How New Managers Can Manage Up Without Selling Out

New managers often hear 'manage up' as corporate-speak for flattery. But in this episode, Lucas and Luna break down what managing up actually looks like in your first 90 days — using a concrete case: a first-time engineering manager at a mid-size SaaS company who had to convince a skeptical CTO to fund a refactor. They cover the three-step framework for earning upward influence: understanding your boss's constraints, framing your asks in their language, and building a track record of small wins. Lucas explains why the word 'manage' is misleading — you don't manage your boss, you manage the relationship. Luna pushes back on the assumption that managing up is only for career climbers, arguing it's actually a form of stewardship. The episode closes with a practical tip: the one question you should ask your boss in your first week that sets the tone for the entire relationship. No buzzwords, no cynicism — just a realistic guide for new managers who want to be effective without losing their integrity. #NewManager #ManagingUp #First90Days #Leadership #CareerAdvice #WorkplaceRelationships #Influence #BossRelationships #ManagerTips #TechManagement #SaaS #EngineeringManager #OrganizationalDynamics #Stewardship #CareerGrowth #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Careers Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo