The Love Monday Podcast

Send us Fan MailWhat if managers were evaluated like quarterbacks?In this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, I introduce the concept behind the Love Monday Manager QB Rating™ — a new way to think about leadership, employee engagement, and manager effectiveness.We’ve got stats for athletes, KPIs for businesses, and performance reviews for employees… but almost no meaningful way to evaluate a manager’s ability to actually lead people.That’s a problem.Because managers impact nearly everything:Employee engagementRetentionBurnoutProductivityCustomer experienceTeam cultureDrawing from years of leadership coaching, Gallup research, and real-world management experience, I break down why traditional leadership evaluation misses the mark and why it’s time to raise the standard for managers everywhere.If managers are responsible for engagement, shouldn’t we start measuring leadership more intentionally?This episode is the introduction to a bigger conversation about blind spots, coaching, advocacy, accountability, and what it really means to move a team down the field.#Leadership #Management #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagerTraining #LoveMonday #CompanyCulture #Gallup #Coaching #LeadershipPodcastSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Love Monday Podcast, Ryan explores a powerful Service-Profit Chain case study through Epic Systems and founder Judy Faulkner. Learn how strong internal culture, employee experience, and long-term leadership thinking can create customer loyalty, operational excellence, and lasting business success.If you care about employee engagement, leadership strategy, customer satisfaction, or building a great company culture, this episode breaks down why Epic Systems is another example of getting the fundamentals right—and why people-first organizations often win big.Link to Freakonomics Radio Epic Systems EpisodeSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailAre you stuck people-pleasing at work or in relationships? In this episode of Love Monday, we unpack how weak boundaries, conflict avoidance, and over-functioning can turn you into a hostage to other people’s moods, demands, and dysfunction. We explore why people pleasing feels noble—but often creates resentment, burnout, and loss of self-respect.Learn how to set healthy boundaries, stop absorbing everyone else’s chaos, and reclaim your time, energy, and peace. If you’re ready to stop managing everyone else and start leading your own life, this episode is for you.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailYou’ve got the tools—now how do you actually use them together?In Part 2 of this Love Monday series, I go beyond individual frameworks and show how Development Ranking, the 5 Talents of Great Managers, Gainers & Drainers, and Career Drivers work as a system.Because great managers don’t use tools in isolation—they connect the dots.I break down how to integrate these tools to spot patterns, diagnose performance and engagement issues, and take the right action at the right time.This is where management stops being reactive—and starts becoming intentional, proactive, and effective.DM me if you want the Love Monday Tools. I'll need your email address. [email protected] the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailMost managers wait too long to act—and their teams feel it.In this episode of Love Monday, I break down real-world management tools like Development Ranking, the 5 Talents of Great Managers, Gainers & Drainers, and Career Drivers—and more importantly, the signals they give you.Because these tools aren’t just for tracking—they’re your early warning system.If you know what to look for, you’ll know exactly when to get out of your chair, have the conversation, and lead.This is about turning data into action, improving employee engagement, and becoming the kind of manager people don’t quit.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhat if your biggest customer at work isn’t external—but internal? In this episode, we break down Internal Service Quality (ISQ) at every level of a company—from CEO to manager—and show how leadership behaviors drive employee engagement, customer experience, and ultimately profit. Building on the Service-Profit Chain, we introduce the 5 drivers of ISQ—clarity, capacity, capability, coordination, and confidence—and explain how leaders can use them to make it easier for their teams to win. If you care about employee engagement, leadership development, and building high-performing teams, this episode gives you a practical framework you can apply immediately.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailInternal Service Quality is the hidden driver behind exceptional customer experience—and most organizations are getting it wrong. In this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, I break down how employee support, trust, and empowerment directly impact customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business performance. If your customer experience is struggling, the problem might not be your customers—it’s your internal systems. Discover how to fix it from the inside out.