The Modern Manager

At some point in your career, you’ve probably worked with someone who is on the autism spectrum, but you might not have known. There are many misconceptions about autism, which damage how we understand and therefore support these colleagues. Viewing autism through a new lens can help every manager unlock hidden potential and design environments where everyone thrives.

Today’s guest brings both personal experience and professional insight to help us all better appreciate the talents of neurodiverse team members. 

Clain Udy is reshaping the way society views autism by shifting our perspectives from deficit-focused to one that sees autism through a strengths-based lens. As the father of a high-functioning autistic adult son, Clain has spent over two decades researching and investigating what it takes to help his son and other autistic individuals have successful, fulfilling careers.

Clain’s new book, Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum, details his journey from initially thinking he had to “fix” his autistic son to wholeheartedly embracing his son’s beautifully unique strengths.

In this episode, we explore how autism shows up in the workplace, what managers often misunderstand about communication and performance, and practical ways to create environments where neurodiverse employees can do their best work.

In the extended conversation, Clain shares how managers can better understand social communication preferences, why “chasing normal” harms both managers and employees, and how reframing autism as a different but equally valid way of processing the world changes everything about inclusion.

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.

Join the conversation now!

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction – Understanding how neurodivergent brains enrich the workplace
• (02:03) The hidden prevalence of autism in professional environments
• (04:38) Dispelling misconceptions and shifting from deficit-based thinking
• (07:16) Recognizing the strengths of autistic individuals
• (12:34) Adapting environments for sensory and cognitive needs
• (13:43) Communication strategies that support neurodivergent team members
• (20:12) Strength-based management and inclusive leadership
• (25:14) Real stories of inclusive managers in action
• (29:18) [Extended Episode Only] Building authentic relationships with neurodivergent employees
• (34:54) [Extended Episode Only] Designing communication to meet different social needs

📚 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 Clain Udy

- Check out his website: https://autismelevated.com/

- Follow Clain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clainudy/

- Follow Clain on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Autism-Elevated/61559009841770/

- Follow Clain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismelevated/

Guest Bonus: 10 Book Giveaway: Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum

This insightful book is both a memoir and a practical guide that aims to dismantle the current assumptions and mindset around autism and empower parents, educators, and employers to recognize and nurture the inherent abilities of autistic individuals.

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!

#Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork #TeamManagement #PsychologicalSafety #HumanCenteredLeadership #TheModernManager

#AutismAtWork #Neurodiversity #InclusiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #WorkCulture #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #Leadership #Management #TeamLeadership #FutureOfWork #PeopleManagement #AutismAwareness

Most people don’t set out to be “bad bosses.” But good intentions aren’t enough when your habits unintentionally create frustration, fear, or disengagement.

Thankfully, today’s guest helps us see what’s really happening beneath the surface. 

Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling author. She’s on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She’s a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive.

In this episode, we explore what makes a bad boss (and how to avoid becoming one). Mita reveals common behaviors that erode trust, how to give feedback that empowers instead of intimidates, and why inclusive leadership is the foundation of a healthy culture. You’ll learn small, everyday actions that rebuild connection, create safety, and turn self-awareness into your most powerful leadership tool.

In the extended members-only conversation, Mita opens up about the “Nap Boss,” “Tony Soprano,” and “Sheriff” archetypes—real examples of toxic leadership behaviors that managers can learn from. She also shares practical ways to respond to bullying or bias at work, including how to use the “Five Ds” framework to intervene and support colleagues safely and effectively.

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.

Join the conversation now!

Conversation Topics 

• (00:00) Introduction: What makes a “bad boss”?
• (00:51) Meet Mita Mallick and her leadership journey
• (02:40) The myths we believe about being a good boss
• (05:12) Why well-intentioned leaders can still be toxic
• (08:43) Understanding inclusion as a leadership skill
• (12:25) How to recognize your own blind spots
• (17:18) Building trust and psychological safety
• (21:36) Giving feedback with care and clarity
• (25:49) The small habits that make a big difference
• (29:10) Keep up with Mita
• (31:46) [Extended Episode Only] The Nap, Tony, and Sheriff bosses’ workplace impact
• (36:18) [Extended Episode Only] How to intervene: The Five Ds model

📚 Additional Resources:

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

✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cw9_72_BLtfr5vsjDbb-U2Nb5KuX56A5Jo6TSGmOaWc/edit?usp=sharing

✨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

✨Learn more about the 5Ds in episode 109 with Emily May: https://www.themodernmanager.com/podcast-109

Keep up with Mita Mallick

- Follow Mita on LinkedIn here

- Check out her book here

Guest Bonus: 10% off Book Consulting Services

If you’ve wanted to write a book, this is for you. Get hourly book consulting services from idea generation all the way to marketing your book and selling it to your audience. Priced at $750/hr, members of Podcast+ get a 10% discount. 

