World's Greatest Boss

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Rachel Greiman, a successful entrepreneur who discovered her passion for the business side of things after starting her career as a photographer. Rachel shares her experience of working through different seasons and the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur.

One of the biggest hurdles was learning to trust others to do the work she once did. She eased into delegating tasks while building trust with her employees, which is crucial in running a successful business. We also talk about how being a business owner can impact personal relationships, and Rachel provides valuable insights and advice for those facing challenges like these.

Rachel's story offers valuable lessons for anyone starting or running a business. Learning to delegate and build trust with your team is essential and it's important to prioritize personal relationships to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[4:20] How she enjoyed the business side of being a photographer

[7:15] Different seasons and the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur

[12:30] How to ease into allowing other people to do the work you once did

[15:55] Being direct with your employees so they knew what to do when you delegate tasks

[19:15] Family and personal relationship commitments

[28:10] Advice for those that are going through a challenging time personally while running a business

[33:40] How to connect with Rachel

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How to Maximize Your Strengths (And Your Team's!)

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*Connect with Rachel on IG https://www.instagram.com/greenchairstories/?hl=en

*Check out her website for more information on her services https://greenchairstories.com/

* Connect with me on IG https://www.instagram.com/jackie.koch_/

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

It's easy to fall into the trap of micromanaging your team, but it can have serious consequences on employee morale, productivity, and job satisfaction.

So, what are the signs of micromanagement? I'll cover the three most common ones: constantly checking in, focusing on all the little things, and being reluctant to delegate. Additionally, we'll address the issue of unintentional micromanagement, which is where a manager's behavior may come across as controlling and overly involved, even though that's not their intention.

I've got all the practical tips on how to address micromanagement as a manager by utilizing open communication, constructive feedback, and offering solutions to help you build trust and collaboration with your team.

Remember, being a boss is a learning experience, and it's okay to make mistakes. By actively working to avoid micromanagement and foster a culture of trust and autonomy, you can create a positive and productive work environment for your team.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:15] What is a micromanager? 

[2:50] First sign of a micromanager: Constantly checking in 

[4:35] Second sign of a micromanager: Focusing on all the little things

[6:00] Third sign of a micromanager: Reluctant to delegate 

[6:55] Not intentionally being a micromanager but coming across as one

[8:00] Results of being a micromanager to your employees

[9:55] Become aware of your behavior 

[11:56] How to address a micromanaging boss

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Organization Systems for your Business with Brittany Dixon

How to Strategically Receive, Utilize, and Handle Feedback from Your Team

Implement These 3 Rituals to Help Your Remote Team Work Better

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Have you ever wished you had an employee who was there to help streamline operations and keep the business running smoothly? That's what the role of Chief of Staff is for!

In this episode, we explore the role of a Chief of Staff (CoS) and how it is often misunderstood by our guest, Mackenzie Lee. He understands the intricate role of Chief of Staff and how they can help alleviate the CEO's burden with day-to-day tasks and allow them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Before bringing a CoS on board, it's crucial to ensure that the business is in a growth phase and has established processes and systems in place. While there is no set number of employees that determines when to bring in a CoS, I've found that companies with 50-100 employees are an excellent place to start.

Those interested in the position should have a strong understanding of business operations, be strategic thinkers, and have excellent communication skills. As you look for the right candidate, keep in mind that the CoS role can be beneficial to someone's career. It provides a unique opportunity to work closely with the CEO and gain exposure to all aspects of the business.

If you're unsure if you need a CoS, consider your pain points and areas for improvement. Bringing a CoS on board can help take your business to the next level and free up time for you to focus on the bigger picture but it is so important that your business is truly ready.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[2:15] Mackenzie's Introduction 

[4:20] How would you define what people think a chief of staff is vs what it actually is?

[9:00] What state should your business be in to bring in a chief of staff?

[15:15] Do you think there is a headcount size that determines when you should bring in a chief of staff?

[16:50] What was your experience as a chief of staff?

[22:15] Are there set paths for someone to move into being a chief of staff?

[24:00] Is moving into a chief of staff position a good move for your career?

[28:55] If you're thinking of onboarding a chief of staff, what should you be willing to do?

[30:40] How to sell someone that needs a chief of staff that they do actually need?