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailMost organizations think they have a customer service problem.But in my experience, they actually have an internal service quality problem.In this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, I walk through the connection between how employees experience their workplace and how customers experience the company.Drawing on the principles behind the Service-Profit Chain, I explain why customer experience isn’t primarily created by scripts, slogans, or customer service training. It’s created by the systems, support, leadership, and environment employees work within every day.When employees are fighting broken tools, waiting for approvals, or afraid to speak up, customers feel it immediately. But when internal service quality is strong, great customer service becomes the natural outcome.In this episode, I break down seven key components of internal service quality that naturally produce better customer experiences, including:Empowering employees to solve problems without escalationGiving employees tools and systems that actually workCreating psychological safety so problems surface earlyTraining employees so they feel confident serving customersBuilding managers who remove barriers instead of creating themEstablishing clear expectations around service and prioritiesCreating fairness and respect that fuels discretionary effortI also introduce the concept of the “Reverse Service-Profit Chain”—how organizations unintentionally create poor customer experiences by building internal friction, escalation cultures, and employee disengagement.If you’re a leader, manager, HR professional, or executive trying to improve customer satisfaction, employee engagement, or workplace culture, this episode will challenge you to look upstream at the real driver of service quality: the employee experience.Next week, I’ll go even deeper and break down the five executive behaviors that determine whether an organization builds a strong Service-Profit Chain—or accidentally destroys it.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailYesterday I had one of those moments that reminded me why I do the work I do.I walked into a restaurant where, years ago, I helped the leadership team work on employee engagement. Part of my fee back then was paid in trade… so every once in a while I still eat there for free.But that’s not the interesting part.What struck me was the service.Attentive. Friendly. Anticipatory. The kind of experience where the team clearly cares about the customer and about each other.And it hit me: great customer service is a tell.When service is exceptional, it’s rarely an accident. It’s almost always a leading indicator of great leadership and engaged employees.Research backs this up:• Gallup has found that business units in the top quartile of employee engagement see 10% higher customer loyalty/engagement and 23% higher profitability than those in the bottom quartile. • The classic Service-Profit Chain research from Harvard Business School shows that employee satisfaction drives service quality, which drives customer loyalty and ultimately revenue growth. • A Temkin Group study found that companies with strong employee engagement outperform competitors in customer experience by nearly 1.5×.In other words:If the service is great, chances are the leadership is great.Someone hired well. Someone trained well. Someone is coaching their people. Someone created a culture where employees actually care.And when that happens, customers feel it immediately.In this episode, I unpack why customer service is one of the clearest signals of leadership quality, what great managers do differently to create it, and how organizations unknowingly sabotage service when they disengage their teams.Because when you see great service in the wild…You’re probably looking at great leadership behind the scenes.Sources you can cite in the episode(These are solid and commonly referenced)Gallup State of the Global Workplace / Q12 Meta-AnalysisTop-quartile engagement → 10% higher customer loyalty, 23% higher profitabilityHeskett, Sasser, Schlesinger — Harvard Business School The Service-Profit Chain (1994)Temkin Group (now Qualtrics XM Institute) Employee engagement strongly correlates with customer experience performance.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailI hear it constantly in my coaching work:“It was great here… until my coworker got promoted.”In this episode, we explore one of the most common—and costly—mistakes organizations make: promoting top performers into leadership roles without ever testing their ability to lead.It’s the real-world version of The Peter Principle—and it’s still quietly wrecking teams decades later.We talk about:Why companies confuse performance with leadershipHow “reward promotions” create disengagement and turnoverWhat actually happens when the wrong person gets powerAnd why most organizations act surprised when it all falls apartThen, I share five practical ways companies can test for leadership before making the promotion—so they stop gambling with their culture.If you’ve ever thought, “This place used to be great…” This episode is for you.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailHow will you make sure you don’t Get Another Bad Boss?Have you ever left a job—not because of the work, but because of your manager?You’re not alone.Gallup research shows that managers spend nearly 40% of their time doing individual contributor work, which means many leaders are promoted without the skills to actually lead.In this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, Ryan Houmand shares how to protect your career by learning how to interview your future boss before they manage you.You’ll learn:• Why so many managers fail • How to spot leadership red flags early • The best interview questions to ask your future manager • How to assess coaching, support, and advocacy • How to avoid toxic or disengaged bossesIf you’ve ever said, “I’m never working for someone like that again,” this episode is for you.Your boss shapes your career more than any policy.Learn how to choose wisely.