stakeholder Engagement, Future Of Work, Creator Economy

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes Jeffrey Hull and Margaret Moore, co-authors of The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. Drawing from over 50 years of leadership research and tens of thousands of studies, Jeff and Meg offer an accessible roadmap for leaders who want to grow in meaningful, evidence-based ways. As coaches and leaders at the Institute of Coaching, they distill complex research into nine practical leadership capacities that help you expand your impact while staying grounded.

In this conversation, they unpack what it means to be a conscious leader and why self-awareness is essential. You’ll hear how cultural context affects leadership perceptions, what it takes to be ready to grow, and how to quiet the "ego noise" that can derail your effectiveness. Whether you're managing a team across time zones or parenting in today’s high-pressure environment, the insights from this episode are deeply practical and immediately usable.

If you're looking for insights on how to lead with more clarity, authenticity, and impact, this episode is for you!

• "Leadership isn’t about you as much as it is about your impact on others."
• "Motivation and confidence are twin engines that power real growth."
• "Quieting your ego doesn’t make you less effective. It gives you clarity."
• "Cultural norms can shape how leadership is perceived, but respect always translates."
• "Transformational leadership isn’t about having a vision. It’s about co-creating one."
• "Parenting is leadership. And it’s one of the best places to practice these capacities."
• "The book is a self-coaching tool for everyday leaders who want to grow with intention."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:49 Start of Interview
• 02:00 What From Your Early Life Influenced How You Think About Leadership?
• 08:00 What Types of Leadership Books Make You Shake Your Head?
• 11:08 What Do You Mean by Leadership?
• 17:30 How Do We Know If We're Ready to Grow as Leaders?
• 21:00 How Do Cultural Norms Affect the Practice of These Capacities?
• 25:45 What Does It Mean to Be a Conscious Leader?
• 35:00 What Is a Quiet Ego, and How Do You Quiet Ego Noise?
• 38:30 What Does Transformational Leadership Look Like in Practice?
• 40:30 A Practical Way to Develop This Capacity
• 45:28 What Can Parents Learn From This Book to Lead Better at Home?
• 48:46 End of Interview
• 49:20 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 53:00 Outtakes

You can learn more about Jeff, Meg, and their work at ScienceOfLeadership.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 344 with Peter Bregman about how you can change other people by setting the conditions under which they’re willing to change.
• Episode 416 with Jim Kouzes. He’s been with us four times, each episode exploring research-driven insights on leadership.
• Episode 252 with Marcus Buckingham about the Nine Lies we believe about work and leadership, and what to do about them.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start.

Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year!

I know you want to be a more confident leader–that’s why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It’s 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it’s all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks!

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Self-Awareness, Coaching, Organizational Behavior, Servant Leadership, Team Culture, Feedback, Psychological Safety, Confidence, Change Readiness, Authenticity, Conscious Leadership, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes Mark Reich, a former Toyota leader and current Chief Engineer for Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute. Mark is the author of Managing on Purpose. If you’ve ever tried to improve your team but felt like your strategy was stuck in a slide deck, this conversation is for you.

Mark introduces the idea of hoshin kanri, a lesser-known but critical pillar of Toyota’s management system, and explains how lean thinking is more than just tools--it's a way of developing people and aligning purpose across an organization. You’ll hear why metrics alone won’t get you to strategic clarity, how to escape the trap of firefighting, and why engagement, not just direction, is the key to long-term improvement. He also shares how lean thinking can be applied at home, even with your kids!

If you’re looking for insights on how to align teams, build capability, and lead with greater purpose, this episode is for you!

