The Modern Manager

• 361: Transform Your Strategy at Every Level with the 3 As Framework with Rich Horwarth

  Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, unsure about the exact strategy to guide your decisions? This episode will change that.In the business world, the word “strategy” is quite the buzzword. But what does it really mean to think and lead strategically? And what can you do as a manager to get better at it?If you want to stop wasting time and start making powerful strategic decisions no matter your position, today’s guest is here to unpack everything you need to know about being strategic.Today’s guest is Rich Horwath, CEO of the Strategic Thinking Institute. Over the past 20 years, Rich has helped more than one million managers around the world learn how to think, plan, and act strategically. He is a New York Times bestselling author of 8 books on strategy and his vision is to teach the world to be strategic.In this episode, Rich shares his insights on how strategy is often misunderstood and why it’s crucial for everyone—from individual contributors to senior leaders—to think strategically.He breaks down the difference between strategy and tactics, explaining how understanding the distinctions can lead to better decision-making. He also shares a practical framework for everyday strategic thinking and how to manage your time, allocate resources wisely, and pivot when necessary to stay on coursePlus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Rich delves into what isn’t strategic thinking and the tools that will help you act more strategically.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(00:23) The difference between strategy and tactics explained(04:10) Why strategy matters at every level of the organization(06:08) The 3 As framework: Acumen, Allocation, and Action(07:57) What it looks like to apply the 3 As framework in practice(12:06) Making smart decisions through resource allocation(18:34) How to stay strategic in a constantly changing environment(22:39) A real-world example: Adjusting tactics to align with strategy(25:30) A great manager Rich has worked for(26:39) Keep up with Rich(27:27) [Extended Episode Only] What it looks like when you’re not being strategic(30:59) [Extended Episode Only] Tools to help you act more strategicallyAdditional 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 Rich Horwarth- Follow Rich on LinkedIn here- Subscribe to his YouTube channel here- Listen to the Strategic Minds Podcast here- Check out StrategicThinking Institute here for moreBook Giveaway - 5 copies of Strategic AND Free White Paper on DelegationRich is giving away five copies of his book STRATEGIC: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence, which Inc. Magazine described as “A top 4 must read business book to kick off the year.” In the book, Rich shares practical tools, tips, and techniques he’s developed over two decades that can help you think, plan, and act strategically in every area of your business. And, members of Podcast+ can download Rich’s White Paper: Lead at Your Level, which addresses the importance of delegation to a leader’s success. In the article, Rich shares the four factors that are crucial to effective delegation and the ability to unlock dozens of hours of extra time each year.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!

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• 360: How to Train Your Brain to Speak Better in Any Setting with Ruth Milligan

  You’re in a team meeting, someone starts talking… and keeps talking. They lose their train of thought, fill the air with “likes” and “ums”, and before long, the point is lost.Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Because here’s the truth: verbal communication isn’t innate—it’s a learned skill. And this week’s guest has spent 35 years helping people master it.Meet Ruth Milligan. Ruth is a 35-year communication veteran. Her career has included being a speechwriter, press secretary, marketing consultant, and, for the last 15 years, communication coach and trainer. She is the author of Motivated Speaker with her co-authors and colleagues, Acacia Duncan and Blythe Coons.In this episode, Ruth shares why speaking is a learned habit—not a natural gift— and why catching habits early in low-stakes settings sets the stage for success when the pressure is on.You’ll learn why filler words, overtalking, and disorganized thoughts sabotage your message and how to fix them with practical, proven tools for you and your team.Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Ruth breaks down how to stop saying “um” and reveals the six threshold concepts for learning to speak well.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(01:39) Common mistakes people make when communicating(07:18) Why listening to yourself is the best feedback tool(13:58) Handling slow speakers and ramblers: what actually works(18:28) Pre-meeting coaching that helps your team speak better(25:03) The power of practicing before you speak (and what to rehearse)(27:57) A great manager Ruth has worked for(29:31) Keep up with Ruth(30:55) [Extended Episode Only] How to finally stop saying “um”(33:09) [Extended Episode Only] The six threshold concepts for learning to speak wellAdditional 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 Ruth Milligan- Follow Ruth on LinkedIn here- Grab a copy of her book, The Motivated Speaker, here5 Book GiveawayRuth is giving away five copies of her book, The Motivated Speaker: Six Principles to Unlock Your Communication Potential, to members of Podcast+. In this book, you will discover practical and accessible approaches that will help you establish powerful habits in your speaking practice. You’ll understand what’s preventing you from being influential and persuasive, and build a new foundation toward being a highly effective communicator.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!

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• 359: Why Meaningful Relationships Are Your Superpower (And How To Build Them) with David Homan

