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Let Me Speak To A Manager

Let Me Speak To A Manager

Ian Mathews and Frank Cava 188 Episodes Sep 14, 2026

Let Me Speak To A Manager is a business podcast hosted by Frank Cava and Ian Mathews, focusing on management training, career navigation, and high-stakes negotiation. The hosts share actionable strategies from their combined 50 years of experience in Fortune 500 executive leadership and entrepreneurship. Each episode covers topics like career advancement, leadership, culture, sales, and persuasion.

Episodes

The Arrival Fallacy:  Why You Don’t Feel Satisfied When You Reach a Goal
The Arrival Fallacy: Why You Don’t Feel Satisfied When You Reach a Goal Sep 14, 2026 2689 Stop Chasing the Next GoalWhy is it so hard to actually enjoy a win?In this episode, Ian and Frank tackle a listener question from a young sales professional who finds himself struggling to celebrate his accomplishments. The closer he gets to a goal, the more he starts thinking about what's next, and instead of enjoying the achievement, he starts worrying about the next target.Ian and Frank dig in
200th Episode Special: We Answer Your Burning Questions (Part 2)
200th Episode Special: We Answer Your Burning Questions (Part 2) Sep 7, 2026 3915 The 200th Episode Special continues! In Part 2 of this special two-part episode, Ian and Frank answer listener questions about management, leadership, career decisions, investing in yourself, sales, company culture, and what it really takes to build a successful career.They challenge some of the conventional wisdom around management, especially the idea that struggling employees simply need more p
200th Episode Special: We Answer Your Burning Questions (Part 1)
200th Episode Special: We Answer Your Burning Questions (Part 1) Aug 31, 2026 3517 200 episodes! To celebrate this milestone, Ian and Frank are doing something a little different: handing the conversation over to the listeners.For this special episode, the guys answer questions submitted by listeners about careers, leadership, business, growth, loyalty, adaptability, and knowing when it’s time to make a change. Along the way, they share stories and lessons from their own careers
Can You Adapt When the Wind Changes?  Your Career Might Depend On It
Can You Adapt When the Wind Changes? Your Career Might Depend On It Aug 24, 2026 2575 This episode explores one of the most important and often overlooked skills in leadership and career growth: adaptability.Ian and Frank discuss why the people who succeed aren't necessarily the most talented or experienced, but often the ones who can recognize when the environment around them has changed and adjust accordingly. They share stories from their own careers about market downturns, regu
Can Your Team Survive Without You? How to Vacation Like a Boss
Can Your Team Survive Without You? How to Vacation Like a Boss Aug 10, 2026 2804 What does it actually take to step away from your business for nearly a month without everything falling apart?After returning from a 24-day trip through Spain and France, Frank shares what made it possible to truly unplug while his business continued to operate. Together, Ian and Frank explore why so many leaders struggle to disconnect, the psychology behind feeling "indispensable," and how build
Anchorman:  Why Will Ferrell's Biggest Hit Almost Never Happened
Anchorman: Why Will Ferrell's Biggest Hit Almost Never Happened Aug 5, 2026 1868 What can a 20-year-old comedy about a clueless news anchor teach us about success? More than you’d think.Ian and Frank use Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy as a case study to explore why great ideas often begin as terrible first drafts, why working with people you genuinely enjoy matters, and how small wins create momentum for bigger opportunities. Along the way, they discuss Will Ferrell’s e
Operational Drift:  The Hidden Costs Killing Your Bottom Line
Operational Drift: The Hidden Costs Killing Your Bottom Line Jul 27, 2026 2678 Most businesses don't fail because of one catastrophic mistake… they slowly lose money through operational drift.In this episode, Ian and Frank break down how hidden inefficiencies quietly creep into every business, from unnecessary expenses and delayed projects to bloated processes and outdated systems. Using stories from construction, real estate, GE, and the 2008 financial crisis, they explain
Why Managers Promote People They Like
Why Managers Promote People They Like Jul 20, 2026 2124 Everyone says they hate office politics, but what if they’re misunderstanding the game? In this episode, Ian and Frank argue that likability isn’t manipulation or brown-nosing; it’s one of the most valuable career skills you can develop. Through stories from corporate America, professional sports, entrepreneurship, and their own careers, they explain why talented people often plateau while equally
The Career Audit Everyone Should Do
The Career Audit Everyone Should Do Jul 13, 2026 3131 Ian and Frank explore one of the biggest career questions people face:How do you know when it’s time to stay…and when it’s time to move on?Using stories from football, business, parenting, entrepreneurship, and decades of leadership experience, they discuss how to evaluate whether your work still energizes you or has become a constant source of frustration.They introduce practical tools like audit
The Pratfall Effect: Why “Perfect” Managers are the Worst
The Pratfall Effect: Why “Perfect” Managers are the Worst Jul 6, 2026 2065 Why Being Perfect Makes You a Worse Leader | The Prattfall Effect ExplainedShould leaders always have the answers?In this episode, Ian and Frank dive into one of psychology's most fascinating concepts: The Prattfall Effect. The idea that highly competent people actually become more likable when they occasionally reveal imperfections.Through stories about Adele's Grammy performance, Elon Musk study
Do Your Salespeople Negotiate with Ghosts?
Do Your Salespeople Negotiate with Ghosts? Jun 29, 2026 3342 Are you negotiating against real objections or imaginary ones?In this episode, Ian and Frank break down one of the biggest mistakes salespeople make during uncertain markets: negotiating with ghosts.Drawing on experiences from GE engineering sales, real estate investing, homebuilding, and sales management, they explore how fear, assumptions, and lack of confidence cause sales professionals to disc
Advice that Changed Our Careeers
Advice that Changed Our Careeers Jun 22, 2026 3961 Advice can change your life, but only if you're listening to the right people.In this episode, Ian and Frank explore the best advice they've ever received, the worst advice they ignored, and the lessons that completely changed their careers.They share personal stories about turning down traditional career paths, walking away from secure executive positions, leaving engineering and management track

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