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!

#Leadership #Management #WorkCulture #ToxicWorkplace #BadBoss #GoodManager #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamLeadership #ManagerTips #WorkplaceCulture #SelfAwareness #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #ManagerAdvice #LeadershipPodcast

Layoffs are some of the hardest moments a manager can face. How you handle them can shape not just the experience of the employees leaving but also the morale and trust of the team that remains.

Today’s guest brings expert guidance on navigating these challenges with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

Leanne Elliot is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Consultant, and Coach with a proven track record of building workplaces that empower teams and enable performance. She is also co-host of the award-winning psychology podcast, Truth, Lies & Work. Breaking into the prestigious HubSpot Podcast Network in 2022. The show is dedicated to helping business leaders simplify the science of the workplace.

In this episode, Leanne explains how managers can approach layoffs thoughtfully, manage confidentiality effectively, communicate clearly, and care for both departing employees and the remaining team. She shares practical frameworks to make these tough conversations more human and less stressful.

In the extended members-only conversation, Leanne dives deeper into strategies for managers who are themselves being laid off and how to prepare for career transitions while maintaining professional composure.

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.

Join the conversation now!

Conversation Topics 

• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:59) Layoffs vs Firings
• (03:15) Managing Confidentiality and Clear Communication
• (04:51) A Manager's Role in Layoff Decisions
• (07:30) Supporting Remaining Team Members After a Layoff
• (12:05) Practical Frameworks for The Tough Conversation
• (16:40) Creating a Compassionate Layoff Process
• (20:15) Key Behavioral Science Insights for Managers
• (24:50) Maintaining Team Morale and Trust
• (29:07) Connect with Leanne 
• (31:23) [Extended Episode Only] Supporting Your Team After a Layoff
• (34:05) [Extended Episode Only] If You Are the One Being Laid Off

📚 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 Leanne Elliot 

- Follow Leanne on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/

- Follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork/

- Learn more on her website here: https://truthliesandwork.com/

- Explore Oblong HQ here: https://oblonghq.com/

Guest Bonus: 1 FREE Career Transition Coaching Program

This free three-session coaching program helps you navigate career transitions with psychology-based tools and practical support. You’ll reflect on past experiences, clarify your values, and set clear goals for your future work.

Learn more about the program here.

Enter the drawing by November 7, 2025.

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!

#Leadership #Management #Layoffs #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #ManagerTips #CareerTransitions #TeamManagement #ProfessionalGrowth

Why do so many projects spiral into stress, shifting priorities, and endless risks while others seem to flow smoothly toward success? What if the difference isn’t just about tools or methods, but about how you lead?

Thankfully, today’s guest brings a fresh, human-centered approach to project management. 

James Louttit is the author of Leading Impactful Teams: Achieving Low Stress Success in Project Management, a leadership coach, and a former CIO who now trains managers and business leaders around the world. His work blends real-world experience with practical tools to help managers lead projects with clarity, sustainability, and impact.

In this episode, James introduces his “eight lenses of project management” and reveals why prioritization is often the missing key to project success. He shares powerful ways to engage stakeholders, identify and manage risks, and avoid common mistakes in estimating time and effort. 

Along the way, James offers stories and frameworks that any manager, whether formally a project manager or not, can use to keep work on track and teams energized.

In the extended members-only conversation, James explains how to properly scope your projects and define quality, two notoriously tricky areas that can make or break your results.

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.

Join the conversation now!