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhat are the real odds you’ll end up with a bad boss—and how can you avoid toxic leadership before accepting your next job?In this episode of Love Monday Like Friday, Ryan breaks down workplace culture, employee engagement, and management mistakes using three real company models: healthy organizations, average companies, and private-equity-pressured workplaces.You’ll learn how bad managers quietly erode performance, career growth, and mental health—and how to spot red flags during your job search. If you care about leadership, workplace happiness, and long-term success, this episode gives you practical tools to choose smarter.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn a world that rewards busy, loud, and more, this episode makes the case for the opposite.We talk about slowing down, saying no more often, and bringing your full self to the work that actually matters. Not half-focused. Not spread thin. Fully present. Intentional. Sharp.Because real impact doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing the right things with care, depth, and clarity.If you feel overwhelmed, scattered, or like your best work is getting diluted by constant demands, this conversation is an invitation to pause, choose, and recommit to excellence over exhaustion.Less noise. More meaning. Do less. Do it better.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhat’s the thing you do that actually changes people’s lives?In this crossover episode of the Love Monday Podcast, Ryan shares the only time he ever saw Zig Ziglar speak—and why that moment changed everything for him. Not because it was flashy, but because it was useful.That experience became a lens for Ryan’s own work: how he discovered and developed the 7 Bridges framework, first to transform his own relationships—and now to help others do the same in meaningful, lasting ways.Ryan also introduces the upcoming 7 Bridges webinar series and closes with a simple but bold challenge: Find the thing you do that changes lives—and go do it.If you’ve been circling your purpose instead of stepping into it, this episode is your wake-up call.Click to sign up for: The 7 Bridges of a Solid Relationship Webinar SeriesSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, we explore what happens when people lose their sense of purpose after a job change—and what organizations lose when mission becomes nothing more than revenue targets and deliverables.On the individual side, I unpack why tying your identity and purpose to your job title is a trap. Roles change. Assignments shift. Layoffs happen. Purpose, if it’s real, should survive all of that. We talk about how to define a personal purpose that you can live every day, regardless of what seat you’re currently sitting in.On the organizational side, we take a hard look at modern companies that have drifted from their founding purpose—especially in the age of venture capital and private equity. When mission statements become sterile and transactional, employees feel the loss immediately. Engagement drops. Cynicism rises. And work becomes hollow.If you’ve ever felt untethered after a role change—or disconnected from the company you work for—this episode will challenge you to rethink what purpose and mission are actually for.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhat if the way you feel about Monday isn’t about laziness, burnout, or a bad attitude—but about what you were taught to value long before you ever had a job?In this episode, I explore how our relationship with work often traces back to childhood moments when adults—usually unintentionally—taught us what was “worth” caring about. I share a personal story about an early lesson in value, shame, and approval, and how those moments quietly shape the choices we make as adults.If you hate Mondays, this isn’t about judging you or telling you to “just be grateful.” It’s about getting curious. What are you actually valuing right now? Status? Safety? Approval? Stability? And what might you be sacrificing to protect those things?This episode is an invitation to look at your relationship with work—and with Monday—without shame. Because sometimes the problem isn’t that you hate Monday… it’s that you’ve been taught to value the wrong things.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ryan takes the first of the 7 Bridges — the Bridge of Attraction — and applies it to a place most people never think about: the workplace.Attraction has three parts in relationships: physical, sexual (energy), and personal. Ryan shows how those same forces determine whether people want to come to work.Because here’s the truth:Return-to-office isn’t an attendance problem. It’s an attraction problem.Ryan maps each part of Attraction to its corporate equivalent:✨ Physical Attraction → The workspace itself ⚡ Energetic Attraction → The vibe and chemistry 🤝 Personal Attraction → Belonging and relationshipsThen he lays out practical steps leaders can take to rebuild workplace magnetism and create environments people choose — not endure.A bold, surprising episode that connects dating psychology to employee engagement in a way you’ve never heard before.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan Mailn this follow-up to last week’s episode, I go deeper into what I’m calling Absorption Culture — the silent epidemic where good people take on more and more until they’re soaked, saturated, and squeezed dry. You’ll hear the stories of a fourth-grade teacher dealing with extreme behaviors in her classroom, and a professional whose top Career Driver is trust… and who is rapidly losing that trust because her boss keeps handing her other people’s work with zero recognition or incentive.This episode is about the revolt — not the screaming, quit-your-job kind, but the honest, grounded, self-respecting kind. I break down a simple, powerful framework based on the 7 Bridges of a Solid Working Relationship that shows you how to stop absorbing everything, set boundaries without burning bridges, and have the courageous conversation that changes everything.You’ll learn:Why anger is not unprofessional — it’s a boundary alarmThe exact script for communicating overwhelm without sounding weakHow to figure out whether your boss is a safe place for truthWhat “Energy Compatibility” is and why it predicts burnoutAnd how to redraw the Work Agreement so you stop being the default “catch-all” for everyone else’s tasksIf you’ve ever felt like a workplace sponge — expected to soak up endless demands with a smile — this episode will show you how to wring yourself out, reclaim your power, and start working from a place of clarity instead of exhaustion.Listen in and start the revolt. It’s time to stop absorbing and start leading.