You’re the Boss, Now What? with Desiree Petrich | Leadership and Team Development for Managers and Team Leaders

Last week we talked about not letting your intent diminish and how the longer we wait to do something we know we should do, the less likely we are to actually follow through.This week’s leadership tip is a little different.Have you ever found yourself rushing through a season of life, wishing time would speed up so you could finally get to the “good part”? Or maybe you’ve been so distracted by what’s next that you forgot to notice what’s right in front of you.In this short episode, Desiree shares two pieces of advice that seem to conflict with each other: be where your feet are planted… and look to the horizon.Through stories about childhood, growth, grief, walks down gravel roads, and the reminder to occasionally look up from the noise around us, this episode explores the tension between being fully present and still dreaming about what’s ahead.By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover: Why different moments in life require different mindsets  How constantly focusing on “what’s next” can cause you to miss your current season  The importance of slowing down long enough to look up and see the bigger picture If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot while listening, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich so I can hear your biggest takeaway.Looking for more leadership tips, leadership development conversations, and practical encouragement for managers and ambitious professionals? Make sure you follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder to slow down and be present today.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Making connections as an adult feels harder than ever, especially at work.But the problem usually isn’t networking. It’s discomfort. It’s phones. It’s staying in our comfort zones.In this episode, Desiree sits down with Nichelle Lund to talk about communication in the workplace, workplace loneliness, and why relationship-building is one of the most overlooked leadership skills for managers and professionals today.They discuss awkward networking events, making people feel included, building trust at work, and simple ways to create more genuine connections without feeling fake or forced.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: Why making connections as an adult feels so uncomfortable  How to build better work relationships and stronger workplace communication  Small ways leaders and managers can help people feel seen and included at work When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot while listening, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich!While you’re there, make sure you follow me for more leadership development conversations, new manager tips, and practical leadership skills you can apply immediately at work.CONNECT WITH NICHELLE LUND:This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever thought, “I’ll do it later”… and then never did?You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re experiencing the law of diminishing intent.The longer you wait to do something you know you should do, the less likely you are to do it.It starts small. One delay. One excuse. One “I’ll get to it later.”Then your brain steps in to protect you. You justify it. You overthink it. You talk yourself out of it.And now the thing you knew you needed to do… doesn’t get done.This shows up everywhere in leadership: Avoiding a tough conversation Not giving feedback when it matters Waiting too long to delegate Delaying decisions that impact your teamAnd here’s the problem… It doesn’t go away.It actually creates more stress, more guilt, and starts to chip away at your confidence.Because now you’re reinforcing a belief: “I don’t follow through.”If you’re a manager trying to build trust, improve team management, and grow in your leadership development, this matters more than you think.The fix isn’t complicated. You don’t need more time. You need less delay.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: Why the law of diminishing intent keeps leaders stuck  How delaying action impacts your confidence and team trust  A simple way to stop procrastinating and follow through fasterThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

“My employee doesn’t seem to care anymore… what do I do?”They used to be reliable. Motivated. Easy to manage.And now?You feel like you’re micromanaging just to get the bare minimum.It’s frustrating. And honestly… a little confusing.Because nothing “big” happened.Here’s the shift most managers miss:It’s not always that they’re lazy. It’s that something changed.And if you keep treating everyone the same… you’ll keep losing your best people without realizing it.In this episode, we break down what your employees actually crave from you as a manager.Not theory. Not more work.Simple shifts that help your team feel understood, valued, and motivated again.Because different people need different things.And when you miss that… you unintentionally shut them down.Links mentioned in the episode Take your Working Genius assessment How to Motivate an Unmotivated Employee Without MicromanagingThe Manager’s Guide to Working Genius in Team MeetingsHow to Use Working Genius to Boost Team PerformanceThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

The Last Letter - Rebecca Yarrows Last week we talked about what it looks like when you hit survival mode. This week is one simple step to get yourself out of it.What’s the thing you keep putting off?The appointment you haven’t made. The email you haven’t sent. The task that keeps popping into your head… over and over again.It feels small. It feels like a minor inconvenience. So you keep pushing it to “later.”But here’s the problem… it doesn’t go away.It follows you. It sits in the back of your mind. It turns into mental clutter that you carry into your work, your leadership, and your time at home.In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about finally making an appointment I had avoided for over a year… and what changed the moment I stopped guessing and just got the answer.Because whether it’s your health, your work, or something simple on your to-do list…It’s better to know. And it’s even better to be done. This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever had an employee where you think… “Do you even care anymore?”They used to show up early They used to go above and beyond And now… something feels offYou try to motivate them But nothing seems to workHere’s the shift: You can’t make someone care But you can make it easier for them to stop caringAnd most managers do it without realizing itIn this episode, we’re breaking down a few mindset shifts to help you look at this differentlyBY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: Why “they don’t care” is often an assumption  How disengagement can be a form of protection  What might actually be causing the shift in motivationAdditional episodes to catch-up on Using The 5 Love Languages at Work to Build Loyal Teams How to Stop Your Newhires from Checking Out EarlyThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Get your copy of Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead  Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything feels hard… and you’re just trying to make it through as a manager?The kind of week where your energy is low, your team needs more from you, and your workload keeps growing?This is one of the biggest challenges in leadership development. Most managers wait until things get hard to figure out how to handle it.But by then, it already feels overwhelming.Because mental strength isn’t built in the hard moments. It’s revealed in them.In this episode of the podcast for managers, I’m sharing a simple concept that can completely shift how you approach stress, pressure, and team management.It’s the idea of “walking into the wind.”And it’s about choosing to do hard things before you have to… so when challenges hit—whether it’s conflict, overwhelm, or difficult employees—you’re ready for it. This is especially important when it comes to how to handle conflict at work. Because the managers who navigate tough conversations well aren’t the ones avoiding hard things…They’re the ones who have built the capacity for them.We’re talking about how to build resilience as a leader, how to strengthen your mindset, and how this shows up in your day-to-day leadership and team management—even when nothing feels urgent.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: How leadership development actually happens in the small, everyday moments  How to build mental strength so you can handle stress and conflict at work  What “walking into the wind” looks like in real life and team management This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

