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Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, unsure about the exact strategy to guide your decisions? This episode will change that.
In the business world, the word “strategy” is quite the buzzword. But what does it really mean to think and lead strategically? And what can you do as a manager to get better at it?
If you want to stop wasting time and start making powerful strategic decisions no matter your position, today’s guest is here to unpack everything you need to know about being strategic.
Today’s guest is Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute. Over the past 20 years, Rich has helped more than one million managers around the world learn how to think, plan, and act strategically. He is a New York Times bestselling author of 8 books on strategy and his vision is to teach the world to be strategic.
In this episode, Rich shares his insights on how strategy is often misunderstood and why it’s crucial for everyone—from individual contributors to senior leaders—to think strategically.
He breaks down the difference between strategy and tactics, explaining how understanding the distinctions can lead to better decision-making. He also shares a practical framework for everyday strategic thinking and how to manage your time, allocate resources wisely, and pivot when necessary to stay on course
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Rich delves into what isn’t strategic thinking and the tools that will help you act more strategically.
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
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 Rich Horwath
- Follow Rich on LinkedIn here
- Subscribe to his YouTube channel here
- Listen to the Strategic Minds Podcast here
- Check out StrategicThinking Institute here for more
Book Giveaway - 5 copies of Strategic AND Free White Paper on Delegation
Rich is giving away five copies of his book STRATEGIC: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence, which Inc. Magazine described as “A top 4 must read business book to kick off the year.” In the book, Rich shares practical tools, tips, and techniques he’s developed over two decades that can help you think, plan, and act strategically in every area of your business.
And, members of Podcast+ can download Rich’s White Paper: Lead at Your Level, which addresses the importance of delegation to a leader’s success. In the article, Rich shares the four factors that are crucial to effective delegation and the ability to unlock dozens of hours of extra time each year.
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!
You’re in a team meeting, someone starts talking… and keeps talking.
They lose their train of thought, fill the air with “likes” and “ums”, and before long, the point is lost.
Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Because here’s the truth: verbal communication isn’t innate—it’s a learned skill.
And this week’s guest has spent 35 years helping people master it.
Meet Ruth Milligan. Ruth is a 35-year communication veteran. Her career has included being a speechwriter, press secretary, marketing consultant, and, for the last 15 years, communication coach and trainer. She is the author of Motivated Speaker with her co-authors and colleagues, Acacia Duncan and Blythe Coons.
In this episode, Ruth shares why speaking is a learned habit—not a natural gift— and why catching habits early in low-stakes settings sets the stage for success when the pressure is on.
You’ll learn why filler words, overtalking, and disorganized thoughts sabotage your message and how to fix them with practical, proven tools for you and your team.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Ruth breaks down how to stop saying “um” and reveals the six threshold concepts for learning to speak well.
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
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 Ruth Milligan
- Follow Ruth on LinkedIn here
- Grab a copy of her book, The Motivated Speaker, here
5 Book Giveaway
Ruth is giving away five copies of her book, The Motivated Speaker: Six Principles to Unlock Your Communication Potential, to members of Podcast+. In this book, you will discover practical and accessible approaches that will help you establish powerful habits in your speaking practice. You’ll understand what’s preventing you from being influential and persuasive, and build a new foundation toward being a highly effective communicator.
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 most valuable thing you can build in your career isn’t a product, a strategy, or even a list of accolades—but a community?
We all know relationships matter. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to build them with real intention.
Today’s guest is here to help you and your team rethink what’s possible when we shift from collecting contacts to cultivating purposeful connections.
Meet David Homan. David is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called Orchestrated Relationships focused on developing relationship value.
David has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting.
In this episode, David unpacks what it means to build emotionally intelligent communities, drawn from his upcoming book Orchestrating Connection.
We explore how self-awareness, trust, and shared values are the true foundations of lasting, impactful relationships. We also discuss the difference between simply expanding your network and nurturing it, and why vulnerability and reciprocity are essential skills for today’s leaders.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we take a deeper look at how to ask for help from your network in a way that feels respectful and genuine—without making others feel used or taken for granted.
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
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 book Leadership Pipeline here
Keep up with David Homan
- Pre-order your copy of David’s book, Orchestrating Connection here
- Join the Orchestrated Connecting network here
Participate in a Modern Manager Exclusive Orchestrated Connecting Virtual Event
Join me and other members of the Modern Manager community to experience first hand the power of an intentional community. David will facilitate a virtual session that will strengthen the connections amongst members and foster new relationships that can benefit us all.
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!
We celebrate the wins. The promotions. The milestones.
But no one talks about the price tag that comes with constantly performing at a high level.
For Dana L. Cox, that price came quietly—missed family moments, sleepless nights, and a level of exhaustion that no amount of caffeine could fix.
She calls it the “success tax”—the hidden costs we pay in pursuit of achievement. Thankfully, Dana’s here to unpack what that tax really looks like and how to stop overpaying it.
