What if your greatest strength as a leader isn’t your expertise but your ability to lead people who are completely different from you?

In today’s diverse workplaces, managers can’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding how to adapt your leadership to different personalities, backgrounds, and working styles is key to building high-performing teams because, let’s be honest, everyone is different from you.

Thankfully, today’s guest brings decades of wisdom on how to do it well, sharing practical strategies for inclusive, effective leadership.

Stephanie Chung is an international bestselling author, strategic innovator, and expert in human capital management with more than 30 years of experience turning challenges into opportunities. 

She shares why understanding privilege isn’t about guilt but about using what you have to serve others, and how her ALLY framework (Ask, Listen, Learn, and Act Yourself) helps leaders embrace curiosity, build stronger relationships, and unlock the power of truly diverse teams.

✨In the extended episode for members, Stephanie goes deeper into the EARN approach and how to create engaged, high-performing, diverse teams.

Become a member of Podcast Plus for extended episodes, guest bonuses, and more at themodernmanager.com/more 

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction: The Uniqueness of Individuals
• (00:35) Meet Stephanie Chung: A Force in Business Growth
• (01:11) Understanding Differences in the Workplace
• (05:22) The Concept of Privilege in Leadership
• (09:25) Leveraging Privilege to Empower Teams
• (19:00) The Power of Curiosity in Leadership
• (21:55) Creating Inclusive and Effective Teams
• (28:51) Conclusion: Embracing Diversity for Success
• (31:12) [Extended Episode Only] Stephanie shares the EARN approach to building teams.

Additional Resources

✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ 

✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ 

✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle 

✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=
✨Read the transcript here

Keep Up With Stephanie Chung
- Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn here
- Follow her on Instagram here
- Like her on Facebook here
- Follow her on TikTok here
- Learn more on her Website here
- Watch her speaker reel on YouTube Shorts:@thestephaniechung
- Subscribe to her Newsletter here

Guest Bonus: 3 Book Giveaway: Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You.
Stephanie is giving away three copies of her book Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. This book is not just about traditional leadership; it's about revolutionizing leadership practices to be more effective in a rapidly changing corporate world. This issue transcends categories of race, gender, sexual orientation, different abilities, and age - it's a universal concern that affects everyone.

👉To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more 

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Most workplaces are designed with extroverts in mind, with open offices, constant collaboration, and fast-paced discussions. But this often leaves introverts struggling to fully contribute, even though their insights can be some of the most valuable.

Thankfully, today’s guest, Salvatore Manzi, brings clarity and solutions. 

Salvatore is a leadership communications coach and the author of Clear and Compelling. With over 20 years of experience helping leaders amplify their influence, he specializes in equipping teams to communicate more effectively and harness the strengths of both introverts and extroverts.

In this episode, Salvatore shares how to design team practices that give introverts the space they need to thrive, including meeting structures, pre-work, and ways to balance workplace energy. You’ll also learn how to recognize and encourage quiet leadership, so managers of all styles can succeed.

In the extended conversation, Salvatore explores how to “break the seal” to engage introverts early, why metaphors can be a powerful communication tool, and additional strategies for fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.

✨Get FREE episode mini-guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

👉http://www.themodernmanager.com/miniguides

Listen to the conversation now!

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (02:44) Introvert vs. Extrovert Behaviors
• (06:46) The Ten Second Rule & Choosing Words Carefully
• (11:01) Why Pre-Work Levels the Playing Field
• (15:16) Managing Workplace Energy and Avoiding Burnout
• (18:23) Remote vs. In-Office Needs for Introverts
• (23:02) Quiet Leadership, Boundaries, and Preparation
• (28:00) Best Boss Ever & Lessons in Leadership
• (28:46) Keep Up with Salvatore.
• (31:12) [Extended Episode Only] Breaking the Seal: Engaging Introverts Early
• (33:47) [Extended Episode Only] Metaphors Move Minds: The Power of Imagery 

📚 Additional Resources:

✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ 

✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ 

✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle 

✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1

✨Read the transcript here

✨Check out Susan’ Cain’s book on introverts Quiet here

Keep up with Salvatore Manzi

- Connect with Salvatore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/ 

- Get his book: https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb/ 

Guest bonus: 3 Free Consultations

Salvatore is giving away a free consultation to 3 members of Podcast+. This complimentary 75-minute virtual consultation (plus a 30-minute follow-up) is designed to help leaders address a real team challenge, whether it’s navigating feedback, introducing change, preparing a high-stakes presentation, or planning an off-site.

👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more 

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

What if the most important management skill you need today isn’t a tool or strategy? But the ability to read and respond to the people around you? 

In a world shaped by AI and constant disruption, emotional intelligence has become the competitive edge for leaders and managers.

Thankfully, today’s guest brings practical and research-backed ways to build that edge. 

Jamelle Lindo is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence specialist who has helped thousands of leaders increase their effectiveness through a proven emotional empowerment process.

In this episode, Jamelle explains what emotional intelligence really is, why it matters more than ever, and which EQ skills (empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, and stress tolerance) drive results in leadership. He shares concrete tools, from structuring feedback so it lands to using simple reflection practices that build self-awareness, to help you lead with clarity and confidence.

In the extended members-only conversation, Jamelle goes deeper into building self-awareness, using the emotion wheel, balancing empathy and assertiveness, and embedding EQ skills into daily leadership practices.

✨ Podcast Plus members get access to an extended conversation with Jamelle, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week.

Join the conversation now!

Conversation Topics (Subscribers)

• (00:00) Introduction
• (02:20) Why emotional intelligence matters more now
• (04:33) What emotional intelligence is (a practical definition)
• (05:53) Key EQ skills that matter: empathy, assertiveness, self-awareness, stress tolerance
• (09:19) Building assertiveness
• (16:03) Receiving feedback and reframing toward learning
• (24:15) A great manager story: asking, “What does great leadership look like for you?”
• (26:02) Keep up with Jamelle & Closing
• (27:08) [Extended Episode Only] Self-awareness research: internal vs. external self-awareness and why most people miss it
• (33:17) [Extended Episode Only] The emotion wheel and 30-day reflection practice for building awareness
• (35:23) [Extended Episode Only] Balancing assertiveness & empathy through presence 

Additional Resources

✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/ 

✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/ 

✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle 

✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation= 

✨Read the transcript here

Keep up with Jamelle

- Follow Jamelle on LinkedIn here

- learn more on his Website here

- Watch his speaker reel on Vimeo here

Guest bonus: 10% off All Services

1. Emotional Intelligence Assessments & Debriefs

We use scientifically validated EQ assessment reports (such as the EQ-i 2.0®) to identify individual or team emotional intelligence strengths and gaps. The debrief process (60-90 minute virtual debrief session) translates the results of the EQ report into practical, real-world insights and action steps for improved leadership and workplace effectiveness.

2. Executive & Leadership Coaching

Our one-on-one coaching supports leaders in building emotional intelligence skills that drive influence, decision-making, and resilience. Each engagement is customized using our Emotional Empowerment Process™ to ensure measurable behavior change.

4. Keynote Speaking & Thought Leadership

I deliver inspiring, science-based keynotes on emotional intelligence, emotional empowerment, and leadership in the age of AI. Each session is designed to spark awareness and motivate audiences to unlock their full potential.

5. Workshops & Training Programs

Our experiential workshops help participants develop practical EQ skills in areas such as self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. Programs are designed for all organizational levels and are fully customizable to strategic priorities.

👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more 

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if understanding how your brain actually works was the key to unlocking higher performance, better decisions, and more resilient leadership? 

Many leaders focus on strategies and skills without realizing that lasting change starts by rewiring how we think.

Fortunately, this week’s guest brings decades of experience helping leaders do just that. 

