The Modern Manager

Are you struggling to get your team to perform at its best? Are you unsure about how to unlock the potential of each individual? This week’s guest says the key is inclusive leadership.Meet Kelli Lester. Kelli is co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress.In this week’s episode, Kelli and I explore what inclusive leadership really looks like, the traits that define it, and the role leaders play in making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.Kelli also illustrates how inclusion isn’t just about people—it’s about ideas and perspectives, too. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, she dives deeper into five other inclusive leadership traits and shares how to navigate style differences without friction.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) What is inclusive leadership?(06:18) Inclusive leadership begins with self-awareness(08:49) What an inclusive workplace really looks like(14:04) Inclusion goes beyond people—it’s about ideas, too(19:35) Why inclusive leadership matters(23:13) A real-life story of inclusion at work(27:53) A great manager Kelli has worked for(30:17) Keep up with Kelli(30:43) [Extended Episode Only] Other inclusive leadership traits that every manager can embody(37:34) [Extended Episode Only] Navigating style differences without frictionAdditional 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 Kelli Lester- Follow Kelli on LinkedIn here- Achieve financial empowerment with Onyx Rising’s Money Matters here- Visit Onyx Rising for more information hereFREE Inclusive Leadership Traits AssessmentKelli is providing members of Podcast+ her Inclusive Leadership Traits Assessment. The PDF includes an overview of inclusive leadership traits and a self-assessment to help you identify areas for improvement.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!

Dr. Anne Welsh, a thought leader on working parenthood and former Harvard professional, shares insights on creating supportive workplaces for parents. She discusses the importance of empathy and small adjustments by managers to help parents thrive. Anne emphasizes the complexities of caregiving and how workplace flexibility has evolved, especially post-COVID. The conversation reveals practical strategies for open communication and the value of recognizing unique parenting skills that enhance team effectiveness. She also offers tips for a smooth transition back from parental leave.

In this discussion with Andrew Hartman, founder of Time Boss and expert in time management, he shares how his journey through burnout sparked his passion for helping others avoid similar pitfalls. Andrew reveals strategies to combat meeting overload, emphasizing the importance of proactive vs. reactive work. He introduces time boxing, a tactic that can transform task management. Plus, he stresses the significance of personal breaks and equips leaders with tools to empower their teams without micromanagement, ensuring they achieve goals sustainably.

In this discussion, Dr. Caroline Fleck, a licensed psychologist and corporate consultant, dives into the profound power of validation in the workplace. She clarifies that validation goes beyond praise, focusing on understanding and acceptance of individuals. Dr. Fleck shares practical techniques for managers to implement validation, especially during challenging conversations. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of intuition and psychological safety for enhancing team dynamics and fostering deeper connections among colleagues.

Have you ever left a virtual meeting thinking, “That could’ve been an email.”? Today’s guest used to feel the same.Meet Jill Molee. Jill is the Director of Counseling & College Advisor at College Prep 360. I’ve been lucky to have Jill as a client and I’m grateful she was willing to experiment with me for this on-air coaching call.As the director of a fully remote, client-facing team, her calendar was packed—but not productive. Her meetings lacked clarity, structure, and worst of all, real collaboration.In this special on-air coaching session, Jill shares how she restructured her meetings around open agendas, clear objectives, and authentic team participation.Learn how she used simple tools (like Google Docs and a consistent format) to shift her team meetings from chaos to clarity—creating a culture where team members engage, collaborate, and even look forward to meetings.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(01:35) Meet Jill Molee of College Prep 360 (03:31) Managing a fully virtual team(04:04) Jill’s meeting strategies that work(06:10) Tips on how to manage time and prioritize better(08:15) Encouraging participation in meetings(12:07) Building community in a virtual team(15:08) Types of meetings Jill runs(18:18) Knowing when to end meetings early(21:19) Encouraging attendance in optional meetings(24:07) Celebrating collaboration outside of meetings(25:08) Leadership lessons and takeaways(27:26) [Extended Episode] Bonus Tips for Improving MeetingsAdditional 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 Jill Molee - Visit College Prep 360 hereFREE PDF: 2 Strategies for Assessing and Improving Your Meetings This step-by-step workbook walks you through two simple strategies that any manager can immediately implement to improve their meetings.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!

Join Joel Zeff, a renowned speaker and humorist, as he unpacks the unexpected benefits of improvisation in the workplace. Dive into his lively discussion about how fun and spontaneity can ignite teamwork and enhance communication. He shares engaging activities like collaborative painting and appreciation rituals that can transform team dynamics. Joel emphasizes the critical role of mentorship in leadership, illustrating how nurturing relationships can empower teams to thrive. Tune in for insights that could redefine your work culture!

Join award-winning executive coach Cynthia Pong, who empowers women of color leaders, as she explores eight toxic thought patterns sabotaging professional success. Discover insights on overcoming the martyr complex and shifting from self-doubt to self-compassion. Learn how to let go of regretful thinking and develop a growth mindset. Cynthia shares actionable strategies for setting healthier boundaries and fostering collaboration, encouraging listeners to step into their power with confidence.

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Brodsky, CEO of Ping Group and an acclaimed professor at the McCombs School of Business, unravels the intricacies of virtual communication. He discusses the importance of adapting communication styles for authenticity and effectiveness, whether through video or messaging. Andrew introduces the PING framework, highlighting how purpose and nonverbal cues can enhance clarity. He also explores the impact of AI on communication, emphasizing the need to maintain human connection and navigate potential misunderstandings in the digital realm.

David Burkus, bestselling author and prominent business thought leader, shares insights on building high-performing teams. He argues that it’s not just talent that matters but a strong team culture. Exploring three critical elements for success, he highlights the transformational story of Alan Mulally at Ford. Burkus emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, empathy, and gratitude in fostering collaboration. Listeners gain practical strategies to enhance communication and cultivate a supportive team environment.

Jen Fox, an executive coach and leading expert in DiSC assessments, shares insights from her 25 years of experience in enhancing team dynamics. She breaks down the four DiSC styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and discusses how understanding these can improve collaboration and conflict resolution. Jen highlights the importance of self-awareness in navigating workplace relationships and emphasizes the role of effective communication styles in fostering a positive team environment.