Dana is a global executive-turned-coach, Radical Reset Expert, founder of FIX Coaching & Consulting, and author of FROM BURNOUT TO BADASS: Flip the Script on Your Work-Life Balance. She’s helped hundreds of women transition from exhaustion to empowered leadership. Her work integrates cultural wisdom, neuroscience, and strategies for sustainable success.
In this episode, Dana reveals how high-achieving individuals unknowingly pay a “success tax” that can hinder their health, relationships, and performance at work, and what we can do to avoid overpaying.
Dana shares her experience of facing burnout and provides actionable insights for managers and leaders on how to create work environments that prioritize well-being while still achieving exceptional performance.
She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking intentional time off, fostering a culture of empathy and support within teams, and more.
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
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 Dana
- Follow Dana on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook
- Visit her website here for more information
- Grab a copy of her book, From Burnout to Badass, here
FREE Career Clarity Checklist + Positioned to Paid Assessment Calls
Dana is giving members of Podcast+ her Career Clarity Checklist and is offering a limited number of Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Calls, all for FREE.
The Career Clarity Checklist is your first step to stop spiraling and start leading again. It will help you make sure you're aligned, visible, and ready for what's next.
The Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Call is a 30-minute private strategy session designed to help you clarify what’s next, uncover hidden value, and walk away with a custom roadmap.
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!
You’ve just stepped into a new manager role—congratulations! Now what?
The first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. One day you’re a high-performing individual contributor, and the next, you’re expected to lead a team, set direction, and navigate complex dynamics—all while still figuring out what kind of leader you want to be.
Thankfully, today’s guest is here to guide you through those critical first 45 days.
Today’s guest is James Turk. James is an executive coach, keynote speaker, facilitator, founder and CEO of The Turk Group, a boutique learning and development consulting firm, and author of The Giving Game – Becoming The Leader That Others Want To Follow.
With more than twenty-five years of experience, James has expertly designed and delivered training and coaching programs and solutions in the areas of leadership development, sales, change management, and strategic planning for clients across a wide range of industries—including financial services, digital media, biotech, and more. His clients include Spotify, Squarespace, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Goldman Sachs, Equinox, and many more.
In this episode, James outlines a step-by-step strategy for earning trust, clarifying expectations, and cultivating team alignment early on through consistent rituals like team meetings and one-on-ones.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we dive into the trickier scenarios, like managing former peers, inheriting a team someone else wanted to lead, and managing up when your boss isn’t showing up.
Whether you’re a first-time manager (or know someone who is), this conversation is packed with real-world insights to help you lead with confidence and intention—starting day one.
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
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 book Leadership Pipeline here
Keep up with James Turk
- Follow James on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Grab a copy of James’s book The Giving Game here
- Follow The Turk Group for updates on Instagram and Facebook
FREE: The F45 Playbook
James is providing members of Podcast+ with the F45 Playbook. Recognizing the first 45 days and the first year as critical for new managers, this playbook outlines exactly what to do in the first six weeks.
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!
Have you ever sat down to work, only to be pulled in a dozen directions—emails, Slack messages, endless browser tabs—all demanding your attention? You’re not alone.
All the technological advancements have made it almost impossible to focus.
But what if it didn’t have to be this way?
Fortunately, this week’s guest is here to share with us how you can be more focused at work and finally reclaim your workday.
Today’s guest is Marcey Rader. Marcey is a speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and companies reclaim their workdays with health-powered productivity™. As the founder of RaderCo, she’s worked with Fortune 500 companies and startups worldwide, inspiring sustainable habits to work well and play more.
In this episode, Marcey shares why so many of us are more distracted than ever—and what focus really looks like in today’s workplace. She also provides practical advice on how to use project management systems to streamline communication and how structured office hours can empower your team instead.
Lastly, for members of the Podcast+, Marcey reveals strategies for effective one-on-ones and a simple but powerful Zoom trick to help you and your team stay focused during meetings.
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
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 Marcey Rader
- Follow Marcey on LinkedIn here
- Get a copy of her book, Reclaim Your Workday, here
- Power up your productivity here
- Visit her website for more information here
Exclusive Discounted Price for Powered Path Program
Members of Podcast+ get Marcey’s Powered Path Program at an exclusive discount.
The Powered Path Program is a one-hour productivity boost designed to help you and your team reflect, prioritize, and plan more effectively (without adding extra work to your plate). For managers, this program will help you:
✅Streamline 1:1s to make them more efficient and action-driven
✅Ensure wins aren’t forgotten by tracking progress throughout the year, not just at review time
✅Make reflection and planning easier so you and your team stay focused on what matters most.
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 feel like your team isn’t really listening to you? It might be time to rethink your influence.
Many managers assume authority is enough. But real leadership—motivating people to take action—comes from influence. And this week’s guest believes that one of the most powerful ways to build it is by strengthening your communication skills.
Today’s guest is Stacey Hanke. Stacey is a leading expert in communication and influence. For over 20 years, she has empowered Fortune 500 leaders and teams to elevate their communication skills to build the trust and credibility needed to influence action.