Larry Olsen is an expert in performance-driven neurology, a best-selling author, and the founder of Aperneo. He works with organizations to harness the power of neuroscience to shift mindsets, break through limiting beliefs, and create sustainable high performance.

In this episode, Larry explains the crucial difference between the brain and the mind, why predictability can actually work against leadership growth, and how to identify and replace the beliefs that hold you back. You’ll learn about neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to change—and how to apply practical “brain hacks” to transform your thinking and your results.

In the extended episode, Larry dives deeper into applying these insights in everyday leadership, including how to coach teams through change and build a culture of mindset mastery.

Podcast Plus members get access to the extended episode, guest bonuses, and more. Become a member at themodernmanager.com/more and get free mini-episode guides delivered to your inbox each week.

Conversation Topics 

• (00:00) Introduction to the Power of Neuroscience
• (00:19) Meet Larry Olsen: Performance-Driven Neurology Specialist
• (01:13) Understanding Neuroscience Performance
• (03:40) The Brain vs. The Mind
• (07:07) The Brain's Predictability and Leadership Challenges
• (10:08) The Importance of Changing Beliefs
• (13:38) Neuroplasticity and Changing Your Mindset
• (18:09) Practical Applications and Brain Hacks
• (25:32) Wrapping Up: Insights and Resources
• (27:02) [Extended Episode Only] Coaching teams through mindset change
• (29:16) [Extended Episode Only] Building a culture of neuroscience-based leadership

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep Up with Larry Olsen.

- Connect with him on LinkedIn here. 

- Visit his website for more here.

- Listen to his podcast & watch videos here.

- Get his book: Get a Vision and Live It here.

Guest Bonus: 20% off coaching with Larry. 

In these sessions, Larry will help you lead with values, shift your mindset, and create lasting success. You’ll gain tools to eliminate doubt, enhance happiness, parent effectively, and achieve more with ease and clarity.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you wait for the perfect moment to speak up, only to have the conversation move on without you?

What if the secret to becoming a confident, impactful communicator wasn’t planning every word, but learning to improvise?

This week’s guest reveals how improvisation isn’t just for the stage, but a powerful, everyday skill that can transform how you connect, influence, and lead.

Today’s guest is Jeff Mondoro. Jeff is an improviser, learning designer, executive coach, and a dad. He started his career in finance but discovered the world of improv in his mid-twenties and never looked back. 

In this episode, Jeff explains why improv isn’t about being funny, but it’s about building on others’ ideas, listening deeply, and embracing uncertainty. 

You’ll learn how micro-experiments in your meetings can create more space for collaboration, and how clarifying language early prevents misalignment.

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jeff and I discuss why adopting a growth mindset is essential for success, how to encourage team members to share unpolished ideas, and why humor works best when it’s co-created.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:56) What improv really is and isn’t?
• (07:42) Applying improv to meetings
• (14:09) From shaking with nerves to speaking with ease
• (17:00) Simple practices to build your improv skills
• (24:07) How to help your team become better listeners
• (26:31) A great manager Jeff has worked for
• (28:00) Keep up with Jeff
• (29:06) [Extended Episode Only] The surprising link between growth mindset and improv
• (35:54) [Extended Episode Only] How to bring humor to the workplace without offending anyone

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Check out Jeff’s book recommendation Improvisation for the Theater here

 Keep up with Jeff Mondoro

- Follow Riff Consulting on LinkedIn

- Visit Riff Consulting for more information here

Free 1-hour Workshop: Intro to Improv with Riff Consulting

In this one-hour class, we'll explore some of the fundamental tenets of improvisation: presence, active listening with 'yes, and', and the ability to quickly pivot and build with your scene partners. The virtual course will be highly experiential and involve a series of paired and small-group exercises. We'll also debrief and discuss how you might apply each principle in your work as a manager.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 25th at 11am Eastern (8am Pacific, 4pm British time)

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if the biggest threat to your team’s creativity and performance isn’t the workload but outdated ideas of what “professionalism” should look like?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of performative professionalism: obsessing over sounding smart, dressing the part, and following invisible rules about how “real professionals” should behave. But all that effort often masks the very things that fuel creativity, innovation, and productivity.

