Manager to Manager

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we continue our special series "Unity with Variety: Creating a Culture of Excellent People Leaders" by featuring Jennifer Fields, Chief Delivery Officer at Acklen Avenue. Jennifer shares her unique leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of autonomy, support, and growth within her teams. She reflects on her own journey from a software developer to a senior executive, offering valuable lessons on leadership evolution and the importance of self-awareness. Join the conversation to: Discover Jennifer’s approach to valuing autonomy over control and how it empowers her team to make decisions and solve problems effectively. Gain insights on why Jennifer believes leadership is more about mindset than process and how this perspective impacts her team’s performance. Find out how Jennifer embraces different leadership styles within her team and how it contributes to a cohesive yet varied approach to achieving common goals. Learn about Jennifer’s strategies for creating space for her team members to thrive, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging personal growth. In addition to sharing her personal journey, Jennifer highlighting the importance of being the leader you would want to follow. She discusses the significance of self-awareness, intentional leadership, and the continuous effort to balance autonomy with achieving organizational goals. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights for building a thriving and empowered team.    Show Notes: Connect with Jennifer Fields on LinkedIn

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we continue our special series "Unity with Variety: Creating a Culture of Excellent People Leaders" with Chelsea Gonzalez, VP of HR at Acklen Avenue. Chelsey shares her journey from teaching to HR leadership, highlighting the importance of intentionality, personalized interactions, and continuous self-improvement. She discusses the significance of understanding how your actions impact your team and creating a supportive environment that values both professional and personal growth. Join the conversation to: Discover Chelsey’s approach to regular one-on-one and team meetings that foster open communication and trust. Gain insights into how Chelsey tailors her leadership style to meet the unique needs of each team member, enhancing their individual and collective performance. Find out how Chelsey uses feedback to continually improve her leadership and why she emphasizes understanding the impact of one’s actions on others. Learn about Chelsey’s journey and how she navigates the challenges of being a leader and a parent, supported by an inclusive and understanding work environment. Chelsea also opens up about the significance of support from senior leaders and the impact it has on her own growth and confidence. This episode has practical advice for both new and seasoned managers on how to create a people-first culture that drives both employee satisfaction and organizational success.   Show Notes: Connect with Chelsey Gonzalez on LinkedIn Watch Chelsey's DisruptHR presentation.

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we kick off our special series "Unity with Variety: Creating a Culture of Excellent People Leaders" by sitting down with Stephanie Johnson, COO of Acklen Avenue. Stephanie shares her insights on leading with authenticity, empowering her team, and fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of building trust, embracing individuality, and creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard. Discover how Stephanie's leadership philosophy has shaped Acklen Avenue's thriving culture and gain practical tips for cultivating your own leadership excellence. Join the episode to hear: How leading by example can create a positive ripple effect throughout the organization Ways to balance a unified vision with the celebration of individual leadership styles Strategies for building trust and fostering open communication within your team The importance of embracing diversity and empowering your people to contribute their unique perspectives How to use structured processes and metrics to drive alignment and make informed decisions Stephanie also shares her experiences working closely with the CEO to maintain alignment and support across the organization. This episode is packed with practical advice for both new and seasoned managers on how to lead with authenticity, inclusivity, and strategic clarity.   Show Notes: Connect with Stephanie Johnson on Linkedin

Are you constantly feeling overwhelmed and distracted by technology? Do you struggle to focus on important tasks and find your creative spark? In this episode of Manager to Manager, Kamaria chats with Michelle Moore, a brilliant expert in mental capacity and work design, about how to regain control of your attention and create a more fulfilling work life. Michelle shares her insights on how to harness attention, cultivate a healthy relationship with tech, and design work environments that promote well-being and productivity. Join the conversation to: Learn how technology overload can erode our mental capacity and what you can do to protect it. Discover the five key areas of work design that impact our ability to harness attention and create value: focus, culture, balance, digital toolkit, and environment. Get actionable advice on how to lead your team in a way that promotes focus, creativity, and well-being in the digital age. This episode is a must-listen for new and seasoned managers and who are looking to create more focused, productive, and fulfilling work environments for themselves and their teams.