• "Don't focus on the tool. The tools have to serve a purpose."
• “Catchball is not just a handoff of plans. It’s a conversation about what matters and how we’ll learn together.”
• “Direction without development is just pressure.”
• They’re not called punishment calls. They’re called co-learning calls.
• “If strategy feels like something being done to people, you’ve already lost.”
• “You don’t learn PDCA by attending a training. You learn it by doing it, with guidance, reflection, and coaching.”
• “It’s not just about solving the problem. It’s about who solves it and how they do it.”
• “We had to change how we talked about strategy before we could change how we worked on strategy.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:49 Start of Interview
• 02:01 What early experiences shaped your views on leadership, strategy, or lean?
• 05:28 How do you explain TPS and hoshin kanri as two pillars of Toyota’s system?
• 10:36 What are common mistakes leaders make when trying to improve the business?
• 15:23 Where do you coach people to start when they want better alignment?
• 17:40 What myths or misunderstandings do people have about lean?
• 18:12 Case study example: Turner Construction
• 25:45 What lean tools or concepts should project managers explore more deeply?
• 29:24 Where do you recommend someone begin learning about lean?
• 34:47 How has lean thinking helped at home—and with raising kids?
• 36:09 End of Interview
• 36:36 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 40:53 Outtakes

You can learn more about Mark Reich and his work at the Lean Enterprise Institute at Lean.org.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 438 with Jeff Gothelf. It’s a book about OKRs, which is different from hoshin kanri, but the overall discussion is worth checking out.
• Episode 387 with Atif Rafiq. It’s a book that has a strategic approach to dealing with uncertainty.
• Episode 320 with Greg Githins. It’s more about how to think strategically.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start.

Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year!

I know you want to be a more confident leader–that’s why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It’s 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it’s all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks!

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

Topics: Lean, Toyota Production System, Hoshin Kanri, Strategy, Organizational Alignment, Leadership Development, Continuous Improvement, Team Engagement, Project Management, PDCA, Capability Building, Coaching

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Underground Shadows by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

When you hear the word negotiation, what comes to mind?

A boardroom showdown? A salary discussion?

In this episode, Andy welcomes back Dr. Mike Clayton, author of How to Negotiate: Practical and Proven Skills to Help You Strike Better Deals to unpack the truth about negotiating. Mike brings clarity, wisdom, and practicality to a skill that project managers and frontline leaders use more often than they might realize.

In this conversation, you'll learn why negotiation is not a talent you're born with. Rather, it's a skill you can build. Mike explains how to prepare effectively, how to open conversations the right way, and how to bargain in ways that foster agreement, not conflict. You'll discover surprising examples of everyday negotiations, phrases that help (and hurt) rapport, and even ideas to help your kids become more confident negotiators. If you're looking for insights on how to lead through conversations that matter, this episode is for you!

• “Negotiation is a process of searching for an agreement that satisfies both parties.”
• “You can become a good negotiator the same way you become a good leader: by learning and practicing.”
• “Building agreement on agreement is easier than building agreement on disagreement.”
• "What will you get when you’ve got it? Because that’s the motivator."
• “If we respect each other and follow a process, we can negotiate even in tough situations.”
• “The phrases that are best for building rapport are questions.”
• “Signposting the junction means alerting our counterparty that we think we’re coming to the point where we need to stop.”
• “Your credibility is currency. Character and trust are foundational in negotiation.”
• “Almost every conversation where two people want different things is a negotiation.”
• “It's okay to negotiate. It's okay to walk away. And it's okay to not always win.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:50 Start of Interview
• 01:04 Understanding Negotiation as a Skill
• 02:01 Common Myths About Negotiation
• 05:39 The Process of Negotiation
• 12:31 Preparing for a Negotiation
• 16:12 Opening a Negotiation
• 23:05 Introduction to Feedback and Negotiation
• 23:43 Breaking Down Feedback
• 24:42 The Yes Mindset in Negotiation
• 25:56 Building Rapport in Negotiation
• 27:40 The Light and Dark Sides of Language
• 29:08 Signposting the Junction in Negotiation
• 31:47 Establishing Character in Negotiation
• 34:21 Teaching Kids to Negotiate
• 38:34 End of Interview
• 39:01 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 42:09 Outtakes

You can find Mike’s content and negotiation advice at his YouTube channel: OnlinePMCourses.