Today’s guest is here to flip the script on professionalism and show you how to bring more fun into work without being labeled unprofessional.

Meet Bree Groff. Bree is the author of TODAY WAS FUN: A Book About Work (Seriously) and a transformation expert who’s advised leaders at Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, and more.

In this episode, Bree reveals the difference between functional and performative professionalism, shares simple rituals that create psychological safety, and explains why micro acts of fun at work (whether you’re on site or fully remote) are actually strategic for building team trust.

Plus, in the extended episode available exclusively to Podcast+ members, Bree shares practical tips on how to respond when someone calls you “unprofessional” and other small ways to infuse fun into the workday.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:23) Understanding functional vs. performative professionalism
• (06:20) The problem with wearing “business masks”
• (10:17) How to balance client expectations 
• (15:22) What real professionalism looks like in practice
• (21:07) How to talk about professionalism with your team
• (25:04) The impact of human-first leadership
• (27:35) A great manager Bree has worked for
• (29:30) Keep up with Bree
• (30:19) [Extended Episode Only] How to respond when someone says you’re unprofessional
• (35:32) [Extended Episode Only] Other ways to bring more joy and fun into the workplace

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

 Keep up with Bree Groff

- Follow Bree on LinkedIn and Instagram

- Grab a copy of her book, Today Was Fun, here

- Subscribe to Bree’s Substack here

FREE 1-A-Day Calendar

Bree is giving Podcast+ members a 1-A-Day Calendar for free. This playful calendar provides 30 days of prompts—a quote, a provocation, or a little something to try—to help you love your days.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Self-distraction is one of the biggest productivity challenges we face today. 

It’s easy to get lost in the constant flow of thoughts. A simple “I need to remind Kevin to send me that document,” takes us away from our current activity, preventing us from completing the tasks that matter most. No wonder we feel overwhelmed and constantly rushing.

But here’s the good news: Today’s guest is on a mission to help managers and teams break free from this cycle of overwhelm and start getting things done effectively and efficiently.

Meet Mridu Parikh. Mridu is a productivity coach who helps busy professionals take control of their time, energy, and focus—so they can perform at their best without feeling overwhelmed. She empowers leaders and teams to reduce stress, prioritize effectively, and create lasting systems for success. She’s also the host of the top-ranked Productivity on Purpose podcast.

In this episode, we dive into Mridu’s ACTION framework—a seven-step approach to increasing productivity by minimizing distractions, committing to Power Hours, time blocking effectively, systemizing your approach, and more. 

Beyond individual productivity tips, we also cover how teams can build a culture of focus and how to respectfully say no (even to your boss).

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:52) The surprising reason most of us are overwhelmed
• (04:02) How to get things done using the ACTION framework
• (16:26) Tips for getting everything out of your head
• (18:42) Start small with focused work blocks
• (20:45) Using technology to stay focused, not distracted
• (22:49) How to say no to a team member and even your boss
• (27:43) Why time planning is important
• (28:27) A great manager Mridu has worked for
• (29:36) Keep up with Mridu
• (29:55) [Extended Episode Only] Time blocking vs. time planning
• (33:12) [Extended Episode Only] How to build a productive culture as a team

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Check out OneTab here

 Keep up with Mridu Parikh

- Follow Mridu on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

- Subscribe to Mridu’s Productivity on Purpose Podcast here

- Grab a copy of her book, Accomplish It, here

30% Off A One-Hour Productivity Coaching Call

Mridu is offering 30% off a one-hour productivity coaching call to members of Podcast+.

During this call, Mridu will help you gain clarity, focus, and control over your time, so you can follow through on what matters most.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

---------------------

The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Do you walk out of meetings feeling more exhausted than empowered? Are toxic behaviors affecting your team? 