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I dive into one of the most destructive expectations in modern work: absorption—the unspoken rule that teachers, employees, and managers should just soak up endless pressure, problems, and extra work… without complaint, compensation, or support.I share two very real stories.One is about my daughter, a teacher who’s expected to absorb the emotional load of students, parents, and a school system without ever wringing out her own sponge. The other is about a client I did Career Drivers with last week—someone whose top driver is trust, and who’s watching that trust evaporate as her employer keeps piling the work of other departed employees onto her desk with zero remuneration.Both stories point to the same truth: we can’t keep expecting people to absorb the impossible and then act surprised when they burn out.In this conversation, I break down why absorption destroys performance, engagement, and loyalty—and why leaders must stop relying on invisible labor to fill the gaps.And I make the case for doing something most employees have never been taught to do: wring the sponge. Not on your coworkers. Not out in the parking lot. But upward—on your principal, your boss, or whoever earns more money specifically to handle the weight you shouldn't be carrying alone.If you’ve been silently absorbing the deluge, or if you’re a leader unknowingly contributing to it, this episode will give you a language, a framework, and—most importantly—permission to stop thinking “that’s just the job” and start advocating for what you actually need to be effective.Tune in and stop soaking up what was never yours to hold.Email me and we'll sort out a sponge-wringing solution for YOU. [email protected] the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailTwo Types of Coaching — And Why You Need to Know Which One You’re InIn this episode, I break down the two types of coaching most people don’t even realize exist: Coping Coaching and Transformation Coaching.Coping Coaching helps you steady the ship — manage overwhelm, get unstuck, deal with the stress, pain, or chaos that’s right in front of you. It’s valuable, even necessary… but it’s not where big change happens.Transformation Coaching is different. It’s the work that rewires your patterns, elevates your identity, and moves you toward the life and career you’re actually meant for. It’s where you get aligned with your zone of genius and start showing up powerfully.I talk about why most people unknowingly ask for one when they actually need the other, why managers often respond with the wrong type, and how that mismatch keeps teams stagnant and individuals frustrated.If you want to grow, lead better, or finally shift into the version of yourself you’ve been aiming at, this episode will help you identify which coaching mode you’re in — and how to move toward transformation.A small distinction, but a game-changer for loving Monday.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIt’s time to stop managing and start coaching. In this episode, I share real success stories that show what happens when managers trade their administrator hats for coaching mindsets. When you stop fixating on tasks and start developing people, engagement goes up, productivity follows, and your team begins to love Monday just as much as Friday—just for different reasons.Join me as we dig into what great coaching looks like in action, why it outperforms traditional management every time, and how you can become the kind of leader people never want to leave.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I take you along on my morning walk as I talk about how I did the Career Drivers activity for myself—and what they revealed about me. We talk about how powerful it is to identify what truly fuels your motivation and joy at work, and what happens when managers and teams do this exercise together. When you uncover your career drivers, you stop chasing everything and start focusing on what matters most—the work that pulls you closer to your Zone of Genius.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ryan explores why spending time improving your weaknesses comes with a massive opportunity cost. Instead of grinding away at what you’ll never be great at, he makes the case for stepping out of your Zone of Incompetence entirely—and doubling down on your strengths. Ryan shares stories, examples, and insights to help you recognize when “fixing” a weakness actually keeps you stuck, and how focusing your energy where you naturally excel can accelerate your success, engagement, and joy at work.If you’ve ever been told to “work on your weaknesses,” this episode might just change how you define growth forever.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailMost of us spend our careers bouncing between what we can do and what we should do—rarely getting to what we’re truly meant to do. In this episode, I break down the four zones—Incompetence, Competence, Excellence, and Genius—and share how to break free from the first three to find the one that makes you come alive.Through personal stories and real-world examples, we explore how to recognize when you’re stuck in the wrong zone, how to make the leap toward your genius, and why doing so isn’t just better for you—it’s better for everyone around you.If you’ve ever felt like you’re great at something but not fulfilled by it, this episode will help you find the courage to step into the work that feels effortless, joyful, and deeply aligned.