The Middle Matters

PODCAST · business

The Middle Matters

The Middle Matters is for leaders who carry the weight, hold the culture, and rarely get the support they need. Hosted by Phillip Edge, creator of Connection-Centered Leadership™, this podcast delivers real talk, practical tools, and powerful insight for mid-level managers leading from the middle. If you’re tired of losing good people and holding it all together alone, this is for you. New episodes drop Mondays and Thursdays at 7PM ET. Because the middle isn’t just where pressure lives—it’s where leadership begins.

  1. 10

    Start With Worth, Not With Work | The First Rule Every Real Leader Needs

    Disengagement is silently killing teams—and most leaders don’t seeit until it’s too late.In this kickoff episode of The Middle Matters,I introduce the first of the 10 ConnectionCommandments:“Start With Worth, Not With Work.”If you want your people to stay, grow, and contribute at their highest level,you’ve got to start by making them feel seen.Inside this episode:·      Why nearly 60% of employees are disengaged(Gallup data)·      The real cost of disconnection—and why it startsin the middle·      How to shift from pressure to presence withoutlosing performance·      My personal story of missing it at home and howit changed my leadership·      A simple challenge to reconnect with your teamthis week💡 These commandmentsare the foundation of Connection-CenteredLeadership™, a framework I teach to help leaders stop disengagement, buildtrust, and keep their best people.👇 Ready to lead withmore connection and less burnout?🎯 Book a free strategy session:https://calendly.com/edgeandassociates/ccl-strategy-session-connection-centered-leadership📍 Subscribe to The Middle Matters podcast🎧Available wherever you get your podcasts🔔 Don’t forget tolike, comment, and share with another leader in the middle.

  2. 9

    Why People Feel So Disconnected (And How to Lead Them Back)

    Why are we more “connected” than ever, but still feel so alone? In this powerful QuickCast, leadership strategist Phillip Edge shares three real-world stories that reveal the root causes of disconnection in today’s workplaces—and what we can do about it.If you’re a leader stuck in the middle—between managing up, leading down, and holding it all together—this episode is your reset button.You’ll learn:·  Why presence matters more than performance·       How transactional leadership kills culture·       Why speed without substance is costing you people·       What to start doing today to build a lasting connectionThis isn’t just about being nice—it’s about building teams that trust, stay, and thrive.Want to go deeper? Book a free strategy session with Phillip at:https://calendly.com/edgeandassociates/ccl-strategy-session-connection-centered-leadership#Leadership #ConnectionCenteredLeadership #TheMiddleMatters #PhillipEdge #Disengagement #WorkCulture #QuietQuitting#MidLevelLeadership #TeamEngagement#EmotionalIntelligence#LeadershipDevelopment

  3. 8

    MiddleMatters| Why You’re Losing Your Best People (And How to Stop It)

    Mid-level leaders aren’t losing people over pay—they’re losing them to disconnection. In this kickoff of The Middle Matters, Phillip Edge shares a true story, the real cost of disengagement, and how Connection-Centered Leadership™ helps leaders keep their teams connected and committed.

  4. 7

    UnMuted | S1:E6- Don't manage the ashes. Reignite the fire

    Ever feel like you’re going through the motions, completely disconnected from everything that used to light you up?You’re not lazy. You’re running on empty. And that numbness you feel? It’s not failure—it’s a flag.In this episode, Phillip Edge shares a powerful story, one transformational truth, and 3 intentional moves to help you break the cycle of disengagement and reconnect with what matters most.If you’ve lost your spark, this episode is your wake-up call.#LeadershipReset #QuickCast #PhillipEdge #Disengagement #YouMatter #Reconnect #EmotionalBurnout #ReigniteYourFire #MelRobbinsStyle #MindsetShift #LeadershipPodcast #EncouragementDaily #MentalHealthAwareness #PurposeDriven #StartWithWorth

  5. 6

    UnMuted | S1:E5 – Re-Center the Room: How Real Leaders Eliminate Disengagement Description