[32:20] How to connect with Mackenzie

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* Connect with Mackenzie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzielee

* Check out his website for more information on his services and to check out the "Chief of Staff Playbook" https://www.cedarchief.com/

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Emotional intelligence is the secret weapon of the most successful entrepreneurs. It's the ability to recognize and regulate your emotions and those of others effectively and it can help you take your business to the next level! By developing emotional intelligence, you can improve your decision-making abilities, build strong relationships with customers and colleagues, and create a positive work culture that attracts AND retains top talent.

Having low emotional intelligence can harm your business in many ways, from decreased productivity and high turnover rates to poor customer service. So, it's vital to practice mindfulness and empathy and seek feedback to improve your emotional intelligence to help your business thrive.

As a new boss, you'll need to manage your own emotions and those of your team. By developing a work culture that values emotional intelligence, you can create a team that is motivated, engaged, and productive. Encourage open communication, promote collaboration, and give your team time to reflect on situations to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[2:15] What is emotional intelligence?

[6:35] Being an effective leader requires more than technical knowledge 

[9:30] Strategies to develop emotional intelligence 

[14:05] Strategies to cultivate an emotionally intelligent culture

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Goal Setting to Help Your Team Succeed with Kate Erickson

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* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Are you a new boss who's feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to become a changemaker within your business? Don't worry! Our guest today, Alex Budak, literally wrote the book on being a changemaker and driving meaningful change.

During our conversation, we discuss the traits that successful changemakers possess, such as the ability to listen, collaborate, and persevere in the face of resistance. We also talk about how to turn cynics into champions and the importance of empathy and communication in achieving this.

As a new boss, you may feel overwhelmed by the fear and uncertainty that comes with driving change. But don't let that stop you! We offer practical advice on how to engage your employees in proactive ways and create a culture of experimentation and learning within your organization.

We also tackle the question of how long it takes for leaders to start implementing these strategies. We urge you to stay committed to your vision and goals, even in the face of resistance, and emphasize the importance of patience and persistence. As an entrepreneur and a leader, you have the power to create meaningful change within your organization and community.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[2:10] Introduction to Alex Budak

[2:40] What is a changemaker?

[5:10] Alex’s aha moment 

[7:45] Jackie’s aha moment

[11:15] What are the core concepts you implement in your teaching?

[14:30] Is there any hope of converting a cynical person into a champion of change?

[20:20] Traits of an inclusive leader

[24:15] How do you really become a changemaker?

[26:55] Where to connect with Alex.

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Your Leadership Will Evolve as Your Business Does with Anthony Trucks

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* Connect with Alex on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbudak/

* Check out Alex's book https://www.changemakerbook.com/

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

Managing upwards is not just about building relationships with individuals; it's about being proactive and anticipating how you can help your team make better decisions. By taking initiative and prioritizing tasks, I have learned to manage expectations effectively and fostered a culture of productivity and success.

Building trust was a crucial element of my success. By understanding my employee's communication styles, preferences, and goals, I was able to establish a productive working relationship, which has benefitted everyone on the team! Empowering my team members to speak up and express their needs has also been essential. By creating a culture of openness and transparency, my team has become more productive, and we've been able to make better decisions as a result.

Managing upwards is a critical skill for anyone looking to succeed as an entrepreneur and a new boss. Join me in this episode as we explore all aspects of managing up, as well as building trust with your boss, overcoming recruiting challenges, and empowering your team to achieve greatness. With the right mindset and tools, you can achieve anything as a new boss!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[3:30] Effectively managing is an essential skill for any business 

[4:50] What does managing up mean?

[6:20] Understanding who you are trying to manage: communication style

[7:30] Building a strong relationship on trust 

[9:20] Being proactive 

[12:05] Understanding different work styles 

[13:55] Running into, and overcoming, challenges 

[16:55] Teaching your employees

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* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

I'm excited to talk with Caroline Pennington, an experienced recruiter, about the importance of providing a great candidate experience. As an entrepreneur, I know that building a strong team is crucial to the success of any business. Caroline shares her background and expertise in the recruitment industry, and explains how temporary staffing can be useful for new businesses. We also talk about the differences between contingency and retained recruiters and how each approach can benefit your hiring process.

We also dive into the topic of candidate experience, it has become so vital to the hiring process. She defines candidate experience as the sum total of interactions between a candidate and a company during the hiring process and emphasizes the importance of prompt and clear communication with candidates. A positive candidate experience can help attract top talent and promote a good employer brand, which is essential for any growing business. It's so important to create a hiring process that makes candidates feel valued and respected. Caroline's insights will help you do just that!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[2:50] Caroline’s background 

[4:00] What is temporary staffing, and when would you use it?