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailI heard a quote this week that hit me square in the chest: “The life you want is on the other side of the work you’re avoiding.” OUCH -  but it’s true — not just for people, but for companies too.In this episode, I talk about how we all dodge the hard things — the feedback conversations, the accountability moments, the uncomfortable truths — and how those acts of avoidance quietly steal our growth. I see it in coaching sessions every week: talented people stuck because they’re protecting comfort instead of chasing progress. And I see it in organizations that cling to “the way we’ve always done it,” even when that way drains engagement and erodes trust.If you want your people to love Monday, you have to stop avoiding the work that makes Monday worth loving. The culture you want — and the life you want — are waiting on the other side of the hard things.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailSometimes the smallest experiences reveal the biggest workplace truths. In this episode, Ryan shares how a quick stop to fill his tires turned into a masterclass on disengagement. When the air machine started letting air out instead of putting it in—and the station’s “warning” sign barely warned anyone—it became clear: quality suffers when employees stop caring. Ryan unpacks how poor service, unclear communication, and lack of ownership are all warning lights of disengagement, not just in gas stations but in every business. Through relatable stories and sharp insights, you’ll see how employee engagement—or the lack of it—shows up everywhere, from customer experiences to company reputation.Listen in to learn:Why the “little things” are the biggest engagement indicatorsHow disengagement trickles down to customersWhat great managers do to keep the air (and energy) flowing in their teamsSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailSometimes, the right conversation makes all the difference. In this episode of Love Monday, I share a powerful story from a recent manager training session. During a table discussion, one manager explained how he helped take an employee from the very bottom of the performance chart to the very top of his team.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhy do some employees thrive while others stall out? The answer often comes down to three simple factors: skill, will, and fit. In this episode, I break down how managers can use this framework to diagnose performance issues, take the guesswork out of coaching, and unlock hidden potential. You’ll hear real-world examples, practical questions to ask, and a simple way to know whether your next step is training, motivating, or moving someone into a better role. If you’ve ever struggled with how to get the best from your team, this episode gives you the manager’s shortcut.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhat if your entire organization could love Monday just like Friday? In this episode, I break down THE formula for making that happen: measure engagement, diagnose the problem, and prescribe the solution through the right management tools, training, and coaching.Engagement doesn’t improve by accident—it improves because leaders treat it like a business-critical health issue. Just like a doctor diagnoses and prescribes to heal the body, organizations need someone who can do the same for their culture. That’s where I come in.If you’re ready to create a workplace where people look forward to Mondays, this episode will show you how—and invite you to employ a doctor like me to help your organization thrive.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailHave you ever walked into a business and felt like your presence was an inconvenience? In this episode of Love Monday, I share a real-life experience at a property management office that made me stop in my tracks—and reminded me how easy it is to spot employee disengagement in the wild.When frontline employees repel customers with their attitude, it’s not just a bad moment—it’s a business risk. I break down what these moments signal about company culture, why Gallup says 70% of engagement comes down to management, and how one sour interaction can send loyal customers running.We’ll explore the hidden cost of disengaged employees, the role of managers in creating engaged teams, and what your customers are really experiencing when your people aren't all-in. If you’ve ever questioned whether engagement really matters—this episode will answer that.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Ryan peels back the curtain on the messy middle of doing what you do best—when you’re also trying to do all the things. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman’s 4,000 Weeks and Gay Hendricks’ Zone of Genius framework, Ryan shares what it’s really like trying to live in your genius while fighting with web builders, coaching clients, and maximizing every last hour of your week. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re failing at your purpose because your life doesn’t look polished—this episode will help you breathe, realign, and recommit.