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Building Better Managers

Building Better Managers

New Level Work 131 episodes Latest Jan 6, 2026

Building Better Managers is a podcast from New Level Work, dedicated to helping leaders at every level create thriving, productive, and people-focused workplaces. Each episode features insightful conversations with leadership experts and organizational thinkers on topics like leadership development, coaching, communication, culture, productivity, employee engagement, and accountability. The podcast aims to equip leaders with the tools, mindset, and inspiration to bring out the best in their teams and themselves.

Episodes

The Manager as Coach: How to Use Coaching Conversations to Develop Your Team | Ep. #129 Jan 6, 2026 15:07 In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we explore one of the most high-leverage skills a manager can develop: coaching. Coaching isn't about having all the answers—it's about helping your team find their own. By learning how to ask powerful questions, guide problem-solving, and create an environment of trust, you can turn everyday interactions into meaningful deve
Difficult Conversations Planner: How to Prepare, Deliver & Follow Up Like a Pro | Ep. #128 Nov 18, 2025 33:06 In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we dive into one of the most stressful and avoided parts of leadership: the difficult conversation. Whether you're giving tough feedback to a direct report, navigating a peer conflict, or even managing up, these high-stakes dialogs can easily go off the rails. But they don't have to. We break down a practical two-part plannin
Mastering One-on-One Meetings: The Manager's Most Underrated Superpower | Ep. #127 Nov 4, 2025 15:00 In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we explore one of the most underrated yet high-impact tools in a manager's toolkit: the one-on-one meeting. While many treat one-on-ones as routine check-ins or status updates, top-performing managers know they're so much more. When done right, one-on-ones are a strategic space to build trust, drive clarity, and accelerate de
The Leadership Power of Listening: How Enhanced Listening Skills Can Transform Your Team | Ep. #126 Oct 21, 2025 23:57 In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we dive into one of the most underestimated leadership superpowers: listening. At a time when hybrid work, constant pings, and AI overload are stealing our attention, truly listening—with focus, curiosity, and empathy—has become a lost art. But it doesn't have to be. We explore the key techniques and mindset shifts from New L
Mastering Feedback with the SBI Model: A Framework for Growth and Trust | Ep #125 Oct 14, 2025 14:53 In this episode of Building Better Managers, we explore one of the most essential tools in every leader's toolkit: giving effective feedback. We introduce the SBI Model — Situation, Behavior, Impact, a practical, repeatable framework adapted from the Center for Creative Leadership. Whether you're delivering constructive feedback or reinforcing great work, SBI helps managers communicate with clari
Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety with Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman (Encore) | Ep #124 Jul 29, 2025 37:26 In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson talks with experts Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman to explore the critical concept of psychological safety in the workplace. They discuss the importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and take risks without fear of negative consequences. The conversation covers practica
Navigating Workplace Drama Effectively with Marlene Chism (Encore) | Ep #123 Jul 15, 2025 32:44 In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson engages with Marlene Chism to explore the complexities of conflict in the workplace. They discuss the importance of developing conflict capacity, emotional integrity, and leadership clarity. Marlene emphasizes the need for leaders to confront their inner narratives and the impact of organizational culture on conflict resolution.
Self-Care Strategies for Leaders with Liz Kislik (Encore) | Ep #122 Jul 1, 2025 35:25 In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson discusses the importance of self-care for leaders with management consultant Liz Kislik. They explore effective time management strategies, the distinction between empathy and compassion, and the structural solutions that can support self-care in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to model self-care,
Personal Connections: The Heart of Sales and Leadership with Chris Wells (Encore) | Ep #121 Jun 3, 2025 33:37 In this episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson engages in a deep conversation with Chris Wells, VP of EMEA at New Level Work, about the intersections of sales, HR, and learning and development. They explore the importance of personal connections in sales, the similarities between HR and sales professionals, and the common blind spots in leadership development programs. The discussi
The Role of AI in Modern Leadership with Kristine Ellis (Encore) | Ep #120 May 20, 2025 38:11 Host Wendy Hanson engages with Kristine Ellis, Director of Talent Development at GuideWell, to explore the complexities of leadership in the healthcare sector. They discuss the unique challenges faced by healthcare leaders, the innovative use of AI in management, and the importance of coaching and collaboration in fostering a supportive work environment. The conversation also highlights strategies
Navigating Career Development in Modern Workplaces with Julie Winkle Giulioni (Encore) | Ep #119 May 6, 2025 40:33 In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, Wendy engages with Julie Winkle Giulioni, a renowned expert in career development. They discuss the evolution of career conversations, the importance of psychological safety, and the impact of remote work on employee growth. Julie emphasizes the need for continuous dialogue about career development rather than relying on annual reviews. The conve
AI: A Game Changer for Coaches with David Evans (Encore) | Ep #118 Apr 22, 2025 33:46 In this encore episode, host Wendy Hanson engages with David Evans, VP of Product at New Level Work, to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership development. They discuss the definitions of AI, its applications in product development, and successful integrations in the industry. David shares insights on how AI can enhance coaching, streamline administrative tas

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