If you don’t have energy, you can’t lead well.And yet… most managers are trying to push through exhaustion instead of fixing it.You finish your workday drained. You go home with nothing left to give. And the things you want to do? They keep getting pushed to the bottom of the list.So you tell yourself you’ll rest more. You’ll take a break. You’ll “fill your cup.”But nothing actually changes.Because the problem isn’t that you’re not trying. It’s that you’re trying to fix burnout the wrong way.In this episode, we break down the 4 buckets that actually help you get your energy back—without adding more to your plate. This is real-life leadership development for busy managers who want to show up better at work and at home.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: The 4 buckets that help managers rebuild their energy without burnout  Why most “self-care” advice doesn’t work (and what actually does)  Simple ways to improve your energy, focus, and team management starting today This episode is your reminder that being a great leader isn’t about doing more.It’s about having enough energy to lead the people around you well.Read Desiree's Book  Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Additional Episodes Manager Tips for Better Sleep Secret to All Day Energy (Glucose episode) Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Goals This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right”… but still running on empty?As a manager, it’s easy to think the answer is to do more. More routines. More habits. More discipline.But what if that’s not the problem?A lot of leaders are already overwhelmed. Their schedules are full. Their energy is low. And their default solution is to keep adding.More meetings. More expectations. More pressure.This is where leadership development gets missed. Because energy isn’t built by adding more… it’s often built by removing what’s draining you.In this episode, we’re flipping that mindset.Instead of asking what you should add, we’re asking what you need to take away so you can show up better for your team.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn How to increase your energy as a manager without adding more to your schedule  Why removing things can be more powerful than building new habits  3 simple ways to refill your cup so you can lead your team more effectively This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

In this episode, I sat down with Tessa Kampen to talk about what happens when purpose isn’t clear on a team.Because when people define success differently… you start to feel it.Priorities compete Communication gets messy Work slows downNot because people don’t care. Because they’re aiming at different targets.We pulled from The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle, but really this is about what we both see happening on teams every day.The gap between effort… and direction.In this episode: Why teams feel off even when everyone is doing their job  How unclear purpose shows up in day-to-day work  What causes teams to drift in different directions  How to bring people back to the same goal Resource mentioned: The Culture Code by Daniel CoyleConnect with Tessa Kampen This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever looked at someone else’s job, routine, or leadership style and thought… “Why would anyone enjoy that?”And then found yourself trying to do it anyway?A lot of managers get stuck here.You’re trying to lead like someone else. Work like someone else. Structure your time like someone else.And it doesn’t fit.So you start second guessing yourself. You feel inconsistent. And leadership feels harder than it needs to.This is where most leadership development advice falls short.Because it tells you what to do… but not how to make it work for you.In this episode, we’re flipping that.Because not everyone works the same way.Some people love brainstorming and big ideas. Others just want to get clear and execute.Some people love running. Others would rather lift, walk, or do anything but run.Neither is wrong.But when you force yourself into something that doesn’t fit… you burn out faster and show up worse as a leader.This episode will help you rethink how you approach your work, your leadership, and your life so you can stop forcing what doesn’t fit and start building something that actually works.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: Why trying to lead like everyone else is holding you back as a manager  How self-awareness improves leadership development and team management  A simple shift to help you make your work, leadership, and routines fit youThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Struggling with hard conversations on your team?In this episode, we’re talking about vulnerability, and what it actually looks like at work.Not oversharing. Not making things uncomfortable.But the kind of vulnerability that helps managers build trust, improve communication, and handle conflict more effectively.Because when vulnerability is missing: feedback gets avoided  tension builds  and small issues turn into bigger problems If you’re working on your leadership development, this is one of the most practical leadership tips you can apply right away.In this episode: What vulnerability actually looks like in team management  Why teams avoid hard conversations  How vulnerability helps you handle conflict at work  Simple ways to start using this as a manager ResourcesThe Culture Code by Daniel CoyleConnect with Tessa Kampen If this episode helped you think differently about your team, share it with another manager.Follow the show for weekly leadership tips on team management, communication, and leadership development.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever felt like you’re putting in the work… but not seeing the results yet?Maybe you’re trying to grow as a leader. Trying to build a stronger team. Trying to improve communication, delegation, or team accountability.And after a few days… or even a few weeks… it feels like nothing is changing.This is where most leaders start to question themselves.Is this working? Am I doing the right things? Should I just go back to what’s easier?But here’s the truth… you can’t hurry results. In this episode, Desiree shares a simple but powerful reminder using a real-life story from teaching a group fitness class. Just like building strength physically, leadership development doesn’t show up overnight.In fact, the work often feels hardest right before the results start to show.Whether you're a new manager trying to build confidence, or an experienced leader working on team dynamics, this episode will help you stay consistent even when the results feel slow.Because leadership isn’t about quick wins. It’s about doing the work long enough to see the impact.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: Why leadership development and team growth don’t show immediate results  How to stay consistent when leading feels hard or unclear  What it really takes to build stronger teams and long-term leadership successThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

If your team isn’t speaking up, it’s easy to think it’s a communication issue.But most of the time… it’s not.It’s a safety issue.Have you ever been on a team where…People are nice… but not always honest?Meetings happen… but nothing really changes?Something feels off… but no one’s saying it out loud?This is one of the most common challenges in teams right now.Not because people don’t care.Not because they aren’t capable.But because it doesn’t always feel safe to speak up at work.In part one of this three-part “we read so you don’t have to” series on The Culture Code, we’re breaking down psychological safety at work and how it impacts team communication, leadership, and overall team performance.Key TakeawaysWhy your team isn’t speaking up at work What psychological safety actually looks like on a team How leaders impact team communication without realizing it Simple ways to build trust and improve team performanceRead The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever felt like if you can’t give 100%, it’s not worth showing up at all?As a leader, it’s easy to fall into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking. You think you need to be fully energized, fully prepared, and fully “on” to show up well for your team. But the reality is, some days your energy just isn’t there.And when that happens, most people either push themselves into burnout… or they don’t show up at all.In this episode, I’m sharing a simple lesson from a workout that completely shifted how I think about effort, energy, and consistency. Because leadership development isn’t about being perfect every day. It’s about showing up with what you have and building trust with yourself over time.This is your reminder that you don’t need 100% to make progress. You just need to start.Key Takeaways You don’t need 100% energy to show up and make progress  Consistency in leadership matters more than perfection  Being honest about your energy builds trust with yourself and others Check out Millionaire Hoy on Youtube!This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

