
Modern Mentor
Rachel Cooke is your guide to leadership and communication, helping you craft a workplace environment you can feel good about. She’ll share tips to help you balance your work and personal life, effectively invest your time, and be mindful about where you’re devoting your energy. Let Rachel help you navigate your path to success—however you define it.
Latest episodes

Nov 26, 2024 • 8min
The power of self-awareness at work (Reissue)
Explore how self-awareness can transform your leadership skills and workplace dynamics. Discover practical strategies to enhance your performance by understanding your thoughts and behaviors, especially under stress. Learn how effective feedback and reflection can boost team engagement and collaboration. Uncover the steps to turn self-knowledge into actionable change that benefits both you and your colleagues. Embrace the journey of personal growth to amplify your impact at work!

Nov 19, 2024 • 42min
Navigating tough conversations at work with Amanda Perez Leder
Amanda Perez Leder, a conflict resolution specialist with over 20 years of experience, shares her expertise in tackling workplace discord. She discusses how unresolved conflict can jeopardize organizational missions and offers strategies for turning disagreements into growth opportunities. Amanda emphasizes the need for effective communication in stressful environments and highlights the importance of psychological safety. With practical tips like the 'looping' technique and advocating for respectful disagreement, she empowers leaders to foster a healthier work culture.

Nov 12, 2024 • 8min
How to recover from a confidence blow at work
Confidence setbacks at work can be tough, but recovery is possible. Discover a five-step process for rebuilding confidence, including reflection, identifying gaps, and acknowledging achievements. Learn powerful strategies to focus on personal strengths, reframe mistakes into lessons, and maintain a positive outlook. Get ready to turn setbacks into stepping stones for growth and resilience!

Nov 5, 2024 • 8min
How to prepare for a nerve-wracking presentation
Public speaking can induce anxiety, but there are ways to reclaim confidence. Understanding your material deeply, rather than just memorizing, is key for effective presentations. Engaging your audience through storytelling and interaction fosters a more relaxed atmosphere. Personal experiences reveal the diverse comfort levels in speaking, reminding us that everyone can improve with the right strategies. Embrace the art of connection for a better delivery!

Oct 29, 2024 • 8min
The habits that drive innovation
Ryan Reynolds, the charismatic actor and entrepreneur behind Mint Mobile, shares his insights on cultivating innovation through intentional habits. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing a growth mindset, encouraging leaders to tackle challenges effectively. Curious exploration and safe experimentation are tackled as key drivers of creativity. Reynolds highlights how diverse knowledge sources can significantly enhance idea development, making the case that innovation thrives in a culture of curiosity and open inquiry.

5 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 29min
Building your own success with Erika Ayers Badan
Erika Ayers Badan, former CEO of Barstool Sports and author of 'Nobody Cares About Your Career,' shares valuable insights on embracing failure and resilience in career growth. She discusses viewing work as an apprenticeship, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-advocacy. Erika also highlights how social media shaped company culture and fosters a positive workplace environment. With a focus on developing a success-oriented mindset, she encourages professionals to actively seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Oct 15, 2024 • 9min
Leadership blind spots that keep popping
This discussion uncovers pervasive leadership blind spots that hinder team growth. It highlights the impact of purposeful meetings and shares simple tweaks for better engagement. Practical advice includes fostering collaboration through weekly learning circles and professional matchmaking. Listeners also learn about strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness and explore unique topics like McDonald's Chicken Big Mac. Tune in for insights that could transform your approach to leadership and development!

Oct 8, 2024 • 9min
5 reasons your change efforts are failing
The podcast dives into why many organizational change efforts fall flat. It highlights the importance of clarity and adaptability in leadership. Overwhelming circumstances can hurt employee morale, so energizing teams is crucial. Celebrating small wins boosts motivation and helps teams navigate challenges. Involving frontline workers in the change process is key to success.

23 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 35min
Running meetings that matter with Mamie Kanfer Stewart
Mamie Kanfer Stewart, host of The Modern Manager podcast and a specialist in effective meeting leadership, shares valuable insights on transforming meetings. She discusses the importance of identifying desired outcomes and the role of participant engagement in fostering productive discussions. Mamie highlights when it’s best to skip meetings and strategic approaches for enhancing hybrid gatherings. She also emphasizes creating an inclusive culture through open dialogue and leveraging feedback tools, ensuring meetings are both enjoyable and impactful.

Sep 24, 2024 • 8min
Stack your micro-credentials to find success
Discover how micro-credentials can set you apart in today’s competitive job market. Learn to stack these bite-sized certifications for a unique professional niche and to showcase your skills effectively. Explore essential skills in fields like data analytics and cybersecurity, and the importance of engaging with recruiters. Plus, find out how to leverage platforms like LinkedIn to enhance your professional network and career prospects. This is your guide to continuous learning and career advancement!
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