The Made Leader

What if the biggest performance management mistake isn't failing to document but failing to ask the right questions? When layoffs are disguised as performance reviews and employees are blindsided by "underperformance" labels, effective performance management practices have clearly gotten off-track.

In this episode, Kamaria Scott and Jen Arnold tackle one of leadership's toughest challenges: managing underperformance fairly and effectively.

In this honest conversation, we dig into the real friction points that prevent managers from addressing performance issues head-on. From budget constraints that make firing impossible to the energy drain of managing inconsistent performers, we share practical frameworks for diagnosing what's really happening when someone isn't meeting expectations.

Whether you're dealing with a misfit situation or someone who just needs better support, this conversation gives you practical tools for handling performance challenges with both clarity and compassion.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For full show notes, visit www.growthsignals.co

Connect with Kamaria Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamariascott/

Connect with Jen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

Think your boss is just having a bad day? There's a big difference between a difficult manager and a truly toxic one—and knowing which you're dealing with could save your career and your health.

In this episode from the archives, leadership expert Mary Abbajay breaks down the real difference between bad bosses and toxic ones, plus the surprising traps that keep people stuck in harmful work situations longer than they should be.

Mary reveals why people actually stay longer with toxic bosses (hint: it's not what you think), the serious health impacts of working in toxic environments, and most importantly, how to get out without torching your professional reputation.

You'll discover the five major traps that keep smart people stuck, why trying to "fix" a toxic boss almost never works, and the exact steps to take when you're ready to make your escape—including what to say (and not say) in interviews and exit conversations.

If you've ever wondered whether your work situation is just challenging or actually damaging, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to make the right call for your career and well-being.

Have suggestions for future guests?

Let us know at https://growthsignals.co/contact/ or contact Jen through LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

Here's the leadership truth nobody talks about: you don't have to like everyone on your team. But you do have to lead them.

Karen Suchsland joins Jen to tackle the taboo topic of managing team members you don't click with. From unconscious avoidance behaviors to the crucial difference between liking and respecting, this conversation gives you practical strategies for leading effectively even when personal chemistry is lacking.

You'll discover why personality differences often mask performance issues, how to set boundaries without damaging relationships, and the simple inventory exercise that reveals if you're unconsciously playing favorites.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Connect with Jen:

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

• Website: https://growthsignals.co/

Connect with Karen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-suchsland/

What happens when the leadership style that made you successful in your last role just doesn't click with your new organization? In this monthly coaching episode, host, Jen Arnold and leadership coach Julie Binter tackle what to do when your leadership style clashes with your organization's culture.

You'll discover how to ask the right interview questions to avoid mismatches, why your first six months might not tell the whole story, and practical strategies for deciding whether to adapt or move on. Plus, they share why hiring people just like you might backfire when you're already struggling with culture fit.

Whether you're dealing with this challenge now or want to be prepared for your next role, this conversation gives you the tools to navigate organizational fit with confidence.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For full show notes, visit www.growthsignals.co

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 trauma-capable leadership is only for first responders? Think again. Layoffs, organizational changes, and workplace crises require the same leadership skills that help teams thrive in high-stress environments.

Podcast guest, Dr. Gretchen Schmelzer, is a licensed psychologist, executive coach and consultant who has worked for 25 years with the complex issues of trauma, integration, and behavior change across every level of system from individuals.

In this episode, Gretchen breaks down her ARTS framework and shares why good leadership is the best predictor of team resilience. You'll learn how to have difficult conversations without taking on your team's emotions, why empathizing "up" the system matters just as much as supporting your people, and concrete steps to build your trauma-capable leadership skills.

Whether you're managing through a crisis or just want to be better prepared for a future one, this episode gives you practical strategies you can use starting tomorrow.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Think being a manager today is just about getting work done? Think again. In this LinkedIn Live conversation, Kamaria and I break down how the manager role has exploded into counselor, coach, strategist, and enforcer – often without any training or support.

We get real about why managers are caught in the middle of competing demands, why most people want to become managers for the wrong reasons, and the loneliness that comes with the territory.

Plus, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about why organizations invest in senior leaders but leave front-line managers to figure it out alone.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed on managers today, this conversation will validate your experience and give you perspective on what needs to change.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

What if the secret to a high-performance team isn't working harder as the leader, but getting your team to actually care? Laura Martin, co-founder and CEO of The Glinda Group, shares the foundational steps every leader should take when joining a new team, plus the crucial mistake that taught her when to stop seeking consensus and start making decisions.

You'll discover practical strategies for creating team accountability, establishing norms that stick, and addressing behavioral issues most leaders avoid. Laura explains how to delegate ownership (not just tasks) and why "clear is kind" when building team performance.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit growthsignals.co

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraemartin1/

Connect with Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/

You're already a leader but your career feels stalled. In this episode, Jen Arnold and Karen Suchsland unpack the real reasons you might not be getting promoted. From misaligned roles and unclear visibility to lack of strategic impact, they break down what holds leaders back after they've landed their first role - and how to move forward.

If you're doing the work but not getting ahead, this conversation will help you assess your current state, take meaningful action, and regain control of your leadership growth.

Download the Promotion Troubleshooting Guide referenced in this podcast at: https://bit.ly/MadeLeaderGuide

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

Think hospitality leadership is just about customer service? Think again. In this episode, HR leader Junid Sanchez reveals why hospitality is like boot camp for leadership skills - and what every middle manager can learn from an industry that forces you to think fast, connect authentically, and lead when everything keeps moving.

In this episode, you'll discover why "marinating" on decisions beats rushing to judgment, how one piece of direct feedback transformed Junid's leadership approach, and why sometimes missing out on a promotion is exactly what your career needs.

Plus, hear the ice cream cart story that perfectly captures what happens when leaders have autonomy to show employee appreciation.

Whether you're in hospitality or any other industry, Junid's insights will help you build the kind of leadership presence that makes people actually want to work for you.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Join The Made Leader Community by May 30th at https://bit.ly/MadeLeaderCommunity

Are you and your team ready for AI, or are you still hoping it's just another business fad that will fade away? While executives debate high-level AI strategies, middle managers are caught in the trenches, needing practical approaches that balance real-world implementation with their team's day-to-day responsibilities.

In this episode, AI-HR strategist Theresa Fesinstine cuts through the noise with practical advice on leading teams through the AI revolution. You'll discover how to move beyond just polishing emails, have tough conversations about automation, and implement AI tools your team will actually use.

No technical jargon or unrealistic strategies—just straightforward guidance on balancing people and technology in your leadership approach. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-anxious, you'll walk away with action steps you can start tomorrow.

Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.

For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

Join The Made Leader Community by May 30th at https://bit.ly/MadeLeaderCommunity