Ever wondered what sets extraordinary leaders apart? In this episode of Manager to Manager, Kamaria Scott welcomes Sasha Poulus, a seasoned finance professional with a decade of experience at industry giants like Merrill Bank of America and J.P. Morgan. Sasha's career is remarkable not only for her accomplishments but also for a unique distinction: she's never had a bad boss. This experience, she reveals, ignited a passion for leadership that champions individuality and empowers team members to reach their full potential. Sasha opens up about her journey, from an entry-level position to leading large teams, emphasizing the pivotal role her mentors played in shaping her own leadership style. She shares how she learned to build trust, foster open communication, and understand individual motivations as the key ingredients for creating win-win scenarios for both employees and the organization. Join the conversation as Sasha shares how she: Transforms teams through trust and communication Unleashes potential with personality assessments Designs personalized work experiences Champions work-life balance Empowers through five-year plans Tune in to uncover the power of individualized leadership and its profound impact on employee engagement, productivity, and overall well-being.

In this insightful episode of "Manager to Manager," host Kamaria sits down with Phil Nahajewski, a seasoned CFO and partner at the Florida CFO Group, to explore the delicate balance between achieving business results and maintaining strong relationships with team members. Phil shares his journey from a results-driven manager to a well-rounded leader who values both performance and people. Join us as we delve into: The importance of Theory X and Theory Y in management. Phil's personal stories and experiences that shaped his leadership style. Strategies for maintaining balance during both prosperous and challenging times. How to leverage strengths-based management to enhance team performance. The role of humor and positivity in the workplace. Phil's practical advice and engaging anecdotes provide valuable insights for managers at all levels, especially those navigating the complexities of today's business environment. Don't miss this episode if you want to learn how to lead with both your head and your heart. Tune in to discover how to be a 10/10 leader in both results and relationships! Show Notes: Connect with Phil on Linkedin Watch Phil's DisruptHR Presentation: Let's Get Fractional

Are you looking to elevate your internship program and develop future leaders? Join Kamaria in this enlightening episode of Manager to Manager as she welcomes Isabella Johnston, the Intern Whisperer, who shares her expertise in developing innovative approaches to internship success. In this episode, you will learn: Strategic Intern Integration: Techniques for seamlessly integrating interns into your team, aligning their projects with both educational outcomes and organizational goals. Mentorship Mastery: Insights from Isabella on how to mentor effectively, ensuring mutual growth and learning. Creating Impactful Projects: Guidelines for designing intern projects that are both challenging and beneficial, helping interns make tangible contributions to your company. Isabella combines her educational expertise with business acumen to explore the transformative potential of internships. She offers strategies for avoiding common pitfalls and creating a nurturing environment that promotes both intern growth and organizational productivity. Whether you're initiating a new internship program or refining an existing one, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a win-win scenario. Tune in to transform how you manage and benefit from internships.   Show Notes: Connect with Isabella Johnston on LinkedIn Visit Employers 4 Change

Are you ready to explore the deeper dimensions of leadership that extend beyond conventional management? Dive into a transformative discussion in this episode of "Manager to Manager," where Kamaria welcomes Dr. Jason James, an expert in leadership and organizational development. This episode unpacks the critical role of humanity in leadership, especially in the context of the changes brought by recent global challenges. Learn how embracing your humanity can profoundly impact how you lead and interact with your team: Integrating Personal Growth: Understanding how self-awareness and self-love are foundational to effective leadership, as shared by Dr. James. Humanity in Action: Strategies for applying principles of empathy, compassion, and love within the workplace, transforming everyday management tasks. The Leadership Journey: Dr. James shares a deep dive into his personal experiences that shape approaches to managing teams, highlighting the continuous need for leaders to evolve and adapt. Dr. James enlightens us on the intersection of theoretical knowledge and practical application in leadership. He discusses how aligning personal values with professional conduct can lead to more authentic and sustainable team dynamics. Reflecting on his own journey and the evolution of leadership styles over time, the conversation reveals how today's leaders can foster an environment where humanity is at the core of corporate culture, promoting not just productivity but also genuine fulfillment and well-being within teams. Join us for a compelling discussion that will inspire you to rethink your leadership approach, emphasizing the power of humanity in creating more resilient and cohesive teams. Whether you are a seasoned manager or aspiring to lead, this episode offers valuable perspectives on nurturing leadership qualities that truly resonate with and empower your team.   Show Notes Connect with Dr. James on LinkedIn