    When the room goes quiet, the energy drops,and your team starts checking out—it’s not just burnout. It’s disconnection.And real leaders know how to spot it—and respond.In this episode of Unmuted, PhillipEdge shares three real-life stories that will shift the way you lead,connect, and re-engage your people. If you’re leading a team, mentoring students,managing through burnout, or just tired of surface-level leadership talk—thisone’s for you.👥 Let’s re-center the room. Together.📅 Book a free strategy session:https://calendly.com/edgeandassociates/ccl-strategy-session-connection-centered-leadership

  6. 5

    UnMuted | S1:E4 – You’re Not Broken. You’re Disconnected

    Feeling off lately? Like your spark is goneand you're just going through the motions?In this episode, Phillip Edge gets real aboutwhat it means to be disconnected—from your purpose, your people, and evenyourself. He shares a deeply personal story from a moment when he nearly walkedaway from it all, and the conversation that brought him back.Disconnection isn’t failure. It’s a signal.And the good news? You’re closer to clarity and peace than you think.This isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about reconnecting—withyourself, with someone safe, and with what grounds you. If you’re running onfumes and wondering if something’s wrong with you, this episode is yourreminder:You’re not broken.You’re just overdue for a reconnection.👉 Need space to talk it out and get back on track?Schedule your free strategy session with Phillip:https://calendly.com/edgeandassociates/ccl-strategy-session-connection-centered-leadership

  7. 4

    UnMuted Eps 3: 7 Real Ways to Reignite Connection

    Are yourpeople disengaged—or just deeply disconnected? In this episode of TheLeadership Reset, I’m unpacking 7 practical habits to help you reconnectwith your team, your relationships, and your purpose. If you’ve felt the drift,this is your reset.

  8. 3

    What to Do When You’re Ready to Quit… But Can’t.

    Feeling like you're done with leadership?If you’re exhausted, frustrated, and quietly updating your LinkedIn—this episode is for you.In this QuickCast, I share 3 powerful steps to help you reset before you resign:Reclaim your whyReevaluate your needsRebuild one connectionYou don’t need a new job.You need a new relationship with your leadership.🎯 Book a free strategy session: https://calendly.com/edgeandassociates/ccl-strategy-session-connection-centered-leadership🎙️ Subscribe for weekly leadership encouragement + tools.#Leadership #Burnout #Disengagement #UnmutedPodcast #Connection #PhillipEdge #QuickCast

  9. 2

    Burnout Isn’t the Real Problem—Disconnection Is

    You’re doing everything right—checking in, pushing results, offering perks—but your team still feels distant, disengaged, and tired.The truth?Burnout isn’t the root problem. It’s the symptom.The real issue is disconnection—and most leaders never see it coming until it’s already cost them trust, talent, and traction.In this episode of UnMuted: The Leadership Reset, Phillip Edge pulls back the curtain on what burnout is really trying to tell you about your leadership and your culture.You’ll discover:Why burnout is costing companies millions—and how to stop the silent leak3 real-time culture shifts you can make today to re-engage your peopleHow to lead with connection, not just correction—without sacrificing performanceIf your team is showing signs of fatigue, silence, or emotional distance, this episode is your reset.🎯 And if you’re ready to take an honest look at your culture, Phillip is offering a free strategy session to help you assess where disconnection is hiding—and build a real plan to bring your team back to life.👉 Book your free session here:https://calendly.com/edgeandassociates/ccl-strategy-session-connection-centered-leadership

  10. 1

    The Smile That Saved a Life: Why Encouragement Isn’t Optional Anymore

    We’ve been told encouragement is extra. A bonus. A soft skill.But what if I told you it could be the difference between someone staying… or walking away for good?In this UnMuted quickcast, I’m sharing the true story of a moment that changed everything—and what it taught me about how leaders, mentors, and everyday people hold more power than they realize.You don’t need the perfect words.You just need to show up.Because the moment someone feels seen… is the moment they start to shine.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Middle Matters is for leaders who carry the weight, hold the culture, and rarely get the support they need. Hosted by Phillip Edge, creator of Connection-Centered Leadership™, this podcast delivers real talk, practical tools, and powerful insight for mid-level managers leading from the middle. If you’re tired of losing good people and holding it all together alone, this is for you. New episodes drop Mondays and Thursdays at 7PM ET. Because the middle isn’t just where pressure lives—it’s where leadership begins.

HOSTED BY

Phillip Edge

CATEGORIES

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