

Modern Mentor
QuickAndDirtyTips.com
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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!

Sep 17, 2024 • 43min
The Alchemy of Talent and team success with Vijay Pendakur
Vijay Pendaku, an expert on talent development and team success, shares valuable insights on fostering peak workplace performance. He discusses the balance between team dynamics and performance management, emphasizing leadership and connection in remote settings. Vijay highlights the importance of trust and belonging for innovation, shedding light on how to communicate these values to business leaders. He also addresses the critical role of diversity and effective communication in leadership, encouraging organizations to embrace change and invest in resilient teams.

Sep 10, 2024 • 8min
Make your communication more meaningful
Explore the art of meaningful communication and its impact on building stronger relationships. Discover effective strategies to bridge the gap between intention and understanding. Learn how authenticity plays a crucial role, especially for leaders, in fostering trust and transparency. Uncover the importance of specificity and contextual relevance in your messages to ensure they resonate with others.

Sep 3, 2024 • 9min
My secrets to not struggling with imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming, but there are effective ways to combat it. The discussion emphasizes humility and self-awareness to recognize personal strengths and limitations. Crafting a robust personal brand can open up the right career opportunities while helping filter out distractions. Strategies highlight the importance of intentionality, acknowledgment of achievements, and leveraging supportive networks to build lasting confidence. Dive into practical tips to embrace your professional journey!

Aug 27, 2024 • 37min
Setting norms and boundaries with Beth Messich
Beth Messich, an executive coach specializing in workplace boundaries and prioritization, joins Rachel to discuss effective strategies for managing overwhelm. They explore the importance of clear norms and proactive communication to improve team dynamics. Beth shares insights on navigating changes from corporate life to consulting, highlighting the value of reflection and prioritizing tasks. The conversation emphasizes the need for organizational clarity and maintaining a healthy work environment, offering actionable tips for listeners to implement.

Aug 20, 2024 • 10min
Better ways to have tricky conversations at work
Navigating tough conversations at work doesn’t have to be daunting. Explore strategies to express needs and manage conflicts effectively. Discover the power of framing discussions around risk management and personal growth. Learn how to approach difficult talks with empathy and curiosity. Tips on giving constructive feedback to superiors can shift the focus from complaints to solutions. Transform your communication style to enhance your personal brand while promoting professionalism.


