Manage Smarter is the bi-weekly podcast
for sales managers, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders.
Each episode is a frank, fast-paced and sometimes humorous discussion of the challenges facing managers from the front lines to the C‑Suite. We address the strategic and psychological aspects of improving team performance, sales, marketing, customer experience, company culture and overall productivity. And we do it through entertaining interviews with innovative managers, startup leaders and executive coaches to help you become a better boss.
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SHOW NOTES
In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges of managing and leading a remote-first team with Marjorie Hook, Vice President of People and Culture at Openly. Marjorie shares her insights on building a cohesive remote culture, the importance of clear communication, and strategies for maintaining employee engagement. Discover how to handle difficult conversations over Zoom, the significance of setting clear goals, and the benefits of creating social hubs. Whether you're transitioning to a remote environment or looking to enhance your existing remote team management, Marjorie's expertise offers valuable guidance. Tune in to learn more about sustaining a world-class remote culture and overcoming the hurdles of remote leadership.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of negotiation with Andres Lares, managing partner at Shapiro Negotiations Institute and co-author of 'Persuade: The 4‑Step Process to Influence People and Decisions.' Andres shares invaluable insights on how to effectively negotiate salaries, contracts, and business deals. Learn about the importance of credibility, engaging emotion, and facilitating action in negotiations. Whether you're negotiating a salary increase or a major business deal, these strategies will help you achieve better outcomes. Tune in to discover practical tips and techniques that can elevate your negotiation skills to the next level.
In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Tara May, CEO of AspiriTech and international neurodiversity advocate. Tara shares her insights on the importance of meaningful employment for autistic team members and how her company has successfully integrated neurodivergent individuals into various roles, from entry-level positions to executive leadership. Discover how AspiriTech focuses on the ROI of kindness and the significance of psychological safety in fostering innovation. Tara's approach to cultural transformation and her dedication to creating opportunities for autistic professionals offer valuable lessons for any organization looking to embrace diversity and inclusion.
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and author of 'The Neurodivergent Playbook,' delves into the world of neurodivergent employees. He shares strategies for creating supportive environments and neurodivergent-affirming hiring practices. Discover how to harness the unique strengths of neurodivergent talent to enhance team performance.
In this episode, Cindy Anderson, founder of ThinkStrategy, shares her expertise on managing business transitions, including mergers and acquisitions. Cindy discusses the importance of integration planning, cultural fit, and effective communication strategies to ensure a smooth transition. With experience working with companies like MasterCard, Cindy emphasizes the need for collaborative messaging and strategic planning to retain talent and maintain productivity. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of business transitions and create a win-win situation for all parties involved.
In this episode, we dive deep into the issue of ageism in the workplace with Stephanie Brown, founder of the Creative Career Lab. Stephanie shares her insights on how both young and older employees can navigate age-related biases. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, creative, and tech industries, including senior roles at Nike and Apple, Stephanie offers practical advice on leveraging soft skills, networking, and thinking like an entrepreneur. Discover how to stand out in job applications and interviews, and learn why traditional metrics like university grades might not be as crucial as you think.
MUST HEAR EPISODES
Brian Tracy has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and is the top selling author of more than 80 books on business and personal success. As a popular keynote speaker and seminar leader, he has addressed more than five million people in 5,000 talks and seminars throughout the U.S., Canada and 82 other countries worldwide. In episode 05, we discuss: the most important quality that a manager should have, the three most common mistakes leaders make, how to set better goals and the importance of the work culture.
Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of The New York Times best seller The Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude — which has just been published a new edition with many new tips to help you find, build and keep a winning attitude. In episode 13, we discuss: why attitude is critical to management and leadership; countering negative attitudes and how to change your attitude by changing what you think about.
Jeffrey Hayzlett is a primetime television host of C‑Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett and Executive Perspectives on C‑Suite TV, and business podcast host of All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett on C‑Suite Radio. Hayzlett is the author of three best-selling business books: Think Big, Act Bigger: The Rewards of Being Relentless, Running the Gauntlet and The Mirror Test. In episode 15, we discuss how the C‑Suite thinks, how to talk to them and how to become one of them.
Jennifer Gluckow is an author and founder of Sales in a New York Minute as well as host of a YouTube Channel of the same name. In episode 16, Jennifer discusses how age plays a role in the workplace and uses her professional experience to share her advice for young managers and first-time managers.
Tom Peters is a best-selling author and world renowned expert on business management practices. Peters is co-author of In Search of Excellence—the book that changed the way the world does business, and often tagged as the best business book ever. In episode 19, we discuss: Tom's new book — The Excellence Dividend, how to avoid being replaced by technology, the characteristics of a successful team and the critical need for soft skills mastery by managers at all levels.
Dr. Christine Porath is an Associate Professor and Researcher at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University and an expert in workplace incivility, its costs and remedies. She is author of Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace and co-author of The Cost of Bad Behavior. In episode 28, we discuss her research on the decline of civility, how it affects productivity and what managers can do about it.
Cy Wakeman is a drama researcher, global thought-leader, and New York Times best-selling author who is recognized for cultivating a counter-intuitive, reality-based approach to leadership. In episode 32, we discuss: Cy's definition of drama, and the effects on the workplace, acceptable ways to react to drama that has been created and how to hire low drama employees.
Michael Houlihan is the co-founder of Barefoot Wine, now, the world’s largest wine brand. He, along with Bonnie Harvey, are consultants, international keynote speakers and New York Times Bestselling authors. In episode 50, we discuss: the definition of The Money Map and why every manager should show this to their employees; how to get employees to understand where their salaries come from; how to identify and hire a “hustle” mentality; and the unique concept of a Two-Division Company (Sales and Sales Support).
Kevin F. Davis is the founder and president of TopLine Leadership. Over the past 25 years, more than 20,000 sales managers from many of the world’s most successful companies have attended his 2‑day workshop on sales management leadership. Kevin is the author of The Sales Manager’s Guide to Greatness: 10 essential strategies for leading your team to the top. He is also the architect of SalesFuel's Sales Manager Training program and a facilitator as well. In this episode, we discuss: the #1 reason sales managers fail; the simple, common mistake sales managers make when working with AEs that blocks productivity; how to have difficult conversations with your team; and sales and marketing alignment strategies.
ean Kantambu Latting, DrPH, LMSW-IPR is President of Leading Consciously, LLC, and Professor Emerita at the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW), University of Houston. In this episode, we discuss: the definition of the racial divide at work; how to open difficult conversations in the workplace; and best practices for initiating a diversity, equity and inclusion program in the workplace.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Audrey Strong is a veteran public relations and communications expert. She is currently Director of Communications for SalesFuel. She previously ran her own PR firm for 10 years and was PR Director for The Ritz-Carlton in Denver. Prior to that, Audrey had a successful career as an award-winning anchor/reporter/producer in TV news, including Chicago and Denver.
C. Lee Smith has been leading and developing people for most of his adult life in sales departments, nonprofits and as CEO of SalesFuel. Lee is a nationally recognized consultant and speaker. He is also the international bestselling author of two books: SalesCred and Hire Smarter, Sell More!