For more learning on negotiation, check out these episodes:

• Episode 444 with Rick Czaplewski, who provides negotiating secrets for project managers
• Episode 412 with Scott Walker, who provides insights from a former hostage negotiator
• Episode 148 with Dan Shapiro: High-stakes negotiation from a Harvard expert

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Negotiation, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Project Management, Influence, Rapport Building, Conflict Resolution, Trust, Team Collaboration, Process Thinking, Parenting

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes Jon Harper, author of Rebuild! Don't Repair: Why Fixing Things Doesn't Fix Things in Life. Jon shares from his personal and professional journey about the courage it takes to stop settling for temporary fixes and instead do the deeper, more intentional work of rebuilding. Drawing on lessons from his leadership experience and faith-based insights, Jon invites listeners to consider how our beliefs, habits, and leadership defaults often stem from foundations we didn’t consciously choose.

The conversation covers when to rebuild rather than repair, how to evaluate the people around us during transformation, and why awkwardness is often a sign of real change. Jon shares stories about quitting alcohol as a coping mechanism and the daily habits that keep him focused and grounded. He also offers a practical approach to helping children process their day—something leaders can adapt for teams, too.

If you're leading a team, a project, or a personal transition and want to build something stronger and more lasting, this episode is for you!

• “We had duct tape where we should lay new concrete.”
• “People who are part of the solution are those willing to say, 'I am the problem and I can be the solution.'”
• “None of us really experiences life. We experience the life we focus on.”
• “Actions tell them who we are. Words tell them who we want to be.”
• “If you are asking for big things in your life, a lot of success is being able to deal with bigger amounts of stress in a better way.”
• “Our parents weren’t making conscious, informed, well-rounded, intentional decisions to shape us the way we are. They just did the best with what they had.”
• “My main goal in life is to be respected the most by those who know me the most.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:03 Start of Interview
• 02:12 Why Duct Tape Solutions are so Tempting
• 04:23 Rebuilding Is Messy
• 06:17 Are People the Problem or the Solution?
• 09:18 You Have to Own It
• 10:26 Foundations and Their Impact on Leadership
• 15:10 Personal Stories of Rebuilding
• 18:07 Daily Habits and Their Long-term Impact
• 20:35 The Importance of the Journey Over the Destination
• 22:44 The Illusion of the Finish Line
• 24:29 The Importance of Associations
• 27:54 Actions Speak Louder Than Words
• 31:30 Parenting Insights from the Book
• 36:54 End of Interview
• 37:28 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 40:08 Outtakes

You can learn more about Jon and his work at JonHarper.co.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start.

Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year!

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Self-Development, Change Management, Team Dynamics, Habits, Identity, Ownership, Resilience, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Parenting, Workplace Culture

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy talks with leadership coach Phil Wilson, author of The Leader-Shift Playbook: 4 Simple Changes to Score Big and Unleash Your Team's Potential. Phil shares his own “Mount Stupid” moment, when he realized the biggest obstacle to his team’s success was actually himself, and how that wake-up call led to powerful changes in his leadership approach.

The conversation dives into the four core shifts from his book, covering topics like the power of belief (in yourself and others), and how seemingly small habits shape team culture. Phil and Andy explore how frontline leaders can create real momentum by changing how they show up, how they relate to their team, and how they view their role as a leader. You’ll also hear practical ways to build trust on remote teams and foster relationships that drive performance.

If you’re looking for insights on culture, trust, feedback, and practical leadership growth, this episode is for you!

