The Modern Manager
Mamie Kanfer Stewart
Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart shares practical approaches to help you be a great manager. Learn more at: https://themodernmanager.com/
Solo episodes are like mini-courses, providing actionable tips based on experience and research. Guest episodes are engaging conversations that elicit insights and suggestions for how to apply the ideas.
Learn more about effective meeting practices, communication skills, managing conflict, team building, time management, group dynamics, goal setting and accountability, team competencies, productivity and collaboration technologies, organizational culture, and more.
Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode!
Solo episodes are like mini-courses, providing actionable tips based on experience and research. Guest episodes are engaging conversations that elicit insights and suggestions for how to apply the ideas.
Learn more about effective meeting practices, communication skills, managing conflict, team building, time management, group dynamics, goal setting and accountability, team competencies, productivity and collaboration technologies, organizational culture, and more.
Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 5, 2025 • 31min
369: Make Work More Fun Without Losing Your Professional Edge with Bree Groff
Bree Groff, author of TODAY WAS FUN and a transformation expert, shakes up traditional notions of professionalism. She discusses the distinction between functional and performative professionalism, advocating for authenticity over appearance. Bree shares how micro acts of fun can enhance team trust and creativity, even in remote settings. She emphasizes the importance of individual expression in attire and leadership, encouraging open communication and simple rituals to foster psychological safety in the workplace.
16 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 30min
368: The 7-Step Focus Formula Highly Productive People Swear By with Mridu Parikh
Mridu Parikh, a productivity coach and author, shares her expertise on overcoming distractions and boosting efficiency. She introduces her ACTION framework, a seven-step method that empowers individuals and teams to minimize distractions and prioritize effectively. Mridu emphasizes the importance of Power Hours, time blocking, and setting healthy boundaries in the workplace. She also discusses how to create a culture of focus within teams and the art of saying no, even to superiors, all aimed at enhancing productivity without the overwhelm.
4 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 30min
367: How to Deal with Toxic People at Work Without Quitting with Dr. Sheela Reddy
Dr. Sheela Reddy, an expert in Trauma-Informed Leadership Psychology with 25 years of experience, dives deep into understanding toxic workplace behaviors like narcissism and Machiavellianism. She emphasizes the pivotal role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in managing these challenges. Listeners learn about setting boundaries and enhancing emotional awareness for healthier interactions. Sheela also shares insights on the importance of supportive leadership and the journey of personal growth, offering valuable strategies to navigate high-pressure situations effectively.
Jul 15, 2025 • 29min
366: Want to Build Habits That Stick? Forget Changing Who You Are with Jason Hreha
In this engaging conversation, Jason Hreha, a behavioral scientist and author of Real Change, shares his expertise on habit formation. He differentiates between habits and transformative practices, highlighting how complexity often derails success. Jason emphasizes behavior matching as a key to fostering collaboration and effective team dynamics. He also provides actionable strategies for breaking bad habits and achieving personal growth. Through understanding motivations and promoting flexibility, he guides listeners in creating lasting change.
8 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 30min
365: What Happens When You Start Documenting Everything with Adrienne Bellehumeur
Adrienne Bellehumeur, owner of Risk Oversight and author of The 24-Hour Rule, shares her insights on the art of documentation. She reveals the difference between 'Big D' and 'Little d' documentation and why daily habits matter. By processing meeting notes promptly, teams can improve productivity and minimize repetitive discussions. Adrienne discusses the balance between handwritten notes and digital tools, and emphasizes simple organization methods. She also introduces effective feedback strategies to enhance team efficiency, making documentation a powerful ally.
6 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 31min
364: Reclaim Your Power and Lead with Confidence with Dr. Sharon Melnick
Dr. Sharon Melnick, a top executive coach and author, shares powerful insights on reclaiming personal leadership. She explores the true meaning of power in the workplace and how to shift from reactive to proactive management. With tools like the 'thermostat' metaphor and 'cooling breath' technique, she teaches leaders to regain control and authenticity. Sharon also emphasizes the importance of self-worth, team empowerment, and effective delegation, providing listeners with actionable strategies to lead confidently.
Jun 24, 2025 • 36min
363: The Surprising Science of Great Leadership Revealed with Margaret Moore and Jeffrey Hull
Margaret Moore, founder of Wellcoaches Corporation, and Jeffrey Hull, executive director at the Institute of Coaching, dive into the nine science-backed traits of effective leadership. They discuss how small changes can lead to significant impacts in management. Topics include the vital role of positive psychology, the need for flexibility in leadership, and the importance of intentional pauses to boost team morale. They also share personal anecdotes about early mentors who shaped their leadership philosophies, highlighting empathy and inclusivity as essential qualities.
13 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 32min
362: Delegate with Confidence in 4 Simple Steps with Dallas Burnett
Dallas Burnett, founder and CEO of Perforam and author of several insightful books, shares his expertise on delegation. He emphasizes the common fears that hinder managers, like fear of failure and time constraints. With his innovative 'Caveman Delegation' model, he provides a clear four-step process for confident task delegation. Additionally, he discusses how tools like the Enneagram can enhance understanding of team dynamics, empowering managers to delegate more effectively and boost overall team productivity.
Jun 10, 2025 • 30min
361: Transform Your Strategy at Every Level with the 3 As Framework with Rich Horwath
Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute and New York Times bestselling author, shares profound insights into strategic thinking. He clarifies the difference between strategy and tactics, introducing the 'rule of touch' as a practical tool. Rich emphasizes that strategic thinking is essential at all levels, presenting the 'three A's' framework—acumen, allocation, and action. He discusses common pitfalls in planning, stressing the importance of risk-taking for innovation. Finally, he offers tools to enhance strategic skills and optimize team efficiency.
10 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 32min
360: How to Train Your Brain to Speak Better in Any Setting with Ruth Milligan
Ruth Milligan, a communication veteran and author of 'Motivated Speaker,' discusses the art of effective verbal communication learned through practice. She emphasizes that speaking is a skill, not a gift. Ruth highlights common pitfalls like filler words and disorganization that can sabotage your message. She shares practical strategies for mastering communication habits and the importance of supportive leadership in fostering growth. Tune in for insights on overcoming public speaking anxiety and enhancing team dynamics!