 Struggling to fill leadership roles on your team? The answer might not be hiring - it might be developing. In this episode, learn how to turn your current team into confident leaders through intentional leadership development. Have you ever looked at your team and thought… we just don’t have anyone ready for leadership?Not because they’re not capable. But because no one feels quite ready yet.This is one of the most common conversations happening in organizations right now. Teams are looking outside for leadership… while overlooking the potential already sitting in the room.And to be fair, this isn’t something most teams are doing wrong. It’s just something most teams haven’t been shown how to do intentionally.Because leadership development doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we slow down long enough to see people differently.In this episode, I’m sharing two real conversations I’ve had with executive teams recently. Both were facing leadership gaps. Both assumed they needed to hire.But what shifted everything… was realizing they already had the people.They just needed a more intentional approach to developing them.Key TakeawaysWhy leadership gaps often come from a lack of development, not a lack of talentHow to identify leadership potential on your current team, even if no one feels ready yetWhat intentional leadership development actually looks like in real teamsDo you want help developing a Leadership Development strategy? Email: [email protected] or visit intentionalaction.net This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

It’s easy to underestimate the impact of small actions.A smile. A compliment. A simple “thank you.”But those moments don’t stop with the person in front of you. They carry.In this episode, I share a real-life story that reminded me how quickly positivity can spread and how one interaction can completely shift the tone of a day.The question becomes:What kind of ripple effect are you creating?BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:How small actions create a positive ripple effect in life and leadershipWhy your energy impacts more people than you thinkSimple ways to create more positivity in your everyday interactionsThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Do you ever feel like the emotional thermostat of your team?If you're stressed, they feel it. If you're overwhelmed, it spreads.Most leaders think happiness at work is about perks.Ping pong tables. Free lunches. Better benefits.But what if workplace happiness is actually a leadership skill?In this episode, Greg Kettner, founder of WorkHappy, shares how happiness directly impacts productivity, stress levels, and team performance.With 27 years in sales and leadership at companies like Nike, SAP, and the NHL, Greg now helps organizations reduce stress and create healthier team cultures.This conversation is practical. It’s human. And it’s leadership development at its core.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:Why happiness increases productivity and reduces burnoutThree simple strategies to lower stress as a leaderHow to support mental health at work without becoming the therapistIf you lead people, this one is for you.Connect with Greg Kettner This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

In this week’s leadership tips episode, we’re talking about something simple that many leaders overlook: checking your surroundings.Whether you’re at work, leading a meeting, interacting with customers, or simply talking with coworkers, social awareness matters. The conversations we have and the way we include (or unintentionally exclude) the people around us can shape how others experience our leadership.Sometimes it’s as small as noticing when someone is being left out of a conversation. Other times it’s recognizing when a conflict or discussion might be happening in the wrong place or at the wrong time.Strong leadership isn’t just about what you say. It’s about being aware of how your actions affect the people around you. Taking a moment to check your surroundings can help you build better communication, stronger relationships, and a more thoughtful workplace. Check back every week for your weekly leadership tips on life and leadership.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

You hired someone with huge potential. You trained them. You invested in them. Six months later, they’re gone.If turnover feels constant, the issue might not be talent. It might be how your culture is being experienced.In this episode, Desiree sits down with global keynote speaker and bestselling author Eric Termuende to unpack what’s actually driving turnover in today’s workplace.They explore why high turnover is often a symptom of a dysfunctional relationship between employees and companies—and how leaders can shift that dynamic.You’ll hear:Why generic mission, vision, and values statements fail to attract the right peopleHow to differentiate your culture so the right talent opts in (and the wrong talent opts out)Why alignment in how work gets done matters more than perks or flexibilityHow misalignment quietly drives away your best performersWhy small, one-degree shifts build trust faster than massive culture overhaulsHow healthy conflict, built on trust, is required for high-performing teamsIf you’re frustrated by disengagement, misalignment, or constant turnover, this conversation will change how you think about culture—and how you lead. ● Eric Termuende’s Book: Rethink Work ●Connect with Eric on LinkedIn●Eric's WebsiteBooks Recommended by Eric:● The Culture Code — Daniel Coyle● Predictably Irrational — Dan Ariely● This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

In this week’s leadership tip, we’re redefining humility at work. After hearing Seth Rogen describe Catherine O’Hara as someone who was both a genius and kind, it sparked an important reminder: confidence and humility are not mutually exclusive.Somewhere along the way, we started confusing humility with shrinking. Downplaying strengths. Pretending we’re not good at something so we don’t seem “too much.” But true humility isn’t thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less. It’s secure leadership. It’s knowing your value without needing to announce it.As a leader, you don’t have to choose between being confident and being humble. You can bring strength, generosity, and self-awareness to your team at the same time.Check back every week for your weekly leadership tip on life and leadership.Watch the Instagram Reel that sparked this week's tip!This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

If everything feels urgent, nothing improves.In this episode, we break down how to prioritize what actually matters at work by asking two simple questions:Is it important?Is it urgent?You’ll learn how to:Stop reacting to every email and requestReduce distractions and protect deep workSet boundaries with your boss and teamAvoid doing everything at 50%We walk through real-life examples, including last-minute meetings, “quick” report requests, forgotten school lunch money, and the 23-minute refocus cost of interruptions.Intentional prioritization isn’t about doing less. It’s about placing your energy where it actually moves the needle.And once you learn to do this for yourself, it becomes easier to do it as a team.—Key TakeawaysNot everything that feels urgent is actually important.Interruptions cost momentum, not just time.Clarity at the individual level creates clarity at the team level.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever felt ready to step up as a leader… but worried that others didn’t see you that way?In this week’s leadership tip, we’re talking about doubt, yours and theirs. The Titanic was built by professionals, and it still sank. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for leadership. It’s built through consistent action, ownership, and showing up before you feel fully ready.Check back every Monday for your weekly leadership tip.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Why do your meetings feel exhausting?Why does one person dominate while someone else disengages completely?If you’re leading meetings as a new manager and walking away frustrated, unclear, or stuck repeating the same conversations, this episode will help.Most leaders assume disengagement is about attitude. They assume domination is about ego. They assume lack of follow-through is laziness.But it’s usually none of those things.It’s misaligned energy.Desiree and Tessa walk through Patrick Lencioni’s Working Genius framework and explain how each genius shows up inside meetings, and how understanding it improves communication in the workplace, team accountability, and overall team management.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:• Why meetings feel draining and how to clarify their purpose • How to structure meetings so the right conversations happen at the right time • The two changes that immediately improve team accountabilityIf you want your team to commit, follow through, and stop dreading meetings, this framework is a practical starting point.Connect with Tessa Kampen Working Genius Assessment The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni Meetings Series How Managers Build Team Accountability During and After Meetings3 Ways Meetings Drain Your Team and Create Conflict at Work How to Make Meeting More Effective and Engaging | Lessons from Death By Meeting by Patrick LencioniThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Have you ever questioned your reaction because of who was watching?In this week’s leadership tip, we talk about owning your leadership style. When you lead based on outside judgment or approval, you risk becoming inconsistent. But when you know your values, trust your intentions, and stay consistent in how you show up, you build real trust and credibility.Check back every Monday for your weekly leadership tip!This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

