Working Conversations

You have a mentor, but your career still is not moving. That might be because mentorship and sponsorship are not the same thing. A mentor invests their time in you. A sponsor invests their reputation. In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson breaks down the real difference between mentors and sponsors and shares four tactical steps for getting the career advocate most people are missing. She covers how to assess whether your work is sponsor-worthy, how to identify the right person two levels above you, how to build a relationship with genuine mutual benefit, and the exact language for making a direct ask without pressure. If nobody is saying your name in the rooms that matter, this episode will show you how to change that.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/263

You are doing all the right things at work, but somehow your name never comes up when promotion decisions are made. The problem is not your performance. It is the gap between the quality of your work and the breadth of your reputation. In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson shares five strategies for building professional visibility without feeling like you are bragging. She covers how to identify the decision-makers above your direct manager, narrate your accomplishments using a simple story arc, take up space in meetings with senior leaders, pursue internal mobility, and turn your track record into a reputation that travels. If you have ever felt invisible despite delivering great results, this episode gives you a clear, actionable path forward.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/262

If you struggle to speak up in meetings, silence feels safe. But it isn't neutral. When you consistently hold back, people fill that quiet with their own assumptions about what you know and how much you have to contribute. In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson reframes the real reason most people stay quiet at work: it isn't introversion, it's fear of judgment. She shares four concrete techniques to help you get out of your head and into the conversation, starting with your very next meeting. If you're tired of leaving meetings with your best ideas still unsaid, this episode is for you.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/261

Getting passed over for a promotion is one of the hardest career moments to sit with, especially when you were certain you were the obvious choice. In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson walks you through exactly what to do next. She shares a framework for processing the disappointment without stewing in it, and then gets tactical: she identifies five specific gaps to diagnose (visibility, skills, advocacy, timing, and what she calls the invisible ceiling) and walks through how to seek honest feedback from the people who made the decision. She also breaks down the stay-or-go question with clear criteria for both paths. If you have been passed over and are not sure what to do with that, this episode gives you a plan.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/260

Episode 259: You’re Probably Doing 1:1 Meetings Wrong

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explains the true purpose and importance of one-on-one meetings with employees. She introduces the “Focus, Friction, Forward Motion” framework, offering managers strategies to ensure these meetings foster alignment, psychological safety, and trust, rather than devolving into status updates or being canceled when things get busy. Through practical questions and actionable advice, Dr. Janel Anderson shows how well-designed one-on-ones detect problems early, increase engagement, and support career development. Whether you’re a manager or an individual contributor, you’ll find useful guidance for structuring meaningful conversations that drive productivity and strengthen workplace relationships.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/259

Episode 258: How to Onboard a New Employee

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson dives into the art of effective onboarding for new employees. Drawing from personal experience and practical strategies, she explains how a thoughtful onboarding process shapes psychological safety, sets clear expectations, and leaves a lasting impression. From building relationships and limiting cognitive overload to establishing feedback loops and avoiding common mistakes, Dr. Janel Anderson offers actionable advice to help managers design a seamless, intentional, and supportive experience for their newest team members. Whether you’re a new manager or seasoned leader, you’ll find valuable insights for creating a strong foundation for your direct reports.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/258

Episode 257: I Just Got Promoted. What Should I Do in My First 30 Days?

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson breaks down exactly what new engineering managers should focus on during their first 30 days. She offers a practical, phased approach: first observing and learning the team’s culture, then stabilizing through clarifying expectations and scoring quick wins, and finally aligning with both the team and leadership to prevent common missteps. With actionable tips such as running listening sessions, mapping work realities, and setting thoughtful norms, she guides new managers to succeed by design, not by default. Whether you’re newly promoted or stepping in from the outside, this episode is full of smart strategies for a strong start.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/257

Episode 256: When Everything Feels Urgent: A Smarter Way to Prioritize

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson tackles the challenge of prioritizing work when everything feels urgent, especially for new technical managers. She explains how sudden increases in cognitive load can lead to overwhelm and reactivity, rather than true prioritization. Drawing on user experience thinking and executive coaching frameworks, she introduces the Eisenhower Matrix as a practical tool for managing workload, distinguishing urgency from importance, and reducing mental clutter. Listeners will find actionable strategies to move beyond constant firefighting, focus on high-impact tasks, and create the “white space” essential for effective leadership and proactive management.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/256

Episode 255: Before Your Next Hard Conversation, Do This

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson shares her updated seven-step methodology for navigating difficult conversations at work. She breaks down the essentials, from naming the real issue and separating facts from assumptions to pressure testing your opening language and anticipating responses. With practical examples and guidance, Dr. Janel offers a high-level overview of her Hard Conversation Checklist, designed primarily for technical managers but valuable for anyone facing challenging discussions. Whether you’re preparing for a planned conversation or responding in the moment, this episode gives you actionable strategies to handle tough workplace conversations with clarity and confidence.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/255

Episode 254: Why Smart People Struggle with Change at Work

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson uses her own office relocation as a case study for understanding why organizational change is so challenging. She explores the emotional impacts of not having control, the meaning of resistance as feedback, and how shifting situations can disrupt our professional identities. Drawing from both her recent experience and earlier career examples, Dr. Janel offers insight into why even smart, capable people struggle with change at work. Whether you’re leading change or living through it, this episode will help you find empathy and practical guidance for navigating transitions in any workplace environment.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/254