The Modern Manager

Latest Episodes:

368: The 7-Step Focus Formula Highly Productive People Swear By with Mridu Parikh Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the conversation now!

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

Conversation Topics

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

Additional Resources:

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

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Check out OneTab here

Keep up with Mridu Parikh

- Follow Mridu on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

- Subscribe to Mridu’s Productivity on Purpose Podcast here

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

30% Off A One-Hour Productivity Coaching Call

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

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

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

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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!

367: How to Deal with Toxic People at Work Without Quitting with Dr. Sheela Reddy Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the conversation now!

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

Conversation Topics

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

Additional Resources:

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

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Dr. Sheela Reddy

- Follow Sheela on Instagram

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

Live LinkedIn Sessions: Your Bi-Weekly EQ Boost

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

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

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

FREE EQ Assessment and Tame the Tough Boss Article

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

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

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

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

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

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

366: Want to Build Habits That Stick? Forget Changing Who You Are with Jason Hreha Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Are you struggling to form new habits that actually stick?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the conversation now!

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

Conversation Topics

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

Additional Resources:

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

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Jason Hreha

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

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

- Subscribe to The Behavioral Scientist on YouTube here

- Visit Persona Talent and The Behavioral Scientist for more information

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

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

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

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

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

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

365: What Happens When You Start Documenting Everything with Adrienne Bellehumeur Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the conversation now!

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

Conversation Topics

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

Additional Resources:

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

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here

- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

- Check out The Bullet Journal Method here

Keep up with Adrienne Bellehumeur

- Follow Adrienne on LinkedIn here

- Get a copy of her book here

- Check out Risk Oversight here for more information

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

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

Adrienne is giving members of Podcast+ 2 incredible PDFs.

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

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

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

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

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

364: Reclaim Your Power and Lead with Confidence with Dr. Sharon Melnick Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by your leadership role? Are you always reacting to everyone else’s agenda instead of creating your own?

What if you could reclaim your power and lead confidently through any situation? Today’s guest reveals exactly how to make that shift.

Meet Dr. Sharon Melnick. Sharon is recognized as a Marshall Goldsmith Top 50 executive coach and is the author of three books including In Your Power (2022), Success Under Stress, and Confidence When it Counts. Her mission is simple: Equip all leaders with the toolkit they need to claim their power and amplify it to achieve dramatically positive outcomes for all.

In this episode, Sharon redefines what real power looks like in the workplace and shares practical strategies to help managers take back control, even in challenging situations.

She reveals how to shift from reactive to proactive leadership through tools like the “thermostat” metaphor and the “cooling breath” technique. Plus, she breaks down how to stop giving away your power to others’ expectations and how to lead from a place of strength.

Join the conversation now!

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

Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(01:17) What does power truly mean
(03:49) What throws us off our game and makes us feel powerless
(06:42) Thermometer vs. thermostat metaphor for leadership
(09:57) Ways to step into your power or regain it after losing it
(13:25) The importance of setting a clear “horizon point”
(15:22) A quick technique to calm down a situation
(18:15) How seeking approval from others gives away your power
(27:29) The relation between burnout and power
(29:22) Keep up with Sharon
(30:12) [Extended Episode Only] How to help your team members step into their power

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 Sharon Melnick

- Follow Sharon on LinkedIn and Facebook

- Get your burnout-proof checklist here

- Check out Sharon’s official page here for more

Book Giveaway: A Signed Copy of Her Book In Your Power

Sharon is giving away a signed copy of her book In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others to one member of Podcast+

Whether dealing with an underperforming team member, an undervaluing boss, an undermining colleague, a difficult family member or partner, or the overwhelm of too much to do, we can find ourselves feeling “out of our power.” This book guides you through twelve Power Portals, giving you a new approach to stop reacting to others’ limitations and instead raise yourself and others to be limitless.

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!

363: The Surprising Science of Great Leadership Revealed with Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Leadership can feel overwhelming, especially when the world around you is constantly changing. But what if small, science-backed changes in how you lead could create a bigger impact than you ever imagined?

This week’s guests will explore key findings from their research on the nine science-based traits of effective leadership, enabling us to become better managers today.

Meet Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull. Margaret is the Founder of Wellcoaches Corporation, Co-founder of the Institute of Coaching, and a faculty member with the Harvard Medical School Office of Global Education. She has over twenty-five years of C-suite roles and experience coaching C-suite executives by blending leadership, coaching, and science.

Jeffrey is an Executive Director and Coach with the Institute of Coaching and Founder of Leadership Inc. He brings over 30 years of translating science into leadership as a consultant, psychologist, and teacher at New York University and Harvard Medical School.

Together, Margaret and Jeffrey co-authored the new book, The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact.

In this episode, they unpack the key findings on the essential leadership traits that define effective leadership today and how these traits can help managers respond to challenges while fostering a positive work environment.

They also explore actionable strategies, including the role of positive psychology, why intentional pauses in leadership matter, and how embracing flexibility can drastically improve your team’s performance.