Navigating a workplace with individuals who show signs of narcissism, Machiavellianism, or psychopathy can be incredibly challenging. But understanding the root of these toxic behaviors is key to managing them effectively, and today’s guest is here to help us do just that.

Meet Dr. Sheela Reddy. Sheela has more than 25 years of experience in Trauma-Informed Leadership Psychology, a PhD in multicultural systems psychology, and a fellowship in trauma. She is a published author, speaker and coach. 

She loves conducting experiential learning workshops to increase EQ and develop empathy for diversity in teams for organizations. She is most passionate about increasing mind health, reversing the effects of trauma, and developing empowered, liberated, skilled & resilient diverse female leaders. 

In this episode, Sheela and I explore the core elements of narcissism, Machiavellism, and psychopathy, and how these often show up as manipulative or emotionally abusive behaviors at work.

She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and teaches how we can build distress tolerance to deal with toxic behaviors in high-pressure situations.

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Sheela uncovers the surprising link between toxic behaviors and emotional intelligence.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:26) Understanding the Dark Triad in the workplace 
• (05:42) The effects of toxic behaviors in team dynamics
• (09:17) Unpacking the root causes of toxic workplace behaviors
• (12:49) What to do if you recognize unhealthy patterns in yourself
• (15:04) How to handle negative emotions in a productive way
• (18:45) Strategies for managing interactions with toxic colleagues
• (25:38) A great manager Sheela has worked for
• (29:37) Keep up with Sheela
• (30:24) [Extended Episode Only] The surprising link between toxic behaviors and emotional intelligence

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

 Keep up with Dr. Sheela Reddy

- Follow Sheela on Instagram

- Check out Rise Mind’s official website for more information here

Live LinkedIn Sessions: Your Bi-Weekly EQ Boost

Join Dr. Sheela Reddy every other Thursday at 12:30 PM ET or Friday at 12:00 PM ET for free live sessions on LinkedIn. Explore various EQ abilities and practical tips to help you manage stress, improve your mood, and strengthen your relationships. Connect with Sheela on LinkedIn to join!

Dive Deeper: Free Podcast on Self, Interpersonal & Leadership Skills

Continue your growth journey with Sheela’s podcast, RISEMIND - EQ Evolution, where you explore essential skills for developing a more empowered self, mastering interpersonal management, and honing your leadership abilities. 

FREE EQ Assessment and Tame the Tough Boss Article

Members of Podcast+ get two amazing bonuses from Sheela this week: a FREE EQ Assessment and Tame the Tough Boss Article

The first 20 members to sign up will receive a complimentary EQi 2.0 assessment (a $100 value!) followed by an exclusive group consultation. During this session, we'll delve into your personalized results, providing you with actionable tips to boost your EQ for personal and professional success.

And, get practical strategies to navigate challenging professional relationships with Sheela’s article: "Tired of Walking on Eggshells? How to Manage Your Difficult Boss (Without Getting Fired)." 

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Are you struggling to form new habits that actually stick?

If you’ve ever found yourself failing to break old habits, it’s likely because you’re using the wrong habit formation strategies. 

Thankfully, today’s guest is going to unlock the key to transformational behavior change so you and your team can successfully adopt new ways of working.

Today’s guest is Jason Hreha. Jason is a behavioral scientist and entrepreneur who, after studying at Stanford and working in BJ Fogg's Behavior Design Lab, developed the Behavioral Strategy framework for business challenges. 

As CEO of Persona, he combines behavioral science assessments with rigorous vetting to connect companies with exceptional talent. Previously, as Global Head at Walmart, he established the first Fortune 100 behavioral science team. Jason is also the author of Real Change, a book redefining habit formation and personal growth. 

In this episode, Jason shares a breakthrough approach to behavior change that will reshape the way you think about habits.

We explore the distinction between habits and transformative practices and why most people fail by choosing habits that are too complex or misaligned with their personality.

Jason also explains the importance of behavior matching and how it can help both individuals and teams adopt the right practices for lasting impact. 