[7:00] Contingency vs retained recruiter 

[10:45] When do you think the candidate experience became essential to a hiring process?

[13:00] What is candidate experience to you?

[16:30] How quickly should you respond and get back to people?

[20:10] The importance of a great candidate experience

[21:28] Jackie’s personal bad experience as a candidate 

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* Connect with Caroline on IG https://www.instagram.com/howtohiretoptalent/

* Click on the Link to get access to Caroline's new mini course: https://howtohiretoptalent.com/

* Connect with me on IG https://www.instagram.com/jackie.koch_/

* Find more information on my website https://www.jackiekoch.com/

We're going to tackle a topic that every boss needs to understand: How to lead your team through difficult times. As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate tough situations, but I also know that it's possible to come out stronger on the other side.

One of the key things that I've learned is that empathy and transparency are critical during difficult times. Whether it's budget cuts, restructuring, or layoffs, being honest with your team about the situation is essential. By approaching the situation with empathy and understanding, you can help ease any feelings of uncertainty or fear that your team may be experiencing.

Clear and concise communication is also crucial in leading your team through tough times. Your team needs to know what's happening and how it will impact them. While it may be tempting to sugarcoat the situation, transparency is key in building trust with your team. During times of change, it's essential to prioritize the well-being of your team. This means being available to answer questions and address concerns, providing resources for support, and creating a positive and supportive work environment.

As an entrepreneur, you have the power to lead your team through any challenge. By prioritizing empathy, transparency, and support, you can help your team navigate through difficult times and emerge stronger than ever.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[2:40] Examples of times I had to lay people off

[6:55] Tips for being the leader of your team needs in difficult times 

[13:40] Tips for how to message layoffs or rifts

[24:00] How to support employees that are still there

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* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website www.jackiekoch.com

You're in for a treat today with this episode! I'm joined by my best friend and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Lori Harder, to talk all things business!

As entrepreneurs, we know how important it is to have the right team in place. Lori shares her insights on the evolution of the hiring process and how to find the best fit for your company culture. We talk about the importance of effective communication and handling tough conversations with employees in a professional setting.

Our conversation also dives into the high-level discussions that entrepreneurs are having about their teams. We share advice from our own mentors that we wish we had listened to earlier in our careers and discuss the concept of becoming a boss accidentally. We're excited to offer our personal stories and reflections on our experiences as bosses and entrepreneurs.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[2:30] Lori's background.

[3:40] The paramount importance of HR in your business 

[6:25] How Lori got into business.

[7:20] Did she ever think she wanted to be a boss?

[8:50] What she thought being a boss was like vs. what it's actually like. 

[10:00] The evolution of your hiring process.

[14:00] Getting deep with potential candidates to find the best fit.

[17:05] Did she ever think she had to be buttoned up and professional all the time?

[18:50] How have her communication skills evolved to have those tough conversations?

[24:03] What conversations are high-level entrepreneurs having about their teams?

[30:20] Advice from her mentors that she wishes she had acted on sooner.

[36:55] Becoming a boss accidentally. 

Listen to Similar Episodes:

Embracing Radical Personal Responsibility: A New Era of Leadership with Jen Szpigiel

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The Most Important Hires With Ivan Alo & LaDante McMillon, Co-Founders Of New Age Capital

* Connect with Lori on IG @loriharder

* Check out Lori's amazing podcast Earn Your Happy

* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website www.jackiekoch.com

I've been frustrated with myself as I've been feeling like I'm not able to break through and lead a client of mine but through this frustration, I've found some of my greatest strengths. I want to walk you through that process so you can discover and develop your strengths and those of your team.

Start by taking something like StrengthsFinder and action those results to see how much more successful you can be if you start intentionally developing your top skills. I'm currently listening to books about how to be better at influencing even though I'm already really good at it!

And it doesn't stop with you! You can apply this to your team too. All too often as leaders, we have performance reviews where we're looking for the things our team needs to improve. What if we flipped the script and took the things our employees are already good at and helped them become even better? Then take what they're not so good at and see if somebody else would be a better fit. The more we can align people's jobs with what they are good at, the better off everybody is going to be!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:30] I have a problem that's keeping me up at night that led to an epiphany about focusing on and developing my strengths

[4:30] Why I decided I need to work on skills that I'm already good at

[8:00] How I figure out what my strengths are

[13:00] Find your own strengths and intentionally develop those skills

[14:00] Find the strengths of your team members and help develop those skills

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* Connect with me on IG @jackie.koch_

* Find more information on my website www.jackiekoch.com