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction to Project Management
• (01:44) The Eight Lenses of Project Management
• (03:13) The Importance of Prioritization
• (07:54) Agile vs. Waterfall Project Management Approaches
• (10:23) Engaging Stakeholders Effectively
• (17:20) Managing Risks in Projects
• (24:09) Time Management and Estimating Effort
• (30:40) Keep Up with James
• (31:30) [Extended Episode Only] How To Properly Scope Your Projects
• (33:10) [Extended Episode Only] Defining Quality In Project Management

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 James Louttit

- Follow James on LinkedIn here

- Subscribe to his YouTube channel here

- Join the IPM Community with a free 7-day trial here

Guest Bonus: Free Audio Book: Leading Impactful Teams and 3 FREE 1-Year Membership to IMP Community

Leading Impactful Teams is a lively exploration of the "lenses" of project management – Scope, Prioritisation, Time, Cost, Quality, Risks, Team and Stakeholders – that will enable the reader to develop a "sixth sense" for potential issues that could derail their project. It provides a practical toolkit to help you and your team deliver great project outcomes with minimum stress and maximum fun.

 
The IPM Community helps you deliver projects on time, on budget, and without burnout through bite-sized lessons, tactical tools and weekly peer support. Created by James Louttit, author of Leading Impactful Teams, it’s a no-jargon, no-exam space where professionals learn fast, share real challenges, and lead with confidence.  

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!

#ProjectManagement #Leadership #TeamManagement #TeamSuccess #ProjectPlanning #AgileLeadership #RiskManagement #ProjectManagementTips #LeadershipSkills #TeamPerformance

What if your greatest strengths aren’t the ones listed on your résumé, but universal traits we all share? 

Positive psychology shows us that tapping into these character strengths can transform how we work, lead, and connect with others. 

These aren’t just feel-good ideas; they’re proven tools for resilience, performance, and deeper human connection.

Fortunately, this week’s guest brings exactly the expertise we need to show how these character strengths can transform our work and leadership.

Natalya Pestalozzi is a professional certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and a positive psychology expert with a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology. She trains practitioners worldwide through the Flourishing Center’s Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology program and coaches leaders in private equity, nonprofits, think tanks, and the federal government. Through her own journey in motherhood, she has a special passion for coaching parents before, during, and after pregnancy.

In this episode, Natalya shares how positive psychology goes beyond “toxic positivity” and equips us with the tools to flourish. She introduces the 24 VIA character strengths, explains how to spot and balance them in yourself and your team, and shows why cultivating these universal traits builds stronger trust, collaboration, and authentic leadership.

In the extended episode, Natalya reveals what to do when someone says they don’t want to change because they see it as inauthentic, and she shares the five character strengths most correlated with happiness and life satisfaction.

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
• (02:32) How positive psychology differs from toxic positivity
• (06:53) The PERMA model and the role of strengths in engagement
• (10:20) Examples of VIA character strengths in the workplace
• (14:20) Why it’s sometimes hard to use our strengths at work
• (17:40) Overuse and underuse of strengths
• (19:27) Practical ways to grow and show strengths as managers
• (23:41) Which strengths are particularly helpful for managers
• (27:23) A story of a great manager and early career mentorship
• (33:41) [extended episode] Aligning strengths and values for authentic growth
• (37:11) [extended episode] Ideas for weaving these strengths into team culture

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 Natalya Pestalozzi: 

- Connect with Natalya on LinkedIn here 

- Take the VIA strengths character assessment

- To discover more or enroll in CAPP, check out:

https://theflourishingcenter.com/natalya/ The program begins October 21st.

- Learn more www.natalyapestalozzi.com 

Guest Bonus: Masterclass in Positive Psychology and the Science of Flourishing Recording and Finding the Golden Mean PDF

The 60‑minute webinar recording explores the cutting‑edge science behind human flourishing—then translates it into simple, practical actions you can start using the same day. Through research‑backed insights and interactive micro‑exercises, you’ll discover how tiny shifts in mindset and behavior can ignite big gains in vitality, connection, and purpose. 

What You’ll Learn: Flourishing vs. Languishing: Spot where you (and those you serve) sit on the Mental Health Continuum—and how to move upward. 

Pathways to Peak Well‑Being: The six evidence‑based drivers of positivity, engagement, achievement, meaning, relationships, and vitality. 

Why Happiness Fuels Success: Break the myth that you must succeed first to be happy—see how positive emotions actually power performance. 

Taming the Negativity Bias: Simple brain‑based hacks to counter worry, rumination, and “what‑ifs.” 

