Bossed Up

How do you transition from team member to team leader without letting the pressure and power turn you into a bad boss? I interact so often with well-meaning new managers suddenly discovering how different it is to lead the team than to be a member of it. Luckily, we have the wisdom of executive coach and author Sabina Nawaz to turn to!Sabina wrote her new book, “You're The Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)” after spending more than 20 years counseling C-level executives and experiencing her own “bad boss” moment. She speaks with me about how to balance the pressure and power of management and use it to bring out the very best in your leadership journey, wherever on the corporate ladder you might be.Fine-tune your leadership with Sabina’s expertise:How to become pressure-proof so you can turn tension into teamwork;The microhabits that can help you be a compassionate leader (and partner, and parent);How to deal with the feedback distortion that occurs when you shift from team member to m

How do new parents balance limited paid leave and a newborn who has to spend weeks in intensive care? Becoming a NICU family is heart-wrenching enough, but having to weigh returning to work before your newborn has come home from the hospital makes this already-stressful time even harder.Today, I’m thrilled to share some good news about a new groundbreaking law that has  Colorado once again on the forefront of caring for caregivers.Whether you’re living in Colorado or wondering how to advocate for your state to take more action on this front, this episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about the infrastructure of care and gender equality in America.Learn all about the new legislation, including:How inspiring new benefits will benefit parents with babies in the NICU;How employees and businesses alike are benefiting;And how the state is reducing premiums while increasing benefits. Related Links:Episode 489, How the Cost of Childcare Has Become a Workforce Issue -  https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/e

With the uncertain state of the economy right now, money is on most people’s minds. Now is the perfect time to explore why our finances are so much more than “just numbers,” and how intricately emotions and money intertwine.My guest, Aja Evans, is a financial therapist and the author of the new book, Feel Good Finance. After noticing how often people in therapy sessions breeze past their money stresses, she set out to make talking through our financial concerns more commonplace. This one is certain to resonate—Aja’s insights left me feeling like I’d just had a cathartic therapy session myself.Identify your financial priorities and values with Aja’s expert advice:Why we need to consider our childhoods when thinking about money;How we can talk about money with our kids to set them up for their own financial futures;The hefty, wide-ranging impact of financial trauma (and why we need to address it);How to start figuring out our basic needs and making brave changes to get aligned.Related Links:Learn more about Aja

As a leader, how can you tackle disengagement on your team? Employee engagement is in crisis, and it’s costing more than just morale. According to Gallup, only 31% of the American workforce is engaged at work, while a staggering 17% are actively disengaged—cynical, vocal, and dragging others down with them. This unfortunate reality takes a toll on worker mental health, and also poses a full-blown productivity problem, with real financial consequences.In this episode, I unpack the latest findings from Gallup’s workforce engagement surveys and look at how leaders can leverage it as a blueprint for creating meaningful, motivating work environments. From setting clear expectations to building genuine connections and offering real opportunities for growth, we explore the practical ways to shift your team’s momentum.Take a deeper look at what the numbers say about leading your team to maximum impact:What the generational divide in employee engagement might reveal;Why it’s not as simple as blaming remote work for wo

What would happen if you stopped pursuing a career destination and focused instead on the best direction? Too often, we find ourselves checking the “right” boxes to get the best degree and climb the corporate ladder, only to find ourselves unfulfilled as we near the top. There’s something wrong with that picture.Megan Hellerer, the author of “Directional Living: A Transformational Guide to Fulfillment in Work and Life,” joins me to talk about the approach she has adopted and the one she now teaches. Directional living is about recognizing that human beings change over time. It’s about eschewing a Final Destination and the resulting roadmap and instead focusing on what aligns with our lives and goals as we go through life.Embrace Megan’s individualized approach to constructing a fulfilling life and career:Why the American Dream just isn’t serving us anymore;Why we can’t define fulfillment by society’s limiting perception of success;How recalibrating your inner thermostat can help you start living directionally

What separates a good manager from a great leader—and why does it matter for your career? The important difference between these two mindsets is often overlooked, but recognizing and honing a leadership approach can help land you the promotion, raise, or amazing new job you deserve.In this episode, I share three key dimensions where making the shift from a management to a leadership mindset really lets you shine. Through practical examples and workplace scenarios, I explore how leadership isn't about abandoning managerial skills and their inherent structure—it's about thinking more broadly, connecting more deeply, and pushing for change when it counts. From writing memos to preparing a presentation, anyone can start zooming out, questioning the status quo, and influencing outcomes at a higher level.Think big-picture with these little mindset shifts:The difference between being task-focused and people-focused;The benefits of shifting from execution to innovation;What it means to do the right thing, not just do