Feeling like there's more to leadership than just your job title? Ready to discover how to build genuine influence and guide your team to success? In this thought-provoking episode of "Manager to Manager," Kamaria sits down with Ned Parks, a distinguished leadership coach with an extensive background in guiding teams through transformational change, both in military and civilian contexts. Ned unveils the intricacies of leading without leaning on the crutch of positional power, presenting three pivotal strategies for new and seasoned leaders alike: Embracing Vulnerability: How showing your human side can build stronger, trust-based relationships within your team. The Art of Clear Expectations: Why setting and communicating clear guidelines is foundational to team alignment and success. Valuing Every Voice: Learning to listen and incorporate the diverse perspectives and skills of your team, including the unique strengths veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Ned emphasizes the shift from a directive to a consultative leadership style, encouraging leaders to engage deeply with their team members to unearth and utilize their insights for collective growth and improvement. The conversation also delves into Ned's personal journey of growth and self-discovery in leadership roles. Reflecting on his experiences, he highlights the continuous path of learning and the significant impact leaders can have on their teams and individual lives by adopting a mindset of service and support. Through sharing his insights and personal lessons, Ned aims to motivate current and aspiring managers to redefine their approach to leadership. It's not about commanding from the front but walking alongside your team, guiding them with humility, understanding, and a shared vision for success.   Show Notes: Connect with Ned Parks on LinkedIn

Are you new to leading a veteran team? Find out how to avoid common leadership pitfalls and earn your team's trust and respect! In this insightful episode of "Manager to Manager," Kamaria chats with Milista Anderson, a seasoned leader currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at a recruiting and solutions firm. Milista shares the nuances of stepping into leadership positions within established teams and offers valuable advice for new leaders, encapsulating her experience into three memorable guidelines: Avoiding the "I've come to save the day" mentality Refraining from making unkeepable promises  Be cautious when approached by eager volunteers aiming for the second-in-command position. She stresses the importance of taking a consultative approach, engaging with team members to understand their perspectives and leveraging their insights to drive positive change.  The discussion also touches on the personal growth and self-awareness that come with leadership roles. Milista reflects on her continuous learning journey, emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive impact on the teams and individuals she encounters. By sharing her experiences and the lessons she's learned, Milista aims to inspire current and aspiring leaders to approach their roles with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to improve their teams and themselves.

Tired of conflict stifling your team's potential? Discover the transformative power of healthy disagreement in this enlightening episode of "Manager to Manager." Join host Kamaria Scott and guest Phillip Sparrow, a veteran HR professional and conflict resolution expert, as they discuss the art of turning workplace discord into a catalyst for innovation and growth. This episode offers a roadmap for leaders eager to foster a culture where diverse perspectives thrive. Kamaria and Phillip share how to create a psychologically safe space for open dialogue, understand different conflict styles, and employ strategies that balance assertiveness with empathy. They provide practical tips for improving team dynamics and harnessing the creative potential of conflict. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and build stronger teams. Tune in now to transform the way you and your team navigate challenges, propelling your organization towards unprecedented innovation and success.Show Notes: Connect with Phillip Spearo on LinkedIn

