The Modern Manager

At some point in your career, you’ve probably worked with someone who is on the autism spectrum, but you might not have known. There are many misconceptions about autism, which damage how we understand and therefore support these colleagues. Viewing autism through a new lens can help every manager unlock hidden potential and design environments where everyone thrives.Today’s guest brings both personal experience and professional insight to help us all better appreciate the talents of neurodiverse team members. Clain Udy is reshaping the way society views autism by shifting our perspectives from deficit-focused to one that sees autism through a strengths-based lens. As the father of a high-functioning autistic adult son, Clain has spent over two decades researching and investigating what it takes to help his son and other autistic individuals have successful, fulfilling careers.Clain’s new book, Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum, details his journey from initially thinking he had to “fix” his autistic son to wholeheartedly embracing his son’s beautifully unique strengths.In this episode, we explore how autism shows up in the workplace, what managers often misunderstand about communication and performance, and practical ways to create environments where neurodiverse employees can do their best work.In the extended conversation, Clain shares how managers can better understand social communication preferences, why “chasing normal” harms both managers and employees, and how reframing autism as a different but equally valid way of processing the world changes everything about inclusion.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.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics(00:00) Introduction – Understanding how neurodivergent brains enrich the workplace(02:03) The hidden prevalence of autism in professional environments(04:38) Dispelling misconceptions and shifting from deficit-based thinking(07:16) Recognizing the strengths of autistic individuals(12:34) Adapting environments for sensory and cognitive needs(13:43) Communication strategies that support neurodivergent team members(20:12) Strength-based management and inclusive leadership(25:14) Real stories of inclusive managers in action(29:18) [Extended Episode Only] Building authentic relationships with neurodivergent employees(34:54) [Extended Episode Only] Designing communication to meet different social needs📚 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 hereKeep up with Clain Udy- Check out his website: https://autismelevated.com/- Follow Clain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clainudy/- Follow Clain on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Autism-Elevated/61559009841770/- Follow Clain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismelevated/Guest Bonus: 10 Book Giveaway: Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the SpectrumThis insightful book is both a memoir and a practical guide that aims to dismantle the current assumptions and mindset around autism and empower parents, educators, and employers to recognize and nurture the inherent abilities of autistic individuals.To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!#Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #FutureOfWork #TeamManagement #PsychologicalSafety #HumanCenteredLeadership #TheModernManager#AutismAtWork #Neurodiversity #InclusiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTips #WorkCulture #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #Leadership #Management #TeamLeadership #FutureOfWork #PeopleManagement #AutismAwareness

Most people don’t set out to be “bad bosses.” But good intentions aren’t enough when your habits unintentionally create frustration, fear, or disengagement.Thankfully, today’s guest helps us see what’s really happening beneath the surface. Mita Mallick is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best-Selling author. She’s on a mission to fix what's broken in our workplaces. She’s a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and has had an extensive career as a marketing and human resources executive.In this episode, we explore what makes a bad boss (and how to avoid becoming one). Mita reveals common behaviors that erode trust, how to give feedback that empowers instead of intimidates, and why inclusive leadership is the foundation of a healthy culture. You’ll learn small, everyday actions that rebuild connection, create safety, and turn self-awareness into your most powerful leadership tool.In the extended members-only conversation, Mita opens up about the “Nap Boss,” “Tony Soprano,” and “Sheriff” archetypes—real examples of toxic leadership behaviors that managers can learn from. She also shares practical ways to respond to bullying or bias at work, including how to use the “Five Ds” framework to intervene and support colleagues safely and effectively.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.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction: What makes a “bad boss”?(00:51) Meet Mita Mallick and her leadership journey(02:40) The myths we believe about being a good boss(05:12) Why well-intentioned leaders can still be toxic(08:43) Understanding inclusion as a leadership skill(12:25) How to recognize your own blind spots(17:18) Building trust and psychological safety(21:36) Giving feedback with care and clarity(25:49) The small habits that make a big difference(29:10) Keep up with Mita(31:46) [Extended Episode Only] The Nap, Tony, and Sheriff bosses’ workplace impact(36:18) [Extended Episode Only] How to intervene: The Five Ds model📚 Additional Resources:✨Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month✨ Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cw9_72_BLtfr5vsjDbb-U2Nb5KuX56A5Jo6TSGmOaWc/edit?usp=sharing✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/✨Level up your skills: https://themodernmanager.com/replaybundle✨Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jhYz8b16g1SsLia4EhO5w?sub_confirmation=1✨Learn more about the 5Ds in episode 109 with Emily May: https://www.themodernmanager.com/podcast-109Keep up with Mita Mallick- Follow Mita on LinkedIn here- Check out her book hereGuest Bonus: 10% off Book Consulting ServicesIf you’ve wanted to write a book, this is for you. Get hourly book consulting services from idea generation all the way to marketing your book and selling it to your audience. Priced at $750/hr, members of Podcast+ get a 10% discount. To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!#Leadership #Management #WorkCulture #ToxicWorkplace #BadBoss #GoodManager #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamLeadership #ManagerTips #WorkplaceCulture #SelfAwareness #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #ManagerAdvice #LeadershipPodcast