If you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly busy—but nothing truly important is moving forward—busyness may be the problem, not the solution.In this episode, Desiree is joined by productivity expert Sarah Ohanesian to challenge the belief that doing more equals leading better.They explore why New Year productivity plans fall apart so quickly, how unrealistic expectations fuel burnout, and why leaders often reward visible busyness instead of meaningful impact. Sarah introduces the idea of the “productivity parade”—work that looks impressive but distracts from what actually matters—and explains how meetings, unclear expectations, and outdated metrics quietly reinforce it.You’ll learn how to identify true non-negotiables, use your calendar as a leadership tool, integrate work and life priorities realistically, and close the clarity gap that drives disengagement. Sarah also shares her COAT framework (Clarity, Organize, Act, Take Time) and a simple time-tracking challenge that helps leaders see where their time is really going.If you want less burnout, more clarity, and a team focused on real results—not just looking busy—this episode is for you.Sarah's Book Recommendation: Rocket FuelSarah's Website: SO ProductiveSarah's LinkedInLink to episode: 3 Tools to Get Your Team to Care as Much as You DoThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Do you ever notice how easy it is to look to others for reassurance?In this week's leadership tip, we reflects on the reminder that confidence grows when we do things for ourselves, not for approval. When leaders rely too heavily on outside validation, confidence stays fragile. When confidence is built internally, leadership becomes steadier and more grounded.Check back every Monday for your weekly leadership tip!This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Meetings don’t fail because of bad agendas. They fail when decisions don’t turn into action.In this episode of the podcast for managers, Desiree picks up from last week’s conversation on meeting fatigue and zooms in on what happens next. You’ll learn why accountability often feels like micromanagement, how clarity and support change follow through, and what real team accountability actually looks like after meetings end.This episode walks through three things every manager is responsible to their team for: clarity, support, and accountability. When these are present, meetings become a leadership development tool instead of a source of conflict at work.Key Takeaways • Why clarity closes the gap between expectation and reality • How support prevents accountability from feeling like micromanagement • What managers can do after meetings to protect team standardsListen to more episodes on meeting, conflict and accountability!3 Ways Meetings Drain Your Team and Create Conflict at WorkA Manager's Guide to Keeping Top Talent and Stopping Negativity Before it Spreads5 Steps to Rebuild Trust and Handle Conflict at Work as a ManagerHow Great Managers Prevent Conflict Before it StartsThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

If you are a manager who feels stuck in meetings that go nowhere, you are not alone. Many leaders schedule meetings hoping to create alignment, solve problems, or move work forward, but instead experience meeting fatigue, disengagement, and conflict at work. In this episode, Desiree explains why meetings without decisions drain your team and your time, how information-heavy meetings quietly disengage employees, and why meetings have become the default response instead of a leadership tool. You will learn how misalignment around meeting purpose leads to frustration, a lack of team accountability, and stalled leadership development. This episode focuses on front-end fixes managers can make before meetings even begin, so meetings become a tool for clarity, trust, and stronger team management rather than a source of stress.Key TakeawaysMeetings without clear decisions create frustration, rework, and conflict at workInformation meetings are a major cause of disengagement and meeting fatigue for teamsUsing meetings intentionally is a leadership development skill that improves team accountability As you listen, think about your next meeting and ask yourself what decision actually needs to be made and who owns it.Episode Links: How to Make Meetings More Effective and Engaging | Lessons from Death By Meeting By Patrick LencioniThe Best Way to Overcome Dysfunction and Build a Cohesive Team | Lessons from 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni 5 Steps to Make One-on-One Meetings Build Trust Instead of Waste Time Join Desiree's email list to get updated on new episodes!This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Your team says they want to grow—but do they avoid disagreement, fear mistakes, or shut down feedback? A real growth mindset isn’t optimism—it’s how a team handles tension, learning, and risk.In this episode, Desiree is joined by leadership expert Jim Fielding to unpack what a true growth mindset looks like inside teams—not just in individuals.They explore how growth mindset shows up in observable behaviors, including teams that welcome dissent without defensiveness, leaders who create psychological safety without lowering standards, and cultures that reward smart risks and clean recoveries—not just wins.Jim shares practical leadership strategies for fostering growth, from how leaders run meetings and ask better questions to why curiosity matters more than control. They also discuss the difference between being nice and being kind, why fear shuts learning down, and how both leaders and individual contributors can influence team culture—even without the title.If you want a team that speaks up sooner, learns faster, and grows stronger through challenge instead of avoiding it, this episode is a must listen.Links Mentioned & Referenced in Episode:● Jim Fielding on LinkedIn ● Dare to Lead — Brené Brown ● Start With Why — Simon Sinek ● The Five Dysfunctions of a Team — Patrick Lencioni Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:● The Best Way to Overcome Dysfunction and Build Cohesive Teams | Lessons from The Five Dysfunctions of a Team ● How to Handle a Negative Employee Without Losing Your Best People ● The Strategy That Stops New Hires From Checking Out EarlyThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