Are you navigating the challenging journey of transitioning from being a top performer in your field to leading a team for the first time? In this episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott sits down with Jen Rohne, a seasoned Operations Director at Avery Dennison, to discuss the transformative journey from technical expert to inspirational leader over three decades. Jen opens up about the challenges and triumphs of moving from an engineer role into various leadership positions, managing multiple manufacturing facilities. She debunks the myth that being excellent in a technical job naturally translates into effective people leadership. Instead, she highlights the need for a different set of skills and a mindset shift from executing tasks to guiding teams. Throughout the conversation, Jen shares invaluable lessons on setting clear expectations, fostering accountability, and adapting leadership styles to meet the diverse needs of team members in various roles. She recounts how she helped an employee craft compelling business cases and supported an engineer transitioning to a team leadership position, offering insights into the importance of active listening and personalized management approaches. A significant part of the discussion is dedicated to understanding and meeting individual team members' needs, promoting a culture of curiosity over judgment, and the critical role of empathy in leadership. Jen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging personal mistakes and learning from them, showcasing the power of vulnerability in building trust and respect within a team. This episode is a deep dive into the nuances of leadership that go beyond traditional management theories, providing listeners with practical strategies and heartfelt advice from Jen's extensive experience. Join us for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to embrace the journey of becoming a more effective and empathetic leader.

Are you as a manager or leader striving to create a win-win scenario where your team members' personal goals and skills not only align but also propel your organization's objectives forward? In this enlightening episode of Manager to Manager, we have the pleasure of welcoming Ana Montoya, who shares her insights on achieving this harmonious balance. Join us as Ana recounts her unique journey as a first-generation Colombian-American, a former player with the Colombian national soccer team, and a participant in two World Cups and the 2012 London Olympics. Transitioning from the athletic world to corporate America, Ana began in technology sales before ascending to lead a global sales team across Latin America. Throughout our conversation, Ana reveals how her diverse experiences have molded her leadership style and the ways she empowers her team. She explores the delicate yet powerful process of aligning individual goals with the broader vision of the organization, demonstrating how this alignment is key to both personal satisfaction and corporate success. Ana also dives deep into the importance of listening and understanding the dynamics within a team, underscoring these abilities as essential for cultivating a thriving and unified workforce. She emphasizes the need to establish a strong fundamental foundation, equipping team members with the skills and mindset necessary to excel in their careers. Ana's story is a compelling testament to the impact of diverse experiences in enriching leadership qualities and achieving outstanding results across various fields.

Are you a people leader looking to unlock the full potential of your team? If so, you'll want to hear what Charlene Bunting has to say. She's a seasoned leader in software engineering management with extensive experience in fostering effective team dynamics and nurturing cross-functional collaboration and we're thrilled to welcome here to the Manager-to-Manager podcast.  Join us as Charlene takes us through her diverse journey, encompassing roles such as business analyst, systems analyst, project manager, and more, leading up to her current position as the Senior Director of Software Engineering at Workiva. She highlights the significance of viewing an organization as a cohesive unit, where success is achieved not in silos but through concerted effort across various functions. Throughout our dialogue, Charlene illustrates her unique "Curiosity Mission" approach, a method that involves understanding team interactions, uncovering interdependencies, and addressing collective challenges. She shares an enlightening story from her career that underscores the importance of creating psychological safety and resolving friction between teams. Moreover, Charlene discusses her strategies for fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their challenges, thus aiding in identifying and addressing blind spots. Her focus on building and maintaining relationships within and across teams is a testament to her empathetic and inclusive leadership style. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, this episode offers practical advice on building a collaborative, high-performing team environment.   Show Notes: Connect with Charlene on LinkedIn   Charlene's Recommended Books: The Like Switch Leadership and Self Deception

Are you stepping into a people leader role and feeling the weight of responsibility? You're not alone. In this insightful episode of Manager to Manager, we welcome Eric Girard, a leadership development expert with a wealth of experience in guiding new managers through the complexities of modern leadership. In our candid and enlightening conversation, Eric draws on his extensive background to share invaluable lessons for emerging leaders. He emphasizes the critical role of empathy in management, not as a soft skill but as a key driver of team engagement and performance. Eric also shares his personal journey from team member to team leader, revealing the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way. But it's more than just personal growth; Eric shares practical strategies for self-care and managing change. He highlights how to effectively support your team during transitions, using empathy and understanding to foster a resilient and adaptive work environment. Eric also shares his insights on the nuances of leadership versus management, offering guidance on how to lead with fairness, kindness, and a focus on results. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the new terrain of leadership. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a leader and how to make a positive impact in your managerial role.   Show notes: Connect with Eric Girard on LinkedIn Learn more about Girard Training Solutions Get Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers

Are you ready to discover the secrets of influence and change? In this captivating episode of Manager to Manager, we are joined by special guest Allison Winters, a dynamic leader in finance and banking. Get ready to learn from her valuable journey of going from intern to leading two departments. Allison will be sharing her experiences and insights on: - The importance of building personal connections to truly understand and influence those around you.- How influence is the key to driving performance and getting things done.- Effective approaches to build relationships and gain influence within your own team.- Strategies for influencing and collaborating effectively with teams outside of your own.- The power of curiosity and understanding generational differences in the workplace.- Creating a psychologically safe environment of trust and reciprocity.- Celebrating wins and inspiring others through successful stories. Join us as we discuss the strategies and mindsets needed to help others navigate change and achieve outstanding results.    Show notes:  Connect with Allison Winters on LinkedIn

"Feedback is a gift" is a common phrase, but as leaders, are we truly open to receiving feedback ourselves? In this captivating episode of Manager to Manager, Marjorie Williamson shares her insights and advice on how we can all improve our feedback receptivity.   Marjorie reveals how feedback has propelled her growth, even when it was initially challenging to hear. She stresses the importance of trust in the feedback process, and how it's easier to receive feedback from someone who has a vested interest in our success. Marjorie's wisdom shines through as she shares how she navigates the emotional challenges of feedback, evaluates its validity, and makes necessary adjustments.   Additionally, we discuss the delicate balance of embracing feedback, especially when we think we're doing well, and the significant impact of leading by example to create a culture of open feedback and vulnerability for our teams. This is where innovation thrives, and success knows no limits. Join us for this informative, inspiring, and encouraging conversation on how we can all better receive the gift of feedback.  Show notes:  Connect with Marjorie Williamson on LinkedIn

Are you looking for practical strategies for leading with care, awareness and empathy? Then you won't want to miss this insightful conversation between Dr. Pat Baxter, an emotional intelligence expert and coach.     In this episode, Dr. Pat Baxter shares her experiences and expertise on emotional intelligence and the importance of empathy in effectively managing teams. She highlights the challenges faced by managers and provides practical strategies for self-care, setting boundaries, and expressing care without experiencing empathy fatigue.    But that's not all! In the heart of the conversation Dr. Pat provides valuable insight into the need for self-awareness, personal expressions of care, and the impact of emotional well-being on effective leadership in a virtual world. She also encourages managers to be expressive and engage with their team members to create a sense of community and foster connections.  Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to develop meaningful connections and truly build a thriving, emotionally intelligent team. Tune in now and transform the way you lead!  Show Notes  Connect with Dr. Patricia (Pat) Baxter on LinkedIn  Smarter Emotions

Are you struggling to create a happy and productive team? If so, there's a lot to learn from Woody Walker, the North America Sales Enablement Lead for Avanade. In this inspiring episode of Manager to Manager, Woody shares her secrets to building a strong and thriving team. Woody discusses leading a team of 35 early talent professionals, called the Digital Sales team, and how she approaches treating them as whole people, not just sales professionals. She uses a range of techniques, including Gallup strengths and Maslow's hierarchy of needs, to develop her team members and help them overcome their blind spots. The impact of these techniques is clear, with team members reporting feeling more confident and less like impostors within six months of joining the program. But it's not just about individual development. Woody also shares how she believes in creating a culture of mentorship and group growth. By creating mini-groups and mentors for everyone, her team members have a support system that allows them to develop their coaching and mentoring skills, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and productive team. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to create a culture of growth and development within your team. Show Notes: Connect with Woody Walker on Linkedin