• “There are no neutral interactions. You’re either growing the culture or you’re hurting the culture.”
• “The solution wasn’t a Chief of Staff. What I needed was to be a better leader.”
• “Self-doubt isn’t humility. It’s fear dressed up as honesty.”
• "Beliefs drive behavior."
• “The belief you have about your team—whether they’re heroes or villains—changes everything.”
• “You don't have the luxury of assuming anything other than the best about your people.”
• “Leadership actually happens in the conversations you’re willing to have.”
• "Best and Best: Each person shares the best thing going on in their personal life, and the best thing going on in their work life."
• "The Three Happys: Three things from the day before that made you happy."
• “If you had a product you were selling, you’d ask your customers for feedback. As a leader, your team is your customer.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:06 Start of Interview
• 02:16 Phil's Family Influence on Leadership
• 05:15 Mount Stupid Moment: A Leadership Realization
• 09:11 Implementing EOS for Better Leadership
• 11:12 We're Always Making Culture
• 13:47 We Shape a Tone Just By Walking Into a Room: How Does that Work With Virtual Work?
• 16:04 Self-Doubt vs. Humility in Leadership
• 20:30 The Hero Assumption in Leadership
• 24:23 How to Show You Believe In Someone
• 26:54 The Importance of Relationships in Teams
• 29:09 Creating a Positive Team Culture
• 32:07 Applying Leadership Principles at Home
• 35:31 End of Interview
• 36:06 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 40:14 Outtakes

You can learn more about Phil and his work at YourLeaderShift.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 342 with Krister Ungerbock about his book 22 Talk Shifts, exploring how small changes in our words can change our teams.
• Episode 440 with Kelli Thompson about overcoming self-doubt and leading with confidence.
• Episode 468 with James Turk on giving, motivation, and long-term team engagement.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start.

Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year!

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Feedback, Self-Doubt, Culture, Remote Teams, Trust, Communication, Organizational Behavior, Performance, Project Management, Relationship Building, Personal Growth

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

When you're promoted into management, the shift can feel like you're suddenly in charge, but with very little guidance. In this episode, Andy chats with executive coach and author James Turk about his insightful book The Giving Game: A Manager’s Playbook for the First Year of Leadership. James brings decades of experience helping leaders navigate that tricky transition from individual contributor to team leader.

They explore why being a subject-matter expert doesn’t automatically make you an effective leader, and why the first 45 days in a new role are so critical. James shares practical advice for building a strong team climate, coaching instead of controlling, and why clarity is one of the greatest gifts you can offer as a manager. Plus, they discuss what new managers often miss about feedback and delegation (and how to avoid those traps).

Whether you’re newly promoted or preparing to step into a leadership role, this conversation is filled with actionable insights. If you’re looking for real-world advice on how to lead when you’re suddenly in charge, this episode is for you!

• “The number one reason employees don’t do what they’re supposed to do is that they don’t know what it is.”
• “Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about creating the conditions for others to succeed.”
• “Climate is how it feels to work for you, and as a leader, that’s something you have the power to shape every day.”
• “Coaching isn’t fixing the past. It’s investing in someone’s future performance.”
• “Most people, when they’re promoted, don’t have the skills, and they’re afraid to admit it.”
• “If I want people to do the work, they need to know what’s expected of them.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:57 Start of Interview
• 02:06 What early experiences shaped how you think about leadership?
• 05:30 Why call it 'The Giving Game'?
• 08:39 What would you coach me to do differently in my first 45 days as a new manager?
• 11:01 Why focus on climate instead of culture?
• 15:57 How do we shift teams from renter mode to ownership?
• 20:18 Why do so many managers think we're being clear?
• 21:42 How can leaders delegate in a way that builds ownership?
• 22:47 When did you make a delegation mistake because of lack of clarity?
• 25:25 What's an example of feedback that changed your career?
• 27:59 What do you think about the 'feedback sandwich' technique?
• 29:44 How can these ideas help parents at home?
• 32:10 End of Interview
• 32:31 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 36:15 Outtakes

You can learn more about James Turk and his work at TheTurkGroup.com/TheGivingGameBook.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 466 with Sabina Nawaz. Sabina was the executive coach for Bill Gates and other Microsoft leaders and wrote a book that would be an excellent follow-up to this one.
• Episode 455 with Janet Polach. It’s a great follow-on to what we talked with James here today.
• Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about his book The Leap to Leader.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start.

Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year!