You work hard. You care deeply. So why does your career growth still feel unclear?If you're a manager doing everything right but waiting for recognition, promotion, or more trust, this episode shows you why.Desiree sits down with Andy Storch, author of Own Your Brand, Own Your Career and host of Talent Development Hot Seat, for a no-fluff talk on personal brand.Not influencer vibes or nonstop posting. This is reputation, trust, and ownership at work.They break down:What personal brand really means inside organizationsWhy hard work alone won't cut it anymoreHow to build credibility by developing your peopleWhy talent-growers become impossible to replaceWalk away knowing career growth is something you build, not wait for. Grow your career. Lead your team better. This shifts how you see visibility, reputation, and leadership. ResourcesOwn Your Brand, Own Your Career by Andy StorchFree workbook + resourcesConnect with Andy on LinkedInThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

3 Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Goals (Without Burning Out)Have you ever started the year motivated and confident, only to feel behind or overwhelmed a few weeks later?In this episode of You're the Boss, Now What?, Desiree shares three mindset shifts that help leaders set goals and habits in a way that actually lasts, even when life doesn’t go as planned.This is not a New Year’s resolutions episode. It’s a conversation about sustainability, self-trust, and learning how to lead yourself without burning out.In this episode, we talk about:Why focusing on outcomes creates pressure and frustrationHow input-based habits give you back controlWhy habits should be treated as feedback, not judgmentIf you want to make progress this year without starting over every January, this episode is for you.Next week, Desiree is joined by Andy Storch for a conversation about career growth, ownership, and reputation — without self-promotion and without burnout.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Overwhelmed as a manager? Leadership doesn't have to feel this heavy. Desiree Petrich shares one mindset shift to release pressure, beat burnout, and lead with clarity + energy into 2026Last week we unpacked the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. Today? We close the year simpler: one word to lighten your load as a new manager.If leadership feels overwhelming right now, you're not alone. Managers often carry too much: expectations to be everything to everyone, 110% performance, juggling work + home. It builds to manager burnout, resentment, drained confidence.In this You're the Boss, Now What? episode, I share release - the mindset shift that drops unhelpful commitments without adding more to-do's. No fixing yourself. Just letting go.You'll Walk Away With:Expectations no longer serving your leadership (and how to spot them)Why doing it all yourself fuels burnout - plus how to stopProof: Leadership can feel meaningful without constant struggleSlow down, reflect, enter 2026 lighter. Perfect for coaching for managers, imposter syndrome in leadership, and new manager tips.Reflection Questions from the Episode:What expectations won't you carry into 2026?Commitments you're dreading? How can you release or delegate them?What's the story making leadership harder than it needs to be?Connect: Follow on LinkedIn for leadership overwhelm tips, team dynamics, work boundaries, better management without burnout.Resources:Habit Tracking App: Strides Primary Keywords: Coaching for Managers, Leadership Podcast for New Managers, How to Be a Better Manager, Imposter Syndrome in Leadership, New Manager TipsSecondary Keywords: Manager Burnout, Leadership Overwhelm, How to Lead Without Burning Out, Boundaries at Work for Managers, Confidence in LeadershipThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

You can have the perfect strategy and still have a team that’s disengaged, drained, or stuck. These seven commitments are what actually change culture.In Part 3 of this series, Desiree and Tessa walk through the seven commitments that shape your mindset, energy, and team culture—often more than any strategy ever will.You’ll learn:Zone of Genius vs. “I’m ok at this” and why competence keeps you stuck.How to spot contentment vs. complacency so you stop settling for work that drains you.Why rest and play fuel better leadership (and why “busy” is not a badge of honor).How to flip unhelpful stories like “I’m not a good leader” into something true and useful.What you’re really seeking—approval, control, or securityThe shift from scarcity to abundance, especially around time and resources.How to see your team as allies, not obstacles, and why going first is the only way to change culture.Pick one commitment and practice it in a single real situation this week—a meeting, a conflict, or a decision. Tiny, consistent shifts are how you move from surviving leadership to actually enjoying it.Other Episodes mentioned in this podcast: Using Working Genius to Boost Team PerformanceHiring for Task (The Straegy That Stops New Hires From Checking Out Early)Links Mentioned in EpisodeThe 15 Commitments of Conscious LeadershipThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksSoundtracks by Jon AcuffThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