Join the conversation now!

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

Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(01:54) The alarming state of managers today
(07:00) The Science of Leadership explained
(11:00) Why leadership agility is essential in today’s world
(19:31) The power of pauses in leadership
(25:18) How positivity in leadership can boost creativity
(29:26) Great managers Margaret and Jeffrey have worked for
(34:58) [Extended Episode Only] How to stay optimistic amidst today’s disruptions
(39:39) [Extended Episode Only] The 5 kinds of psychological capital

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 Gallup research here

Keep up with our guests

- Follow Margaret on LinkedIn here

- Follow Jeffrey on LinkedIn here

- Get a copy of Flex: The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World here

- Grab a copy of The Science of Leadership here

FREE Science of Leadership Assessment and Discussion Guide

Jeffrey and Margaret are providing members of Podcast+ an excerpt from The Science of Leadership that includes the nine capabilities assessment as well as a readiness to change assessment.

In addition, they’re giving members a discussion guide to easily explore the nine leadership capacities alone or with your team.

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!

362: Delegate with Confidence in 4 Simple Steps with Dallas Burnett Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Do you feel like you’re drowning in your task list?

You know delegation is important. You know your team wants to contribute. But still, something holds you back—whether it’s fear of mistakes or the lack of time to explain things.

You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle.

Joining me today is Dallas Burnett. Dallas is the founder and CEO of Perforam and author of "Lift," "MOVE!" and "Caveman Delegation," He is a performance management expert dedicated to transforming how organizations unlock potential. He partners with senior executives to design unique people systems that reduce turnover, boost productivity, and increase profits.

In this episode, Dallas dives deep into the common fears that prevent managers from delegating, such as the fear of failure and the belief that it’s quicker to do things themselves.

He introduces his simple yet effective “Caveman Delegation” model, a four-step process that helps managers confidently delegate tasks, processes, and outcomes without micromanaging.

Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Dallas discusses how tools like the Enneagram can help you better understand your team’s personalities—so you can delegate in a way that sets everyone up for success.

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
(02:13) The stigma associated with delegation
(04:59) Overcoming the fear of failure when delegating
(07:27) Debunking the myth that delegation takes too much time
(09:06) The Caveman Delegation model explained
(17:16) Delegating tasks vs. processes vs. outcomes
(26:21) Why risk and reversibility analysis matter in delegation
(29:11) A great manager Dallas has worked for
(31:05) Keep up with Dallas
(31:31) [Extended Episode Only] Enhancing delegation through personality types
(35:13) [Extended Episode Only] How the Enneagram supports smarter delegation

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 Dallas Burnett

- Follow Dallas on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter)

- Subscribe and listen to the ThinkMoveThrive podcast here

- Grab a copy of Caveman Delegation here

FREE Enneagram compatibility guide based on Caveman Delegation

Dallas is providing his Enneagram compatibility guide based on Caveman Delegation for free to members of Podcast+.

This guide helps you delegate effectively using Enneagram insights. Discover how to communicate, motivate, and match tasks to each Enneagram type’s strengths.

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!

361: Transform Your Strategy at Every Level with the 3 As Framework with Rich Horwath Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

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

(00:00) Introduction
(00:23) The difference between strategy and tactics explained
(04:10) Why strategy matters at every level of the organization
(06:08) The 3 As framework: Acumen, Allocation, and Action
(07:57) What it looks like to apply the 3 As framework in practice
(12:06) Making smart decisions through resource allocation
(18:34) How to stay strategic in a constantly changing environment
(22:39) A real-world example: Adjusting tactics to align with strategy
(25:30) A great manager Rich has worked for
(26:39) Keep up with Rich
(27:27) [Extended Episode Only] What it looks like when you’re not being strategic
(30:59) [Extended Episode Only] Tools to help you act more strategically

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!

360: How to Train Your Brain to Speak Better in Any Setting with Ruth Milligan Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

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

(00:00) Introduction
(01:39) Common mistakes people make when communicating
(07:18) Why listening to yourself is the best feedback tool
(13:58) Handling slow speakers and ramblers: what actually works
(18:28) Pre-meeting coaching that helps your team speak better
(25:03) The power of practicing before you speak (and what to rehearse)
(27:57) A great manager Ruth has worked for
(29:31) Keep up with Ruth
(30:55) [Extended Episode Only] How to finally stop saying “um”
(33:09) [Extended Episode Only] The six threshold concepts for learning to speak well

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!

359: Why Meaningful Relationships Are Your Superpower (And How To Build Them) with David Homan May 27, 2025

Show notes

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

(00:00) Introduction
(02:00) What it really means to build an intentional community
(08:15) Why you should be unafraid to share your passions
(13:12) Translating personal connection strategies into the workplace
(18:22) How to strengthen your relationship with your team members
(24:07) Setting boundaries and fostering accountability in community
(29:05) A great manager David has worked for
(31:25) Keep up with David
(32:15) [Extended Episode Only] How to ask people in your network for help

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.

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