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, First-Time Managers, Team Climate, Feedback, Coaching, Clarity, Delegation, Emotional Intelligence, Ownership, Communication, People Management, Personal Development, Project Management, Career Development

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy talks with Sabina Nawaz, global CEO coach and former Microsoft executive, about her new book You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need. With authenticity and insight, Sabina shares what no one tells you about stepping into management, from the strange emptiness that can follow a promotion to how pressure can quietly bring out the worst in us.

They discuss why even successful leaders can feel like imposters, how power and pressure distort our perceptions, and what it means to be an “innocent saboteur.” Sabina also offers practical advice, such as developing your “shut up muscle,” asking better questions, and making small habit changes that stick. The conversation covers everything from leadership in the workplace to parenting, making this one of those rare episodes with takeaways for every area of life.

If you're looking for insights on how to grow as a leader without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you!

• “It’s not power that corrupts. It’s pressure that corrupts.”
• “If nobody’s giving you the full truth, what are the ways you might be going off track?”
• “When you're under pressure, do nothing. That’s counterintuitive but that’s where insight lives.”
• “The more righteous you feel, the more you need to consider alternative stories.”
• “Use 'Say more' when you're curious—and especially when you're judgmental.”
• “The only way to overachieve is to underachieve—start with micro habits.”
• “You’re not the only one with imposter syndrome—CEOs have it too.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:15 Start of Interview
• 02:24 “Can you think of anything from your family culture or experiences growing up that may have influenced how you think about leadership?”
• 05:08 “You describe getting promoted as a strange emptiness—what were the signs it came with unexpected costs?”
• 07:17 “Do you see imposter syndrome even in top-level leaders you coach?”
• 08:21 “How does embracing the complexity of leadership change how we view our own leaders?”
• 10:04 “How do we unknowingly sabotage ourselves as leaders?”
• 12:09 “What are some of the signs that you're veering off track as a boss?”
• 13:10 “What specific things do you personally do to manage pressure situations so you don’t become a monster?”
• 17:13 “You say, ‘stay small longer than you think you need to.' What does that mean and how do you apply it?”
• 21:07 “What is a singular story and how do we rescue ourselves from believing them?”
• 26:20 “What’s the ‘shut up muscle’ and how do you develop it?”
• 29:02 “Can you think of ideas from the book that apply to parenting as well?”
• 31:44 End of Interview
• 32:09 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 37:40 Outtakes

You can learn more about Sabina and her work at SabinaNawaz.com/book.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 455 with Janet Polach. It’s a great follow-on to what we talked with Sabina here today.
• Episode 456 with Kevin Eikenberry. Leading at the next level up comes with a lot of ambiguity that can shake our confidence. Kevin hits that topic head on—I think you’ll get value out of it.
• Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about his book The Leap to Leader.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start.

Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year!

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Management, Power Dynamics, Self-Awareness, Feedback, Emotional Intelligence, Coaching, Communication, Organizational Culture, Habits, Imposter Syndrome, Pressure, Stress

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes back leadership coach Josefine Campbell to discuss her newest book, 12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader. If you’ve ever had a boss who seemed unpredictable, emotionally draining, or even manipulative, this conversation offers tools and insights that can help.

Josefine shares the inspiration behind the book, which is based on the story of a coaching client who successfully navigated a toxic leadership environment. You’ll learn how to identify the early signals of stress in yourself and your team, apply tools like the Stress Staircase and the Three Relationship Circles, and recognize behaviors like “praise with a twist.” Most importantly, Josefine emphasizes the critical turning point: recognizing that while you can’t change a selfish leader, you can change how you manage yourself to better navigate the relationship.

If you’re looking for insights on how to manage up, preserve your well-being, and lead yourself through challenging leadership dynamics, this episode is for you!