You can feel it in your team: everyone’s nice… but no one’s honest. Real opinions happen in side chats, gossip is normal, and you’re overcommitting and burning out trying to “keep the peace.” If you’ve ever thought, “Why won’t my team just say what they really think?” or “Why am I the only one holding everything together?” — this episode is for you.In Part 2 of this series on The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, Desiree and Tessa focus on three to help you stay calm and grounded.Speaking candidly (without blowing things up) How to pair candor + care so you can say the hard thing while still protecting trust. Eliminating gossip Why “venting” keeps you stuck and how leaders accidentally encourage it. Practicing integrity so you stop overpromisingGetting real about people-pleasing, overcommitting, and dropping balls.You’ll also hear:The difference between appreciation & validationEasy ways to show meaningful appreciationHow these commitments work together to help your team be honest & directAfter listening, choose one conversation you’ve been avoiding and ask: “How can I bring candor, integrity, and appreciation into this so I feel more in control?”   Links Mentioned: ● The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership ● Radical Candor by Kim Scott● The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Most leaders want to lead with clarity,but in real life, it’s easy to slip into blame, defensiveness, people-pleasing, or overwhelm. You’re trying your best, yet you’re drained and stuck in the same patterns with your team.In this episode, Desiree and leadership consultant Tessa break down the first three commitments of Conscious Leadership—taking 100% responsibility, choosing curiosity, and feeling your feelings—and how these shift you from reactive to grounded.You’ll learn:What “above the line vs. below the line” looks like in real conversationsHow to take responsibility without becoming the hero or victimHow curiosity instantly lowers defensivenessWhy naming emotions boosts trust and presenceIf you want to be a calmer, more intentional leader, these three commitments are the foundation.Try this: Pick one current issue and ask:How did I contribute?What am I curious about?What am I feeling right now?Key Takeaways:Responsibility = ownership, not blameCuriosity opens the door to real dialogueYour emotions don’t disqualify you—avoiding them does Links Mentioned: ● The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership ● The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks ● Radical Candor by Kim Scott ● Soundtracks by Jon AcuffThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Most people hear the word “gratitude” and think of journaling or writing lists. But for leaders, gratitude is something much deeper, it’s a shift in how you show up at work, how you navigate pressure, and how you lead your team through tough moments.The truth is, many leaders operate in constant survival mode. You’re reacting, firefighting, carrying the emotional weight of your team, and trying to stay composed even when you’re stretched thin. And when that becomes normal, confidence drops, relationships strain, and work starts feeling heavier than it should.In this episode, Desiree Petrich breaks down four ways gratitude strengthens your leadership identity, improves team dynamics, and creates a healthier work environment. These perspectives will help you handle difficult employees, build trust faster, reduce conflict, and lead with more steadiness — without needing to pretend everything is fine or write in a gratitude journal every morning.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:How gratitude shifts you out of survival mode so you stop leading from stress and start leading from clarityWhy gratitude builds self-awareness and helps you see your patterns, your growth, and the moments you should acknowledge in yourselfHow gratitude strengthens executive presence, helping you show up calmer, more grounded, and more influential in meetingsWhy gratitude protects your leadership energy, giving you more capacity to handle team dynamics, conflict, accountability, and tough conversationsIf you want to be a more confident leader, build trust, and strengthen the culture around you — gratitude is one of the simplest, most powerful tools you can practice.When you finish listening: Choose one moment today to practice active appreciation. Say out loud something you’re grateful for in yourself, in a teammate, or in the effort it took to get through a hard moment. This is where real leadership transformation begins.KEY TAKEAWAYS1. Gratitude stabilizes your leadership state so you’re not leading from urgency or overwhelm. 2. Gratitude sharpens self-awareness, which improves communication, delegation, and accountability. 3. Gratitude strengthens executive presence and helps you show up calmer and more confident. 4. Gratitude protects your leadership energy so you can handle diThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Communication at work is starting to feel artificial. In this episode, we break down how leaders can use human fluency to build trust, create psychological safety, and communicate with clarity without losing professionalism.Have you ever left a meeting wondering if anyone actually said what they meant?If so, you're not alone. Remote work, AI tools, and the pressure to “sound professional” are creating communication that looks polished on the outside but lacks honesty on the inside. And when communication feels more like performance than collaboration, team dynamics break down, trust erodes, and even your best employees start pulling back.In this episode, I’m joined by Nadine Lavigne to talk about human fluency and why it’s becoming one of the most important skills in modern leadership. If you want to fix a toxic culture, rebuild trust, communicate with more confidence, and create psychological safety without becoming overly casual or losing authority, this conversation is for you.Last week, we talked about rebuilding trust when workplace drama takes over a team. This week, we’re taking the next step and getting to the root of why communication feels strained on so many teams right now.We unpack what it actually looks like to sound like a human at work again so you can lead more effective meetings, handle conflict with confidence, and build a team that communicates honestly instead of politely.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: • Why leaders today need human fluency to build trust, connection, and credibility • How to stay authentic without losing authority or professionalism • Simple communication shifts that create psychological safety and reduce conflict • The role AI can play in improving—not replacing—real human leadership • Why “polite” teams often struggle more with accountability, follow-through, and conflict • How human fluency helps you handle difficult employees and fix communication breakdowns • New manager tips you can use immediately to improve team conversations, clarity, and expectationsConnect with Nadine on LinkedIn Nadine Lavigne is a partner in the Talent Development space, a leadership coach, speaker, facilitator and founder of BeREAL Partners.With over 20 years in corporate leadership roles at GE, Boeing, and various tech compThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Take your DISC or Working Genius assessmentYour team finally hits its stride, but how do you keep it that way? Learn the simple mindset that prevents conflict before it starts, builds trust fast, and keeps meetings focused. Practical scripts you can use today. Last week we talked about five steps to turn workplace drama into team trust. The week before that, how to handle a negative employee. Today we protect those gains by shifting how you show up, before issues grow.Teams slip back into artificial harmony, side conversations, and missed expectations. Leaders either jump to conclusions or avoid hard talks, and meetings drag without decisions. Pain points • Circular, low-energy meetings and quiet disengagement • Second-guessing intentions and reacting to incomplete stories • Pressure to have all the answers as a new manager Solution Lead with curiosity. Desiree breaks it into four practical habits you can model and coach:Assume positive intent to create space before you respond.Encourage the right kind of conflict so passion fuels progress, not drama.Test the story you’re telling yourself to get out of assumptions and into facts.Ask better, smaller questions like “What am I missing?”, “What does success look like for you?”, and “What’s getting in your way?”, so people own the outcome.You’ll also hear how personality wiring (DISC and Working Genius) affects your default reactions, and why curiosity beats certainty when you want a team that’s engaged, accountable, and drama-free. Key Takeaways • Curiosity before conclusions keeps conflict constructive. • Treat conflict as feedback to solve the real issue, not the symptoms. • Small, open questions unlock clarity, buy-in, and faster decisions.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Workplace conflict doesn’t just disappear, it spreads. Learn five practical steps to rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and fix a toxic culture so your team can perform at its best.If you’ve ever walked into a meeting and felt the tension before anyone said a word, this episode is for you.When workplace drama turns into silence, gossip, or passive-aggressive behavior, you’re not just managing conflict, you’re managing culture.In this episode of You’re the Boss, Now What?, leadership coach Desiree Petrich shares the five steps she uses when she’s brought in to help teams rebuild trust and communication after conflict has taken root.You’ll learn how to transform team tension into connection and turn uncomfortable conversations into meaningful progress. These are the same frameworks Desiree uses inside her leadership coaching and team development workshops, designed to help leaders protect their team’s energy and build healthy, high-performing workplaces.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to identify when workplace tension has turned into toxicityThe right way to “clear the air” without losing control of the conversationHow self-awareness and behavioral tools (like DISC or Working Genius) reduce frictionWhy creating a shared team language makes accountability easierHow vulnerability and consistency build long-term trustA simple monthly rhythm to keep conflict healthy and communication strongKey TakeawaysConflict handled early builds trust. Avoiding it just builds resentment.Awareness dissolves drama. When people understand each other, tension loses power.Trust is a practice, not a project. It’s built through consistent, honest conversations.Leadership Game QuestionsWhat are three things our team does well, and what are three things we could do better? What is one challenge we are currentlyl facing as a team? What can we change in ourselves to improve our situation? What group of people do we need to be more intentional about listening to? (Employees / Clients / Customers / Shareholders / Ambassadors / etc.)What makes a day successful for you? "Keep the Conversation Going" Questions1. What's working? 2. Where are we drifting from who we said we'd be? 3. What do we need to taThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