Micro‑Interventions That Stick: Gratitude, savoring, kindness, and other two‑minute practices that measurably lift mood and resilience.

Prioritizing Positivity: Craft days that naturally generate more joy—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. 

The Golden Mean is using character strengths in a balanced way (optimal use). It is when you apply the right combination of character strengths, to the right degree, in the right situation. This PDF shows the underuse, overuse, and optimal use of character strengths

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!

#PositivePsychology #CharacterStrengths #Leadership #WorkplaceSuccess #TeamCulture #FlourishAtWork

Why do so many managers struggle to let go of tasks, even when they know that holding onto everything stifles their ability to scale? 

The secret is to document things so clearly that others can succeed without you.

Fortunately, today’s guest is an expert at helping leaders let go. 

Chris Ronzio is the Founder and CEO of Trainual, a platform reshaping how businesses onboard, train, and scale their teams. A lifelong entrepreneur, he helps leaders unlock growth by mastering the art of documenting and delegating. Chris is also the bestselling author of The Business Playbook: How to Document and Delegate What You Do So Your Company Can Grow Beyond You. Beyond work, he’s a husband, father, and passionate Phoenix Suns fan.

In this episode, Chris shares frameworks and strategies to help managers create clarity, engage their teams in documentation, and free themselves up to focus on what matters most.

In the extended conversation, Chris explores how to turn documentation into a team sport, cascade delegation across levels, and troubleshoot when processes aren’t followed—revealing practical ways to finally stop doing it all yourself.

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.

Join the conversation now!

Conversation Topics

• (00:00) Introduction
• (02:34) Why managers struggle to let go
• (06:23) Delegation tools and frameworks
• (14:38) Training and ramp-up expectations
• (17:31) Tools and systems for documentation
• (19:15 ) The Four Ps of a business playbook
• (22:40) Building culture through documentation
• (25:56)  Keeping documentation alive
• (29:47) Documentation as a team sport (Extended Episode Only)
• (32:43) Delegation cascades across the team (Extended Episode Only)
• (34:18) When processes aren’t followed (Extended Episode Only)

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 Chris Ronzio

- Follow Chris on LinkedIn here

- Follow Trainual on Instagram here

- Learn more on his Website here

- Explore Trainual's platform here 

Guest Bonus: FREE PDF: The 4 Ps: What to Document

While not an exhaustive list, this extensive 4-page PDF will give you

a good starting point when deciding what policies you need to document first.

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!

Groups are the foundation of everything we accomplish in work and life. 

Yet, as every manager knows, collaborating with others can be both the greatest strength and one of the hardest challenges. 

What makes some teams thrive while others struggle with friction and disengagement?

Fortunately, this week’s guest, Dr. Colin Fisher, has dedicated his career to uncovering the hidden processes that make groups effective. 

Colin is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London’s School of Management, a researcher featured in outlets like Harvard Business Review and BBC, and the author of The Collective Edge. His work sheds light on how managers can structure and guide their teams to harness the true power of collaboration.

In this episode, Colin explores the dynamics that shape effective teamwork, from setting clear goals to designing the right team structure, establishing norms, and fostering psychological safety. 

Whether you’re leading a small project team or a large organization, you’ll gain practical insights on how to unlock your group’s collective potential.

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
• (03:47) Why groups matter more than individual effort
• (07:02) The benefits of teamwork beyond accomplishing tasks
• (09:52) Two key levers to designing effective teamwork
• (13:42) Why structure matters more than pep talks
• (18:30) The critical elements of team composition, size, and boundaries
• (22:10) How to set goals that are clear, challenging, and consequential
• (26:50) Establishing effective norms for communication and psychological safety
• (29:21) About Colin’s book and where to find more resources
• (31:05) [Extended Episode Only] Resetting your team’s culture when things feel stuck

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 Colin Fisher

- Follow Colin on X (Twitter) here

- Connect with Colin on LinkedIn here

- Follow Colin on Instagram here

- Visit Colin’s website here

- Check out his book The Collective Edge here

Bonus: Meeting Makeover guidebook

In lieu of a guest offer this week, I’m offering members of Podcast+ access to my brand-new Meeting Makeover guidebook. It’s a step-by-step workbook that empowers you to finally fix your bad meetings once and for all.

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!

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 

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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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