  What if the most valuable thing you can build in your career isn’t a product, a strategy, or even a list of accolades—but a community?We all know relationships matter. Yet most of us haven’t been taught how to build them with real intention. Today’s guest is here to help you and your team rethink what’s possible when we shift from collecting contacts to cultivating purposeful connections.Meet David Homan. David is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called Orchestrated Relationships focused on developing relationship value. David has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting.In this episode, David unpacks what it means to build emotionally intelligent communities, drawn from his upcoming book Orchestrating Connection.We explore how self-awareness, trust, and shared values are the true foundations of lasting, impactful relationships. We also discuss the difference between simply expanding your network and nurturing it, and why vulnerability and reciprocity are essential skills for today’s leaders. Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we take a deeper look at how to ask for help from your network in a way that feels respectful and genuine—without making others feel used or taken for granted.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(02:00) What it really means to build an intentional community(08:15) Why you should be unafraid to share your passions(13:12) Translating personal connection strategies into the workplace(18:22) How to strengthen your relationship with your team members(24:07) Setting boundaries and fostering accountability in community(29:05) A great manager David has worked for(31:25) Keep up with David(32:15) [Extended Episode Only] How to ask people in your network for help 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 here- Check out the book Leadership Pipeline here Keep up with David Homan- Pre-order your copy of David’s book, Orchestrating Connection here- Join the Orchestrated Connecting network hereParticipate in a Modern Manager Exclusive Orchestrated Connecting Virtual EventJoin me and other members of the Modern Manager community to experience first hand the power of an intentional community. David will facilitate a virtual session that will strengthen the connections amongst members and foster new relationships that can benefit us all.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!

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• 358: How to Win at Work Without Paying the Price with Dana L. Cox

  We celebrate the wins. The promotions. The milestones.But no one talks about the price tag that comes with constantly performing at a high level.For Dana L. Cox, that price came quietly—missed family moments, sleepless nights, and a level of exhaustion that no amount of caffeine could fix. She calls it the “success tax”—the hidden costs we pay in pursuit of achievement. Thankfully, Dana’s here to unpack what that tax really looks like and how to stop overpaying it.Dana is a global executive-turned-coach, Radical Reset Expert, founder of FIX Coaching & Consulting, and author of FROM BURNOUT TO BADASS: Flip the Script on Your Work-Life Balance. She’s helped hundreds of women transition from exhaustion to empowered leadership. Her work integrates cultural wisdom, neuroscience, and strategies for sustainable success.In this episode, Dana reveals how high-achieving individuals unknowingly pay a “success tax” that can hinder their health, relationships, and performance at work, and what we can do to avoid overpaying.Dana shares her experience of facing burnout and provides actionable insights for managers and leaders on how to create work environments that prioritize well-being while still achieving exceptional performance.She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking intentional time off, fostering a culture of empathy and support within teams, and more.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(01:32) What are “success taxes”?(04:54) The hidden costs of high-performing roles(08:31) Getting things done vs. caring for your team(12:54) How to pay the success tax without burning out(22:05) The power of speaking up(25:14) The third shift: how emotional labor affects women in leadership(28:07) A great manager Dana has worked for(30:38) Keep up with Dana(31:40) [Extended Episode Only] How to talk to your team about burnoutAdditional 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 Dana- Follow Dana on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook- Visit her website here for more information- Grab a copy of her book, From Burnout to Badass, hereFREE Career Clarity Checklist + Positioned to Paid Assessment CallsDana is giving members of Podcast+ her Career Clarity Checklist and is offering a limited number of  Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Calls, all for FREE.The Career Clarity Checklist is your first step to stop spiraling and start leading again. It will help you make sure you're aligned, visible, and ready for what's next.The Positioned to Paid™ Assessment Call is a 30-minute private strategy session designed to help you clarify what’s next, uncover hidden value, and walk away with a custom roadmap.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!

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• 357: What Every New Manager Must Do in Their First 45 Days with James Turk

  You’ve just stepped into a new manager role—congratulations! Now what?The first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind. One day you’re a high-performing individual contributor, and the next, you’re expected to lead a team, set direction, and navigate complex dynamics—all while still figuring out what kind of leader you want to be.Thankfully, today’s guest is here to guide you through those critical first 45 days.Today’s guest is James Turk. James is an executive coach, keynote speaker, facilitator, founder and CEO of The Turk Group, a boutique learning and development consulting firm, and author of The Giving Game – Becoming The Leader That Others Want To Follow. With more than twenty-five years of experience, James has expertly designed and delivered training and coaching programs and solutions in the areas of leadership development, sales, change management, and strategic planning for clients across a wide range of industries—including financial services, digital media, biotech, and more. His clients include Spotify, Squarespace, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Goldman Sachs, Equinox, and many more.In this episode, James outlines a step-by-step strategy for earning trust, clarifying expectations, and cultivating team alignment early on through consistent rituals like team meetings and one-on-ones.Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, we dive into the trickier scenarios, like managing former peers, inheriting a team someone else wanted to lead, and managing up when your boss isn’t showing up.Whether you’re a first-time manager (or know someone who is), this conversation is packed with real-world insights to help you lead with confidence and intention—starting day one.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(02:00) Why transitioning to a managerial role is hard(08:40) How to assess your leadership skills(10:53) Starting strong: earning credibility with your new team(12:52) Building trust as a new manager from day one(16:59) A real-life coaching story from Buzzfeed(23:04) How to spend your first 45 days as a new manager(28:37) A great manager James has worked for(30:57) Keep up with James(31:47) [Extended Episode Only] How to navigate friendships when you become the boss(36:03) [Extended Episode Only] Managing someone who was passed over for your role(38:31) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when your boss isn’t showing up for youAdditional 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- Check out the book Leadership Pipeline here Keep up with James Turk- Follow James on LinkedIn and Instagram- Grab a copy of James’s book The Giving Game here- Follow The Turk Group for updates on Instagram and FacebookFREE: The F45 PlaybookJames is providing members of Podcast+ with the F45 Playbook. Recognizing the first 45 days and the first year as critical for new managers, this playbook outlines exactly what to do in the first six weeks.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!

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  32:37

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