• “To qualify as a selfish leader, the way I use the term: it's someone who puts their own interests before the interests of the common good of the company, of the team, and of the people.”
• “Your breath is the only vital response you can control. It's your way back to calm in the moment.”
• “Over-responsibility is a shadow trait of high achievers. When you are highly responsible, it has a dark side. It makes it difficult for you to let go.”
• “I cannot change him. I can somehow manage him, but it is about how I manage myself to manage him.”
• “The turning point comes when you stop trying to change them and start managing yourself.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:07 Start of Interview
• 02:20 Why This Book? What Sparked the Idea?
• 06:00 What Is—and Isn’t—a Selfish Leader?
• 08:40 Subtle Early Warning Signs of Stress
• 10:09 The Stress Staircase: What It Is and How to Use It
• 13:00 From a Hijacked Mental State to Being Ready
• 16:49 Techniques: Rewriting History and Praise With a Twist
• 23:35 Over-Responsibility and High Achievers
• 26:20 The Three Relationship Circles
• 29:04 Managing Yourself to Manage Them
• 32:36 Stay or Go? Coaching Through That Crossroads
• 35:01 End of Interview
• 35:36 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 39:03 Outtakes

You can learn more about Josefine and her book at josefinecampbell.com/books.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 395, our first conversation with Josefine about leading through complexity.
• Episode 317 with Mary Abbajay about managing up and succeeding with any boss.
• Episode 422 with Bruce Tulgan on how to manage your boss.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start.

Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year!

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Managing Up, Emotional Intelligence, Coaching, Stress Management, Toxic Leadership, Conflict Navigation, Workplace Psychology, Self-Leadership, Empathy, Team Dynamics

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes back networking expert and keynote speaker Kari Mirabal, author of You Already Have the No. Kari shares practical strategies for building authentic relationships that can help you not only survive but thrive during career transitions.

They explore the challenges of networking when you're early in your career, in between jobs, or worried about losing the one you have. Kari unpacks how to make the most of platforms like LinkedIn, how to overcome fear and rejection, and the value of making the ask—even if you think the answer will be “no.” She also shares a powerful reframe tool (LTR: Lie, Truth, Reframe) to help you move past limiting beliefs.

Whether you're navigating a job change, building your personal brand, or trying to future-proof your career, Kari’s approachable, energizing advice is just what you need. If you’re looking for insights on how to build relationships that open doors, this episode is for you!

• “You already have the no before you ask. So what do you have to lose? Nothing.”
• "Sales is not synonymous with networking, but service is."
• "Sometimes it wasn’t the person who was most qualified that got the job. It was the person who marketed themself the best."
• "Be a stalker, liker, commenter, poster."
• “Don’t wait until you need a network to start building one. Build the well before you’re thirsty.”
• “Asking is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.”
• “Confidence is a skill. The more you practice, the stronger it gets.”
• “LinkedIn changed my life, and it can change yours too.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:04 Start of Interview
• 02:14 Were You Always a Natural Networker?
• 04:34 Is LinkedIn Still Worth It? Tips for Beginners
• 08:08 How to Make the Ask, Even if You're New
• 13:02 How Kari’s Son Landed an Internship Through Networking
• 17:21 Advice for Making a Career or Industry Transition
• 25:00 What to Do If You’re Worried About Job Security
• 27:20 Why We Let Fear Hold Us Back and How to Reframe It
• 32:40 The Role of AI in Relationship Building and Job Seeking
• 34:40 What Parents Can Do to Help Their Kids Network Confidently
• 38:16 End of Interview
• 38:39 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 42:51 Outtakes

You can learn more about Kari and her work at KariMirabal.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 285 for my earlier conversation with Kari.
• Episode 318 with John Stepper. It’s a great follow up to today’s discussion on how to build new connections and a better career.
• Episode 356 with Eric Barker. Eric and I talked about why everything we know about relationships is mostly wrong.

If you or someone you know is considering getting PMP certified, we put together a super helpful guide called The Five Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification. We'd love to help you too.

It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Networking, Career Development, Job Search, LinkedIn Strategy, Relationship Building, Influence, Confidence, Career Transition, Professional Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Branding, Fear of Rejection, Leadership

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license