What can you or your organization do to make the workplace more inclusive for people with autism?Recently, RFK Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, attracted considerable criticism following his disparagingly blanket statements about people with autism. Many people in the autism community lead fulfilling lives full of love, joy, and productive work—despite the hapless and hopeless depiction of this population that RFK shared. This is an excellent moment to draw attention to my conversation with Amanda Kelly, the president and CEO of Firefly Autism and one of the founders of the groundbreaking Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC). It’s impossible not to look at our growing talent shortage in this country and ask: why aren’t we hiring neurodivergent and autistic people? In this episode, Amanda dives into how we can all make our workplaces more welcoming for neurodivergent individuals, who make up one-fifth of our population. Whether you’re neurodiverse or neurotypical, Amanda’s j

How could the SAVE Act send us tumbling back to the Suffragette era? This bill that’s pending review in the Senate could jeopardize voting access for up to 69 million American women. It would require all voters to prove citizenship with a passport or birth certificate in order to register to vote, which is a big problem for anyone who’s name has changed since birth—including through marriage—as well as anyone who doesn’t have easy access to such documentation.In this episode, I take a closer look at whether the concern from women and voter rights activists across the country is legitimate or overblown. Spoiler alert: it’s worse than I imagined.Make sure you’re in the know about this major threat, including:The specifics of the SAVE Act;The challenges that make this legislation so alarming to women’s and voter rights activists;How you can make your voice heard to prevent this bill from becoming law.Related Links:5 Calls, “Oppose the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) - A Voter Suppression Bill - Passed House” - https://5calls

How do you deal with feelings of betrayal and resentment in the workplace?Chances are, you have experienced hurt feelings at work. The problem is, much of the corporate world revolves around the idea that the office and boardroom are no place for feelings. So, what do you do when emotional wounds begin to impact your ability to even carry out your job?Tara Mohr has thought long and hard about this question. The author of Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead acknowledges that office tension can deeply affect our well-being. She joins me to delve into what her research and years of coaching have revealed about the best way to address hurt feelings honestly and professionally, so you can continue to cultivate holistic satisfaction in your work life and beyond.Discover how to navigate hurt feelings at work mindfully, including:How to accept the reality of hurt feelings, even in the workplace;The four-step framework Tara uses to help her clients address their sense of betr

How might public policy positively impact our drastically declining birth rate?President Trump has suggested that all new parents receive a one-time $5,000 payout in the hopes of encouraging people to have more children. You likely had some kind of strong reaction to this statement. Whether that was surprise at a Republican recommending a social support, concern about forcing people to have more kids, or annoyance at how insignificant an amount is on the table—you’re definitely not alone. It’s clear that people are having fewer babies these days. But it’s the reasons behind this fact that are sometimes in question and need to be addressed. In this episode, I take a closer look at, and share my thoughts on, how policy has—and potentially could—impact plummeting birth rates in the U.S. and beyond. Consider the interplay between public policy and early childhood care, including:The statistical divide between how many kids women want and how many they’re having;The glaring problems that get in the way of having c

Were the 1990s really the “girl power” era of women’s empowerment we remember?If you were “coming of age” or raising young girls 30 years ago, you probably remember the tumult of scantily clad celebs and brand-backed messaging ostensibly celebrating women’s empowerment. Sophie Gilbert, an author and The Atlantic staff writer, dives into just how empowering this period really was in her new book, Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves, which drops today.On today’s episode, Sophie leads us through her lightbulb moments and research for the book, exploring the social messaging that planted some pretty problematic ideas in the minds of young and teenage girls and people of all genders. This is an important history to examine, as is the question of how we avoid the same missteps in the future.Start talking about the real past and critical future of feminism, including: How we were fooled into believing sexual power was the only kind we could possess;Why the goal of commercial

How do you leverage your public sector experience to pivot into the private sector?More than 216,000 government employees were laid off last month. If you or someone you love was impacted, today’s episode is for you. If you’re ready to shift into the private sector rather than dive back into public service, press play now. Trust me: the transition isn’t as daunting as it feels.Launch your job search with confidence with today’s practical tips, including:Why you’re not seeing your public sector skills in private sector job postings;How to emphasize your transferable skills so they shine;Why you shouldn’t gloss over your public sector past;What to keep and what to pull for your private sector resume.Related Links:FREE Masterclass: How to Confidently Communicate Your Skills in the Job Search - https://www.bossedup.org/free-job-search-masterclassEpisode 501, “4 Best Practices to Navigate Layoff Anxiety & Uncertainty” - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode501Episode 239, “How to Format Your Resume for the