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Jason shares practical, human-centered strategies to break bad habits for yourself and your team.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:55) Habits vs. transformative practices
• (05:46) The problem with habit-forming strategies
• (08:15) Why behavior matching is more effective
• (10:47) Respecting individual strengths and weaknesses
• (17:31) How managers can introduce new team practices effectively
• (21:01) Exploring new behaviors as a way of growth
• (24:44) A great manager Jason has worked for
• (27:18) Keep up with Jason
• (28:09) [Extended Episode Only] How to break a bad habit for yourself or a team member 
• (35:49) [Extended Episode Only] Embracing personality traits for effective behavior change

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

 Keep up with Jason Hreha 

- Follow Jason on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram

- Follow Persona for more updates on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Facebook

- Subscribe to The Behavioral Scientist on YouTube here

- Visit Persona Talent and The Behavioral Scientist for more information

FREE: First Half of Real Change: Moving Beyond Habits to Achieve Lasting Transformation

Jason is providing members of Podcast+ with the first half of his book Real Change: Moving Beyond Habits to Achieve Lasting Transformation, for free! This book debunks the myths of habit hacking and guides you towards meaningful, lasting transformation through the innovative Transformative Practice Path. 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this book will empower you to create the meaningful life you’ve always desired.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Documentation isn’t just a system—it’s a daily habit that you can master.

When was the last time you actually enjoyed documenting a meeting or your thought process?  For most of us, documentation feels tedious and intimidating. Just the idea of making things “official” can stir up fear that it might one day be used against us. 

Fortunately, this week’s guest brings a fresh perspective on why documentation is worth embracing and mastering.

Today’s guest is Adrienne Bellehumeur. Adrienne is the owner of Risk Oversight, a consulting firm specializing in SOX, CSOX, internal control, and internal audit programs. She is also the author of The 24-Hour Rule—and Other Secrets for Smarter Organizations, which you can think of as the first “mass market” book on documentation best practices. She regularly speaks about documentation, workflow, and productivity best practices to professional groups and organizations of all sizes and industries.

In this episode, Adrienne breaks down the Big D vs. Little D concept, revealing why daily, individual habits matter more than fancy systems.

You’ll learn how simply processing meeting notes within 24 hours can save your team hours of frustration and rework.

We also explore practical strategies, such as using central repositories and establishing team-wide documentation standards. Additionally, we dive into the value of handwritten notes vs. digital tools, and how to avoid “Groundhog Day” meetings by writing things down.

If your team keeps having the same conversations or you’re buried in sticky notes, this episode is a must-listen.

Join the conversation now!

Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:47) Big D vs. little D: What you need to know about documentation
• (04:08) Common manager struggles with meeting notes
• (08:05) The 24-hour rule explained
• (12:23) How client audits benefit from quick documentation
• (18:03) How to capture and present a big chunk of information
• (22:25) Handwritten notes vs. digital tools: Which works better?
• (27:19) Keep up with Adrienne
• (28:18) [Extended Episode Only] How to effectively organize digital documents 
• (34:52) [Extended Episode Only] When to get feedback to avoid rewriting your draft

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Check out The Bullet Journal Method here

 Keep up with Adrienne Bellehumeur

- Follow Adrienne on LinkedIn here

- Get a copy of her book here

- Check out Risk Oversight here for more information

- Visit Adrienne’s official website here to keep up with her work

FREE 6 Steps of Dynamic Documentation + Productivity as a Team Sport Workbook

Adrienne is giving members of Podcast+ 2 incredible PDFs. 

First, the 6 Steps of Dynamic Documentation. Whatever your current go-to practices for personal productivity, information management, and documentation look like, these 6 steps will give you simple strategies to work smarter, faster, and better—for yourself, your team, and your whole organization.

And second, Productivity as a Team Sport Workbook. This workbook shares the 8 Super Secrets of Team Productivity that have been tested with organizations and professional groups across industries. The focus? Real, lasting results for knowledge workers that teams can apply immediately.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.

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