In addition to being a Hall of Fame speaker, executive coach, and business leader, Stacey is the author of three books, including her newly released book, Influence Elevated, which provides leaders with skills to manage employees and increase accountability in a hybrid work environment.
Her Monday to Monday® philosophy empowers professionals to be impactful in every interaction, from presentations to everyday conversations, helping them drive action and achieve success.
In this episode, Stacey and I dive deep into how feedback, self-awareness, and understanding your influence style can drastically improve your leadership presence.
Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Stacey shares actionable strategies to elevate your influence and highlights common mistakes that can undermine it.
If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game and truly connect with your team, tune in and start mastering your influence today!
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
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 Stacey Hanke
- Follow Stacey on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
-Subscribe to her YouTube channel here
- Visit her website for more information here
FREE Digital Copy of Influence Redefined
Stacey is giving members of Podcast+ a FREE digital copy of Influence Redefined. In Influence Elevated: Maximizing Your Connection Monday to Monday®, Stacey unpacks what commonly interferes with our level of workplace influence. She shows leaders how to overcome the ongoing distractions that threaten employee relationships, workplace morale, and productivity. She offers readers actionable practices to create the momentum needed to achieve their goals and experience consistent success.
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 overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI in the workplace?
AI tools are already being used by managers and teams in various forms. But what are the risks that come with using them? Today’s guest believes that clear guidelines and educational training can help everyone use AI wisely without feeling restricted.
Meet Theresa Fesinstine. Theresa is a 25-year HR executive turned AI educator. She has been certified for AI and Business Strategy through MIT in 2023, and has been focused on flattening the AI learning curve for HR and other non-technical functions for almost 3 years.
In addition to her company, peoplepower.ai, she is an adjunct professor of both AI in Business and HR Management for City College of NY - a CUNY institution, and volunteers as a mentor through All Tech is Human.
Today, Theresa shares smart, actionable ways to use AI without risking company data or personal privacy.
From educating your team to building clear, adaptable AI guidelines, she breaks down how to make AI a powerful tool for managers and their teams.
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
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 Theresa Fesinstine
- Follow Theresa on LinkedIn here
- Visit People Power AI for more information here
FREE PDF People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work
Theresa is giving members of Podcast+ a copy of her People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work for free.
In this practical and forward-thinking guide, Theresa draws on decades of People & Culture expertise to help HR leaders confidently integrate AI into their everyday work. With real-world use cases, accessible frameworks, and a human-first lens, this book empowers HR professionals to unlock the potential of AI while staying grounded in empathy, ethics, and strategy.
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!
Are you struggling to get your team to perform at its best? Are you unsure about how to unlock the potential of each individual? This week’s guest says the key is inclusive leadership.
Meet Kelli Lester. Kelli is co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress.
In this week’s episode, Kelli and I explore what inclusive leadership really looks like, the traits that define it, and the role leaders play in making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.
Kelli also illustrates how inclusion isn’t just about people—it’s about ideas and perspectives, too. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, she dives deeper into five other inclusive leadership traits and shares how to navigate style differences without friction.
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
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 Kelli Lester
- Follow Kelli on LinkedIn here
- Achieve financial empowerment with Onyx Rising’s Money Matters here
- Visit Onyx Rising for more information here
FREE Inclusive Leadership Traits Assessment
Kelli is providing members of Podcast+ her Inclusive Leadership Traits Assessment. The PDF includes an overview of inclusive leadership traits and a self-assessment to help you identify areas for improvement.
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!
Being a working parent shouldn’t feel like a daily juggling act on the brink of disaster.
If you truly want everyone on your team—parent or not—to thrive at work, you need a workplace that lets them show up as their best selves. And today’s guest is the perfect expert to discuss how to make work work for working parents.
Today’s guest is Dr. Anne Welsh, a sought after thought leader on working parenthood. After leaving a career at Harvard to create her own firm, Anne draws on her significant training, research, and experience to champion women and working parents in leadership.
She brings expertise in career development, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and women’s mental health to her work as a consultant, executive coach and psychologist. She supports organizations and individuals through one-on-one work, group coaching for working mothers, and workshops and talks.
In this episode, we dive into creating a workplace where parents and caregivers can navigate the many demands of them with greater ease.
Learn how to “parent out loud”, build a culture of empathy, and leverage leadership skills parenting teaches. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Anne shares top tips on how to set yourself or your team up for success after parental leave, and how to be sensitive to individuals struggling with infertility.
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
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. Anne Welsh
- Follow Dr. Anne on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Interested in working with Dr. Anne? Learn more here
- Explore Dr. Anne’s partner organization here
25% Off Working Mothers Lifeline
Anne is providing members of Podcast+ 25% off her Working Mother’s Lifeline, a 6-month coaching program for women who want to feel more connected and intentional in their lives- moving from just surviving to thriving in working motherhood, in a community of women who get it.
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!
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