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhat if your company actually chose managers based on their ability to lead people—not just because they were good at tasks?In this episode of Love Monday, I sit down with Robert Buckley, Chief People Architect at Enveda Biosciences, to unpack a radical idea: People create all value. From that philosophy, Robert built a world-class system for choosing people leaders—one that prioritizes emotional intelligence, relational skill, and the willingness to actually do people things.Connect with Robert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbuckleyutah/Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhy are we still promoting the wrong people into leadership roles? In this episode, Ryan introduces his latest concept: QWERTY Management—a powerful metaphor for how outdated systems keep ineffective managers in place. Just like the QWERTY keyboard was designed to slow us down, QWERTY-style management slows down engagement, innovation, and team performance.We unpack why top performers get promoted even if they can’t lead, why ineffective managers linger in roles they’ve outgrown, and how incumbency and path dependency keep companies stuck in a leadership rut. You’ll hear real-world stories, a breakdown of what better leadership could look like, and a call to action for choosing managers on purpose—not by default.Whether you're an executive, HR leader, or someone tired of watching bad managers thrive while great people leave, this episode will give you a whole new lens on leadership.Keywords: QWERTY Management, bad managers, outdated leadership, path dependency, incumbency bias, leadership pipeline, promoting top performers, employee engagement, manager development, workplace culture, Love MondaySupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this short but fiery episode, Ryan breaks down one of the most damaging habits in the workplace: promoting top performers into management without checking if they’re wired for people leadership. Discover what it means to be a people-genius — someone who lights up when others grow — and why coaching, empathy, and development are non-negotiables for any leader.Ryan shares simple, powerful interview questions you can use to detect whether someone is energized by people leadership or secretly dreading it. If you’re serious about employee engagement, retention, and performance, this episode is your wake-up call.🔑 Topics covered:What separates a good performer from a great managerGallup’s research on natural leadership talentThe energy gainer/drainer test for manager selectionWhy “being liked” matters more than you thinkHow to stop confusing doing the work with leading people who do the workKeywords: hiring managers, people genius, leadership talent, Gallup Q12, employee engagement, people leadership, manager selection, promoting managers, coaching employees, energy gainers and drainersSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhat if the secret to improving performance and employee engagement lies in what gives you energy at work?In this episode, I break down a simple yet powerful strengths-based leadership concept using Gainers & Drainers. We explore how to detect real talent—your own or your team's—by paying attention to which tasks energize you and which ones deplete you.Perfect for managers looking to elevate team performance, this episode introduces a practical tool and a coaching exercise you can use in your next 1-on-1 or team meeting. You’ll learn how to apply energy awareness to talent development, spot hidden strengths, and start creating more engaging, energizing roles across your team.If you care about employee engagement, manager effectiveness, and unlocking talent at work, don’t miss this one.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailThere’s a long-standing myth in management: “You’re not here to be liked—you’re here to be respected.” But what if that mindset is sabotaging your team?In this episode of The Love Monday Podcast, Ryan Houmand challenges the false dichotomy of being liked vs. respected as a leader. Drawing on research from Gallup, Google’s Project Oxygen, and Don Clifton’s Soar with Your Strengths, Ryan makes a compelling case for why likability isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.You’ll learn:Why managers who are liked and invested get better performanceThe real reason so many leaders avoid being close to their peopleHow fear-based leadership backfires in today’s workplaceWhat the data says about employee engagement, trust, and retentionHow to build meaningful work relationships without losing authorityWhether you’re a new manager or a seasoned leader, this episode will help you rethink how connection and care drive productivity—and why employees don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses they don’t like.🧠 Relevant for: People leaders, HR pros, engagement geeks, and anyone tired of the old-school, fear-based leadership model.#LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #GallupQ12 #LikedVsRespected #DonClifton #GoogleProjectOxygen #LoveMondayPodcast #ManagerTips #PsychologicalSafety #RespectVsLike #ModernLeadershipSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhy are we so afraid to say what we really think at work—or on LinkedIn?In this episode, Ryan resurrects the classic Jim Rome mantra, “Have a take and don’t suck,” to explore why so many professionals stay silent in the face of important, even urgent, conversations. From DEI and layoffs to employee well-being and leadership accountability, too many people are editing themselves out of the discussion. Why? Fear of judgment, fear of getting it wrong, or simply not wanting to rock the boat.But here's the thing: silence isn’t neutral—it’s a choice. And in a world that desperately needs bold, thoughtful voices, playing it safe is a leadership liability.We dig into: 🔥 Why the workplace rewards vanilla over vision 📉 How employee engagement suffers when people feel like they can't speak up 📢 Why strong takes (backed by insight) build credibility, connection, and culture 📊 And what it means to speak up without suckingIf you're tired of the corporate