Layoffs are some of the hardest moments a manager can face. How you handle them can shape not just the experience of the employees leaving but also the morale and trust of the team that remains.Today’s guest brings expert guidance on navigating these challenges with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.Leanne Elliot is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Consultant, and Coach with a proven track record of building workplaces that empower teams and enable performance. She is also co-host of the award-winning psychology podcast, Truth, Lies & Work. Breaking into the prestigious HubSpot Podcast Network in 2022. The show is dedicated to helping business leaders simplify the science of the workplace.In this episode, Leanne explains how managers can approach layoffs thoughtfully, manage confidentiality effectively, communicate clearly, and care for both departing employees and the remaining team. She shares practical frameworks to make these tough conversations more human and less stressful.In the extended members-only conversation, Leanne dives deeper into strategies for managers who are themselves being laid off and how to prepare for career transitions while maintaining professional composure.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.Join the conversation now!Conversation Topics (00:00) Introduction(01:59) Layoffs vs Firings(03:15) Managing Confidentiality and Clear Communication(04:51) A Manager's Role in Layoff Decisions(07:30) Supporting Remaining Team Members After a Layoff(12:05) Practical Frameworks for The Tough Conversation(16:40) Creating a Compassionate Layoff Process(20:15) Key Behavioral Science Insights for Managers(24:50) Maintaining Team Morale and Trust(29:07) Connect with Leanne (31:23) [Extended Episode Only] Supporting Your Team After a Layoff(34:05) [Extended Episode Only] If You Are the One Being Laid Off📚 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 hereKeep up with Leanne Elliot - Follow Leanne on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne/- Follow on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/truthlieswork/- Learn more on her website here: https://truthliesandwork.com/- Explore Oblong HQ here: https://oblonghq.com/Guest Bonus: 1 FREE Career Transition Coaching ProgramThis free three-session coaching program helps you navigate career transitions with psychology-based tools and practical support. You’ll reflect on past experiences, clarify your values, and set clear goals for your future work.Learn more about the program here.Enter the drawing by November 7, 2025.To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.---------------------The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!#Leadership #Management #Layoffs #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #ManagerTips #CareerTransitions #TeamManagement #ProfessionalGrowth

James Louttit, author and former CIO turned leadership coach, joins the conversation to share insights on effective project management. He introduces his "eight lenses," emphasizing prioritization as the key to avoiding chaos and burnout. Listeners learn about engaging stakeholders, managing risks, and estimating project effort versus duration. James also highlights the importance of blending agile and waterfall methods for efficiency. Through relatable examples, he illustrates how strong leadership can protect teams and drive project success.

Join Natalya Pestalozzi, a positive psychology expert and certified coach, as she explores the profound impact of character strengths on leadership and workplace dynamics. She reveals the 24 VIA character strengths, emphasizing their universal value across cultures. Discover how positive psychology differs from toxic positivity, and learn about the PERMA model of wellbeing. Natalya shares practical tips for utilizing strengths in teams and the importance of cultivating traits like social intelligence and gratitude for authentic leadership.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Ronzio, Founder and CEO of Trainual and author of The Business Playbook, shares his expertise on effective delegation and documentation. He explores why managers struggle to let go of tasks, emphasizing the need for clear processes to foster team success. Chris introduces a three-step framework for delegation and offers practical templates for documentation. He also discusses the importance of keeping documentation current and how cultivating a proactive culture can enhance team dynamics.

Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at University College London and author of The Collective Edge, dives into the hidden mechanics behind successful teamwork. He explains why groups are essential for achieving not just tasks but also creativity and emotional fulfillment. Colin discusses how clear goals and team structure lead to improved collaboration and engagement. He also shares practical tips on fostering psychological safety and effective communication, ensuring managers can unlock their teams' collective potential.

In this conversation, Stephanie Chung, an international bestselling author and human capital expert, discusses leading diverse teams effectively. She emphasizes that understanding differences—such as generational, cultural, and gender variances—is crucial for managers. Chung introduces her ALLY framework, which encourages curiosity and inclusive practices. She also highlights leveraging privilege responsibly to foster inclusivity and create high-performing teams. By promoting a culture of learning and active listening, leaders can truly embrace the power of diversity.

Salvatore Manzi, a leadership communications coach and author of "Clear and Compelling," reveals how workplaces often neglect introverts. He discusses strategies that empower introverts to share their insights, such as thoughtful meeting structures and the crucial 10-second rule for communication. Salvatore emphasizes the importance of pre-work and breaks to create an inclusive environment. He also highlights the significance of recognizing quiet leadership, shedding light on how introverts can thrive and succeed in collaborative settings.

Jamelle Lindo, an executive coach and emotional intelligence specialist, shares insights on the vital role of emotional intelligence in leadership today. He discusses essential EQ skills like empathy, assertiveness, and self-awareness that drive effective communication. Jamelle provides practical tools for delivering feedback and fostering self-awareness, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical skills with human connections. His perspective in a tech-driven world highlights how emotional intelligence can be a competitive edge for leaders.