One negative employee can tank performance by 30 to 40 percent. Learn how to tell the difference between realism and pessimism, protect team dynamics, and know when it’s time to let someone go with confidence. Last week we talked about imposter syndrome, storytelling, and executive presence with a communication Matt Mosich. This week we shift from the stories in your head to the stories on your team.If you’ve inherited a high performer who drags down morale, you’re not alone. Many first-time managers avoid action because conflict feels risky and backfilling is hard. Meanwhile, your best people consider leaving.In this episode, we unpack the root causes behind “negativity” and why not all pushback is toxic. You’ll learn how to spot the difference between a realist who’s trying to protect the team and a pessimist who drains it, how to coach for better behavior, and how to document impact so HR conversations are clear and actionable. You’ll also get three reflection questions to help you decide if it’s time to let someone go.Key Takeaways • Realism vs pessimism: identify intent, not just tone, so you don’t label constructive risk checks as negativity. • Coachable or contagious: use behavior impact and willingness to change to decide your next step. • Protect the team’s energy: leaders keep culture by addressing harmful behavior early and documenting impact, not just attitude. Want help understanding your team’s default styles so meetings stop derailing and decisions stick? Take a quick self-awareness assessment and explore DISC or Working Genius for your team at intentionalaction.net/self-awareness.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in your leadership role — or that you’re just “faking it” — you’re not alone. This episode will show you how to stop letting imposter syndrome run the show and start leading with presence and authority.Matt, an executive communication and storytelling coach, shares how he went from hiding behind self-doubt to helping CEOs and founders find their voice — and how you can do the same.By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:How to identify the stories holding you back and rewrite themWhat confidence actually is and how to access it before any meetingA simple storytelling framework to build trust fast with your teamKey TakeawaysConfidence isn’t a feeling — it’s a choice you practice daily.Your story shapes how you lead. Rewrite it to reflect the leader you’re becoming.Storytelling builds trust faster than authority alone ever could.Connect with Matt on Linkedin This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Part two of our energy mini-series! Learn five glucose hacks to help first-time managers stay focused, avoid the afternoon crash, and lead their teams with steady energy all day long.Listen to Part 1: New Manager Tips for Better Sleep to Make You a More Confident and In-Control ManagerLast week we talked about how sleep impacts your energy as a leader. This week, we’re tackling the other half of the equation—what’s actually happening in your body all day that makes you tired, irritable, and unfocused.If you’ve ever hit that 2 p.m. crash, snapped at a teammate, or reached for another cup of coffee to power through, this episode is for you.We will talk about five practical glucose-stabilizing hacks that help you sustain your energy, sharpen your focus, and lead your team with more patience and presence. You’ll learn how blood sugar impacts your mood, motivation, and ability to manage effectively, and what you can do about it starting today.By the end, you’ll see how managing your energy isn’t just a wellness trend, it’s leadership development in action. Because when your energy dips, so does your influence.Key TakeawaysHow glucose spikes drain your patience, focus, and confidence at workFive sustainable habits to prevent the afternoon crash: savory breakfast, food order, post-meal movement, pairing carbs with protein, and the apple cider vinegar trickWhy steady energy makes you a calmer, more consistent leader who builds trust and holds employees accountableLinks As Promised!Glucose Goddess on InstagramGlucose Revolution Book Glucose Goddess on YoutubeThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