echo chamber and craving real talk about leadership, courage, and finding your voice, this one’s for you.Keywords: employee voice, leadership communication, workplace culture, psychological safety, bold leadership, LinkedIn engagement, professional courage, thought leadership, personal branding, employee engagement, authenticity at workSupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailAre customer and partner escalations on the rise in your company? If so — don’t blame your team. Blame your leadership habits.In this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, we pull back the curtain on one of the most common leadership mistakes managers make: unintentionally teaching their employees to escalate more.Escalations aren’t just a customer service problem — they’re a leadership signal. And how you handle them sends powerful messages about trust, empowerment, and team confidence.Join us as we explore: ✅ Why escalations are rising right now ✅ How managers accidentally reinforce the escalation cycle ✅ A simple, proven model to empower your team and reduce escalations ✅ The manager phrases that build trust — and the ones that erode it ✅ Why breaking the escalation cycle helps your employees love Monday againDid you know? ➡️ Only 30% of U.S. employees strongly agree their opinions count at work — a key driver of unnecessary escalations. ➡️ Companies with high employee empowerment see up to 50% reduction in escalations and higher engagement and retention.If you’re a leader who wants fewer customer escalations and a more empowered, confident team — this episode is for you.Listen now and start turning those Monday escalations into leadership wins!Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailWhy are more employees disengaged, distrustful, and ready to leave than ever before? In this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, I unpack a real-world story of a dedicated employee who gave her all to her company — only to be terminated when she asked for flexibility. This isn’t an isolated case. Across industries, companies are increasingly breaking the psychological contract with their people — sacrificing loyalty, trust, and long-term engagement for short-term risk avoidance.Backed by the latest research from Gallup, McKinsey, Edelman, and PwC, I explore why so many organizations are losing their most committed employees, how leadership behaviors are eroding trust, and what the best companies do differently to retain top talent.If you’re a CHRO, people leader, manager, or employee navigating today’s changing work landscape, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.We’ll cover: ✅ Why employee trust in leadership is at a historic low ✅ How companies are quietly dismantling flexible work — and paying the price ✅ The hidden costs of breaking the psychological contract ✅ The role of psychological safety in engagement and retention ✅ Actionable steps leaders must take to rebuild trust and loyaltyDon’t let your company become a cautionary tale. Tune in now and learn how to build the kind of workplace where employees love Monday — and stick around to prove it.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the power of praise and why so many leaders miss the opportunity to lift their people up. I share a personal story about my daughter Lauren, who, after four years with a boss who only pointed out what she could do better, finally experienced real recognition at her new job. Her new boss not only praised her directly but also made it public by cc’ing her boss’s boss – a powerful move that left a lasting impact. We break down the top reasons leaders struggle with recognition and why a simple, well-placed compliment can change everything. If you want to create a culture where your people love Monday, this one’s for you.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailLet’s talk about the uncomfortable truth behind the return-to-office push.It’s not about culture. It’s not about collaboration. And it’s definitely not about those stale bagels in the breakroom.In this episode of Love Monday, I unpack what’s really going on: control, surveillance, and a system that punishes high performers by giving them more work instead of more reward.I share why remote work shook the foundation of how companies operate — and why some leaders are desperate to claw that control back. We’ll also look at how remote work gave employees a taste of something dangerous: freedom.If you’ve ever felt like getting better at your job just earned you more hours without more pay… this one’s for you.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIf you're dreading Mondays because your job drains the life out of you, this episode is for you. I’m walking you through my 12-step Bulletproof Process for landing a job that makes you actually look forward to Monday.Whether you’re stuck in a soul-sucking role or just ready for something more aligned with your strengths and purpose, this isn’t your average job hunt advice. This is a mindset shift + practical roadmap that’s helped dozens of people get unstuck and back on track.👉 You can DIY it. Or, if you want coaching through the process, I’ve got spots open.