Ever find yourself frustrated that your team just isn't "getting it"? You're not alone. 

In this coaching episode, Jen and Julie tackle the invisible barrier that keeps teams underperforming - unclear expectations. Discover why stating something once isn't enough, how to define behaviors that actually get results, and when to stand firm on your non-negotiables.

Jen and Julie share real-world examples of leadership struggles, practical tips for communicating standards without being rigid, and strategies for building a team culture that extends beyond your meetings. 

Whether you're leading seasoned pros or new hires, this conversation delivers bite-sized actions to transform how your team shows up—starting tomorrow morning.

Connect with Julie – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebinter/

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

The future of work demands both technical expertise and human-centered skills that appeal to the five generations in today’s workforce. Podcast guest, Michelle Westfort, Chief Product Officer at InStride, reveals how the smartest organizations are weaving education into their cultural fabric rather than offering it as just another benefit. 

In this episode, Michelle busts the myth that older workers resist learning, sharing what skills they’re actively pursuing and how middle managers can prioritize development regardless of age.

 She offers a way for middle managers to prioritize continuous learning among their team, regardless of generation, and shares how a reverse mentorship programs was a hit with one of their clients.

The business impact is clear: when managers prioritize development, people feel valued, teams perform better, and companies retain their institutional knowledge. Listen in for simple strategies any middle manager can implement tomorrow to start building a team that’s continuously learning.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Michelle – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-westfort/

Website: https://www.instride.com/

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Your boss returns from a conference with the "next big thing." A team member pitches an exciting idea when you're already swamped. Sound familiar? 

In this episode, Dr. Rob Lion reveals why so many leadership ideas crash and burn—and how to know which ones are worth your time.

Rob unpacks why context must come before content in any successful implementation, and offers practical strategies for middle managers caught in the leadership sandwich.

You’ll learn the "Five I" framework that transforms how you introduce new initiatives to your team, and discover the two questions that instantly cut through the noise when your boss drops their latest bright idea on your desk. 

Stop wasting time on initiatives that won't stick and start creating the buy-in that drives real results.

Connect with Rob – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlion/

Website: Black River Performance Management

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Ever wondered how bad leadership experiences transform someone into an exceptional leader? Listen in as tech industry powerhouse Lexi B shares her journey from being powerless to becoming the protective leader she never had. 

Discover why she believes leadership requires militant service and protection, how she builds genuine connections in remote environments, and why she values "home training" above technical skills. 

Lexi reveals the career advice that took her years to appreciate: "titles make short-term money, but knowledge makes long-term money."

Whether you're managing a team or aspiring to lead, this conversation offers practical wisdom on creating safe spaces where people can be honest about their needs, navigating tech workplaces with emotional intelligence, and why the best leaders don't need to be the smartest people in the room.

Connect with Lexi – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexib/

Website: https://www.lexib.com/

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Want to lead better meetings? Take our 2-minute assessment & get your free toolkit at https://bit.ly/TeamMeetingCheck

"What do I do if I'm not doing the work anymore?" 

Join Jen and leadership coach Julie Binter as they tackle the identity crisis every new manager faces – moving from player to coach.

Discover how to shift from star player to coach while still finding meaning in your role. Learn practical strategies for taking the 30,000-foot view of your team's purpose, coaching rather than solving problems, and creating systems that work without you (so you can actually take vacation!).

Whether you're feeling lost in your new leadership position or struggling to let go of the hands-on work you excelled at, this conversation offers the roadmap you've been looking for to become the leader your team needs.

Connect with Julie – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebinter/

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

As a middle manager, handling workplace conflict might be your biggest daily challenge. But what if the secret isn't about finding one approach to conflict, but adapting to different conflict styles?

Dr. John Eliot, who's advised NASA and Fortune 500 companies, reveals why some of your team members clash despite their best intentions—and what you can actually do about it. 

Learn how to spot the five conflict styles, when to step in (and when not to), and how to adapt your approach whether you're dealing with your direct reports or senior leadership. Get practical tools for turning workplace tension into productive relationships, including a game-changing technique for handling emotional emails.

What if the key to team harmony isn't avoiding conflict but instead understanding how to navigate it effectively?

Connect with Guest – 

Book: How to Get Along with Anyone

Website: theconflictdocs.com

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Feel like your every move is under a microscope? You're not imagining it. 

Leadership comes with a spotlight, and executive coach Sabina Nawaz reveals how to handle it effectively. 

Drawing from 12,000 pages of real feedback about bosses, Sabina shares the hidden power traps that can derail even the best leaders. You'll learn why trying to be "just one of the team" might be your biggest mistake, how to use the "delegation dial" for better results, and what to do when your team starts treating you differently. 

Whether you're struggling with team dynamics or wanting to level up your leadership game, this episode gives you practical tools to step confidently into your power – without losing yourself in the process.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Sabina – 

Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Looking to boost team engagement but tired of the same old recognition tactics? Discover why status - not titles or corner offices - might be your most powerful motivational tool. 

Behavioral Scientist Jordan Birnbaum reveals how status is really about belonging and future value, not hierarchy. Learn practical ways to position your team members for success, including the simple yet powerful phrase that transforms ordinary recognition into status-building moments. 

Plus, explore an innovative solution for overwhelmed middle managers that could help organizations rethink leadership roles. 

Whether you're struggling with team motivation or simply want to enhance your leadership toolkit, this episode offers fresh insights and tomorrow-ready action items to help you create lasting engagement through the often misunderstood power of status.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Learn more about Jordan – 

The Glinda Group: www.glindagroup.com

Psychology Today articles: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-uncertainty-principal

Connect with Jen - 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Feel pressured to talk more in meetings to advance your career? 

In this monthly coaching episode, Jen and guest coach, Julie Binter, tackle a common leadership challenge: how to maintain presence in meetings when you're naturally more reserved. We explore the case of a successful senior manager who's concerned that her thoughtful, processing style might be limiting her leadership presence compared to more vocal colleagues.

This episode offers valuable strategies for leaders wrestling with similar challenges in their organizations. Whether you're questioning your meeting presence or looking to advance, this episode provides practical strategies for making meaningful contributions.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Julie – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebinter/

Website: https://www.clearthewaycoach.com/

Connect with Jen- 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Think disagreement is bad for business? 

Think again. Inclusion expert Justin Gomez reveals how constructive dissension can be your secret weapon for innovation and better decision-making. 

Learn practical ways to encourage healthy disagreement, create psychological safety, and get the honest feedback your team needs to succeed. 

Stop waiting for anonymous surveys – start building a culture where different perspectives drive results.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Justin – 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justintgomez/ 

Website: KolchaCollaborative.com

Connect with Jen - 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ 

Website: https://growthsignals.co/