We often talk about what happens when managers get it wrong, but what happens when they get it right?  In this delightful conversation, author and chief research officer of Lighthouse Research and Advisory, Ben Eubank, shares insights highlighting the positive impact managers can have on their teams and their perceptions of the company as a whole. He discusses the importance of being able to match the individual needs of team members and shares rich examples that illustrate the resulting outcomes.  As a bonus, you’ll hear Ben and I discuss:  The challenges of transitioning people into leadership roles and helping them develop over time.  The importance of delegation and letting go of control as a manager.  How to leverage your individual styles and strengths to become a great people leader.  Don't miss the valuable insights shared in this conversation! If you're interested in "getting it right” for your team, this is the episode for you.   Show Notes:  Connect with Ben on LinkedIn  Listen to Ben’s Podcast: We're Only Human and our episode togther Get Ben’s Book: Talent Scarcity: How to Hire and Retain a Shrinking Workforce  Check out Ben’s event: HR Summer School

Do you want to know the secret to leading an inclusive team? Think big and start small! In this episode of Manager-to-Manager, Neema Jha shares how she uses this approach to make diversity, equity and inclusion real for her team. Join us in this thought-provoking conversation where Neema explains how being an inclusive leader goes beyond acknowledging differences to creating a safe space for people to share their experiences and ideas. She also provides practical tips on how to leverage personal vulnerability and trust to make that happen.   Show Notes: Neema Jha | LinkedIn

In this episode of Manager to Manager, Kacie Walters shares insights from her personal experience and her book “Succeed from the Middle: A middle manager's guide to stop being pulled apart and start balancing your team, your boss and you”. She provides an insightful view on what managers can do to overcome their own struggles with receiving feedback and how we can use questions to provide better feedbacks to our teams. As an added bonus, she shares tips for successfully navigating feedback conversation with your own manager.   Show Notes: Kacie Walters | LinkedIn Kaciewalters.com – Website of author Kacie Walters Succeed from the Middle: A middle manager's guide to stop being pulled apart and start balancing your team, your boss and you

Managers learn more about values and leadership behavior from those around them than from any formal learning experience. In this episode, Larry Appel, former CEO of The Fresh Market, discusses how his role models demonstrated the value of caring, honesty, and empowering people and how he pulled those lessons into his personal leadership. He also shares why it’s important for organizations to embrace metrics that indicate leadership effectiveness and gives stellar advice on how managers can continue their own development If you’re a manager thinking about the values the drive your own leadership and how you bring those to life, this episode is for you.   Show Notes: Larry Appel | LinkedIn

I could talk about myself. I was a really good individual contributor who had great subject knowledge expertise and then suddenly was in a position where I was put in charge of a team and told get that team to do what you can do. And not having a lot of support around the how to do it. And the huge change in my day-to-day where it was going from, you know, 80% involved in the work, 20% maybe involved in affinity groups and fun stuff, and stretch projects to 80% focusing on the work of other people, giving up the work that I did that I was really good. That that was really tough. Johannah Simon, Global Readiness Lead, ProServe L&D Manager to Manager - Episode 1 Transitioning from a high-performing individual contributor to a new manager can be hard. In our first episode of Manager to Manager, Johanna Simon reflects on two areas where new managers can struggle - experiencing an identity crisis and learning to be vulnerable as a leader. She shares how she overcame these struggles to become purposeful in determining how she shows up as a people leader. In this episode you'll also hear why it's important for managers to lead from a place of vulnerability and examples of what that looks like in practice.  She'll also share what organizations can do to support managers navigating these important challenges.   Show Notes Johannah (Lipscher) Simon | LinkedIn

What would happen if we talked to managers instead of talking about them? Would we learn what it takes to lead engaged, healthy and high performing teams? Manager to Manager provides a peak into what it's really like to be a people leader and celebrates those who do it well.  This weekly podcast features Kamaria having real, in-depth conversations with previous and current managers who are willing to share what it takes to be successful, lessons they've learned along the way, and what organizations can do to help them realize their full potential as leaders.