📞 Hit me up at [email protected] and book a free intro call. Let’s get you into a job you love.Bulletproof Process for Loving MondaySupport the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailThey say, “It’s not personal—it’s just business.” But what happens when it is personal?In this raw and timely episode of the Love Monday Podcast, Ryan shares the heartbreaking story of his daughter, who was laid off from the company she had dreamed of working for since she was 13. Like so many others, she was told it wasn’t personal. But the impact on her health, identity, and sense of purpose said otherwise.We dive into how corporate detachment has become the norm—especially in the years following the pandemic—and explore why that mindset is failing workers. From anxiety and burnout to the erosion of trust and loyalty, this episode highlights the real cost of treating employees like numbers instead of human beings.You’ll hear:The silent toll of layoffs on health, relationships, and mental well-beingWhy “it’s not personal” is a cop-out—and how companies can (and should) do betterReal data and stories from the front lines of modern workA challenge to leaders to rehumanize the workplace before it’s too lateIf you’ve ever felt disposable at work, this episode is for you.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Love Monday Podcast, Ryan Houmand explores a deceptively simple but powerful question: Do they want to lead?Many people step into management roles because it's the next rung on the ladder—but what if they were never actually interested in leading? Ryan breaks down why some managers never fully embrace leadership—not because they lack the skills, but because they lack the desire. Whether it’s a preference for doing the work over managing people, discomfort with accountability, or a fundamental mismatch in motivation, Ryan reveals why wanting to lead is the first and most important test of leadership.This episode is perfect for HR leaders, executives, and team builders who want to rethink how they select and support managers. If you've ever wondered why someone in a leadership role avoids actually leading, this conversation will hit home.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Love Monday, I ask a question every organization should be asking about their managers: Will they lead?Too many managers stay in the weeds, doing the work their teams should be doing—avoiding the hard, essential work of coaching, developing, and leading. Whether it’s clinging to tasks, covering for underperforming team members, or claiming they’re just "helping out," the result is the same: disengaged teams and stalled performance.I take a look at what real leadership looks like, why so many managers avoid it, and how to spot the difference between a task-doer and a true people-developer. Backed by research from Gallup, Google’s Project Oxygen, Zenger Folkman, and HBR, this episode delivers a no-fluff reality check and a clear framework for evaluating leadership at every level.If you lead managers, coach leaders, or are a manager yourself, this one’s for you.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Love Monday Podcast, I ask a tough but necessary question: Why do we keep settling for mediocre leadership? It started with a conversation I had with a friend. I dropped the stat from Gallup—that organizations choose the wrong person for management 82% of the time—and she pushed back. But as we kept talking, even she admitted her current and past leaders weren’t exactly stellar.We dig into this epidemic of mediocrity, spotlighting an article from Time that calls it what it is: The Plague of Mediocre Leadership. From uninspired vision to lackluster communication and accountability, I explore why companies keep promoting the wrong people and how this sets the tone for disengagement, poor performance, and turnover.If you’re a leader—or work for one—this episode will challenge you to rethink what great management should look like. It's time we raise the bar.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailIf you’re job hunting, don’t just look for a better paycheck—look for a better boss. A great manager can make or break your experience at work, and finding the right leadership could be the key to loving Monday just as much as Friday.In this episode, I break down 12 essential questions you can use to evaluate a potential boss before you take the job. These questions will help you assess leadership style, company culture, and whether you’re walking into a supportive, growth-focused environment—or a toxic workplace waiting to happen.Want to make sure your next job is a step up, not a step sideways (or worse, down)? Tune in to learn how to test for a better boss before you sign the offer letter.🎧 Listen now and take control of your career.Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailNot sure if you’re working for a good company with a great manager—or if you’re just surviving in a toxic workplace? In this episode, I break down 12 critical test questions to help you evaluate whether your manager and organization are truly employee-oriented. If you disagree with any of these, and especially if layoffs are looming, it may be time to update that resume and start looking elsewhere.👉 Are your contributions valued?👉 Does your manager have your back?👉 Is transparency a core value, or are you always in the dark?If you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t serve you, this episode will help you spot the warning signs before it’s too late. Tune in now and find out if it’s time to make your move!Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday" 

Send us Fan MailLayoffs aren’t just unfortunate events—they’re a lagging indicator of management failure. In this episode, I break down why layoffs signal a lack of vision from upper management and how failing to coach employees and track productivity at the frontline leads companies straight into trouble.If your company is laying people off, it’s already too late—leadership missed the warning signs, and you might be next. Tune in to hear why sticking around after layoffs is a risky move and what to do instead.🎧 Listen now and take control of your career before it's too late!Support the showFor more information on how to love Monday just like Friday, got to: LoveMondayLikeFriday.com. Find more information from Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-houmand/Get the book! "A Passion for Monday"