New managers don’t need another hack, they need sleep that supports leadership. Sleep coach Morgan Adams shares simple circadian rhythm habits so you show up clear-minded, calm, and confident at work.Last week we talked about building trust and holding employees accountable with effective one-on-ones. This week, we’re zooming out: your energy and focus start long before the meeting, while you sleep.Struggling to lead with confidence because you’re exhausted, foggy, or short-tempered? New managers often try more coffee, later nights, and weekend catch-up. That’s not Coaching for Managers, it’s burnout on repeat.Here’s the fix: strengthen your circadian rhythm. In this Leadership Podcast for New Managers, sleep coach Morgan Adams breaks down manager-friendly habits that reduce 3 a.m. wakeups, stabilize energy, and help you run better team meetings, hold employees accountable, and handle conflict without snapping.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: • Why “bright days, dark nights” is the simplest way to reset your sleep and leadership focus • The MEQ chronotype quiz and how to schedule team meetings for better Team Dynamics • Seven daily habits that improve sleep quality and office performance: morning light, dim evenings, consistent wake time (even on weekends), smart napping rules, cool-dark-quiet bedroom setup, five-minute “mindfulness snacks,” and a high-protein breakfast to stabilize glucose • How social jet lag wrecks Monday mornings (and what to do instead) • When blue-light glasses help, when they don’t, and what to buy to avoid cheap knockoffs • How steady glucose curbs afternoon crashes so you can lead effective team meetings and coach Difficult Employees without losing your patienceKey Takeaways • Consistency beats hacks: a regular sleep-wake window improves decision-making, patience, and How to Be a Better Manager. • Align work with people: know your team’s chronotypes to reduce burnout, improve Team Dynamics, and How to Lead Effective Team Meetings. • Stabilize energy: protein-forward mornings and fewer spikes help you hold employees accountable and handle conflict at work as a manager.Up next: I read Glucose Revolution so you don’t have to—how steady glucose gives new managers more all-day energy and calmer leadership. Follow theThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Last week we talked about accountability and why trust is the foundation for holding employees accountable. This week, let’s get practical.The problem? One-on-ones often feel awkward, get canceled, or turn into quick status updates. Managers end up doing all the talking, rushing through them, or skipping them entirely until annual reviews roll around. The result? Frustration, missed opportunities, and a team that doesn’t feel supported.The solution? Structure your one-on-ones so they build trust, create connection, and drive accountability. In this episode, I walk you through what managers get wrong — and 5 simple steps you can use to make your meetings actually matter.Key TakeawaysOne-on-ones are for coaching and trust, not status updatesA repeatable 5-step structure turns awkward meetings into growth conversationsWritten commitments at the end create accountability without micromanagingSubscribe and Follow for new manager tips, coaching for managers, and strategies on how to lead effective team meetings. If you found this episode helpful, leave a quick review so other new managers can find this leadership podcast.Episode Links The Trust About Employee Engagement - 3 Tools to Engage Your Team I Read "Death By Meeting" So You Don't Have To Coaching for Managers, Desiree Petrich, First-Time Manager Podcast, Leadership Podcast for New Managers, Team Dynamics, How to Build Trust as a Manager, How to Hold Employees Accountable, How to Be a Better Manager, How to Lead Effective Team Meetings, New Manager Tips.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Ever feel like managing a team means carrying everyone’s mistakes, conflicts, and missed deadlines on your shoulders? You’re not alone. Many first-time managers fall into people-pleasing, micromanaging, or doing the work themselves instead of coaching their team. That weight leads to burnout, toxic culture, and imposter syndrome in leadership.But managing isn’t about fixing, it’s about building. In this episode, Desiree Petrich unpacks how to build a team that feels like a community: one built on trust, productive conflict, real commitment, and shared accountability. You’ll learn how to apply Patrick Lencioni’s 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, why the Platinum Rule matters for team dynamics, and how to overcome the fears that keep managers from holding employees accountable.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:Why new managers avoid accountability conversations—and the exact scripts to use insteadHow to apply trust, conflict, and commitment to build accountability that sticksWays to use the Platinum Rule to adapt your leadership style to different team membersAdditional Links: • Self-Awareness Assessments to use in Team Development• Listen to the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Recap episode • Listen to the 5 Love Languages Episode This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Do you ever feel like posting on LinkedIn is only for job seekers or entrepreneurs?That belief is holding you back. The truth is, your presence online is your modern-day resume, and the confidence it builds spills into every corner of your leadership.In this conversation with Liam Darmody, founder of Liam’s Brandstand, we dig into why building your personal brand is less about “playing the algorithm” and more about learning who you are as a leader. You’ll hear how Liam went from reluctant poster to confident thought leader—and how that same shift can happen for you.By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:Why building a personal brand matters even if you’re not looking for a new jobHow posting regularly helps you grow self-confidence and visibility at workWhat happens when you stop following “the rules” and start showing up authenticallyThis episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t just what you do in the office, it’s also how you show up in the world.Connect with Liam liamsbrandstand.comLiam Darmody's LinkedIn Sign up for Liam's Newsletter This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Rate the Podcast!Do you ever feel like a theme or lesson keeps showing up in your life on repeat—almost like déjà vu? That’s been me lately with words like honesty, integrity, and self-trust.In this episode, I’m diving into Ryan Leak’s book Leveling Up. I thought it would be just personal development, but halfway through I realized: personal development and leadership development are the same conversation. This book held up a mirror and forced me to ask some hard questions I think every new manager needs.We’ll cover:The Self-Awareness Question – “What is it like to be on the other side of me?”The Vision Question – “What is my definition of success?”The Humility and Integrity Questions – “What mistakes can I own?” and “Am I being honest with myself?”The Fun Question – “Am I enjoying it?”I get really vulnerable in this one. From realizing I wasn’t being as honest with myself about small things (like tracking food) to admitting I wasn’t showing up as the mom or leader I wanted to be, this episode is all about how self-integrity connects directly to the way you lead your team.Because leadership isn’t built on perfection. It’s built on honesty, humility, and the courage to ask better questions.By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:Why feedback is more powerful than grace when it comes to growthHow to define your own version of success so you don’t climb the wrong ladderWhy admitting mistakes builds more trust than pretending to be perfectHow joy and enjoyment fuel culture more than toxic positivity ever couldLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:How to Set Boundaries, Unplug After Work, and Move Your Body Even When You're Exhausted Diving Into the Question around Rest This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Take the 5 Love Languages Assessment (for free!) Do you ever feel like your appreciation isn’t landing with your team?New managers often rely on the “golden rule”, treat others how you want to be treated. But that approach leaves gaps, frustrates employees, and creates disengagement. The better approach? Learn how your team wants to be appreciated, and match your recognition style to theirs.In this episode, Desiree breaks down the five love languages at work, show you how to adapt them to your leadership style, and share the three biggest mistakes that ruin even the best intentions.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:Why mismatched appreciation creates disengagement, burnout, and toxic cultureThe three most common mistakes managers make when showing appreciationHow to use love languages to build trust, handle conflict, and lead more effectivelyThe 5 Love Languages (translated into the language of Work!)Words of affirmation → Verbal praise and specific recognitionQuality time → One-on-one attention and active listeningActs of service → Helping remove obstacles or pitching inGifts → Small, thoughtful tokens of appreciationPhysical touch → Professional gestures like handshakes or high fivesThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website

Feeling stuck, complacent, or burned out at work? In this episode, Jason Barnaby shares how to reignite your fire, overcome fear, and create meaningful culture through intentional action.In this episode, we're shifting gears into something every new manager and leader wrestles with,  how do you keep your spark alive when comfort zones and fear want to hold you back?I’m joined by Jason Barnaby, Chief Fire Starter of Fire Starters Inc., who has made it his mission to help people and organizations reignite hope and torch fear. Together, we unpack what it really means to show up as the leader you want to be and how culture isn’t a top-down mandate, it’s the sum of how we each lead ourselves.Jason shares his powerful framework (Find your fire, Fan your flame, Ignite your life), the dangers of letting “what if abouts” (those sneaky negative thoughts and doubts) keep you stuck, and why your tribe matters more than you realize. Whether you’re feeling uninspired at work, stuck in complacency, or struggling with imposter syndrome, this episode will remind you that change starts with striking just one match.Key TakeawaysBy the end of this episode, you’ll discover:Why the difference between being content and being complacent could make or break your leadership.How to overcome your “what if abouts” and start seeing possibilities instead of barriers.The role of intentional tribes and small actions in building momentum and reigniting your fire.Additional Links Connect with Jason Barnaby on LinkedInRead Ideal Team Player by Patrick LencioniThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website