What happens when your career becomes your whole identity?Passion for our careers can drive us to achieve great things. But a laser focus on the job can become the only thing in our lives, edging out the personal goals, hobbies, and relationships that make us well-rounded human beings. My guest today, psychologist Dr. Janna Koretz, founded Azimuth Psychological to help individuals in high-pressure positions who experience career enmeshment: the complete entrenchment of their identities in their work. Dr. Koretz and I discuss the potential pitfalls of living for work and how recognizing and aligning with our values serves as a compass to help us remain passionate and committed without losing ourselves to our careers.Dive into Dr. Koretz’s insightful take on career enmeshment, including:When single-minded passion for your work becomes problematic;What happens to your identity when your one-and-only focus is forced to shift;The inextricable interplay between values alignment and a satisfying career;Free tools th

How do you manage the stress of looming layoffs? Last month, layoffs across the U.S. rose an astonishing 205% compared to March of last year, for a total of 275,240 job cuts. Stats like these mean layoffs are top of mind for many people these days. You might be finding yourself in limbo right now, wondering if you’re next on the list to receive a pink slip. There’s no question that a concern like that is a major contributor to our overall stress and mental health. The psychological and emotional impact that comes with layoffs is huge, so today, I’m resharing a 2022 episode updated for 2025 with practical strategies for how to address the overall worry that your job is next on the chopping block.Keep your head on straight in this endlessly swerving era with concrete action steps, includingWhy planning ahead beats burying your head in the sand;The vital importance of prioritizing your mental health;How phoning a friend will help keep your feet on the ground;What your past resilience can teach you about your sit

Job searching in the current “white collar recession” can be truly daunting. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Kyle Elliott, a career coach and mental health expert who helps people “own their fabulousness” and elevate their careers. We cover some of our favorite tactics for focusing on what you can control during this tumultuous time so you can propel yourself into the next job opportunity without losing hope. Level up your search with Kyle’s actionable strategies to land your next job:Why it’s no longer enough to be qualified for a job;The drawbacks of the buckshot approach to job applications;What the right amount of resume and cover letter tailoring looks like;How to tactically approach your networking for real results.Related Links:S&P Global, Layoffs surge in US white collar jobs as rates, AI alter office work - https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2024/11/layoffs-surge-in-us-white-collar-jobs-as-rates-ai-alter-office-work-85986794Business Insider, Americans with a college d

What can your workplace do to celebrate holidays like Women’s History Month the “right” way? Whether you’re proud of how your organization shows support for marginalized groups in the workplace or feel like it could be doing more, my conversation with DEI educator and Ampersand Workspace founder Veronique Porter is just as (if not more) relevant today as when it first aired in May of 2023. Veronique shares what her experience as a Black American woman, her education in international development and American studies and culture, and her work as a facilitator has taught her about the best way to approach this often fraught topic—a way to create company events and initiatives for heritage holidays that uphold both company and employee values and stand to make a real difference.Learn how your organization can host outstanding and inclusive cultural events:Why workplace wokeness doesn’t detract from the financial bottom line (and actually does the opposite);The significance of spending money and resources on herit

How can you reclaim your power in a job that’s just “good enough”?It turns out The Perfect Job isn’t nearly as common as the LinkedIn posts would have us believe. Most of us spend our working hours in a job that’s okay but far from perfect. The good news is that you can thrive in a just-okay career if you embrace the art of “leading yourself.” In this episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Lotardo to talk about this very concept, which doubles as the title of her new book, Leading Yourself. Elizabeth has spent years helping people at all different stages of their careers discover the potential that awaits when they stop pursuing perfection and begin taking charge of the job they’re already in.Learn to maximize the job you already have by uncovering:The reason we feel like we’re failing if we aren’t holding out for the perfect job;Why it can be empowering to “give up on the dream” of getting a paycheck from our passionHow small changes in your day-to-day can make a huge difference;And when you might need to phone

Feel like you’re the only one keeping your friendships going? Recently, I received a letter from a listener about an extremely relatable issue: how to build or rebuild stronger friendships when it seems to be increasingly difficult to do so.You’ve probably experienced some shifts in friend frequency and intensity throughout your adult years. Making plans and finding the right people to share platonic relationships with gets harder as our priorities shift and our lives get more hectic. In this episode, I explore some of the ways I’ve dealt with this increasingly common and publicized problem myself.Spark some hope with these actionable approaches to fixing your friendships:Identify exactly what’s missing from your relationships;Normalize and ritualize casual hosting;Keep resentment from curbing your call for companions.Related Links:I’m Starting to Think You Guys Don’t Really Want a “Village” on Slate - https://slate.com/life/2024/11/parenting-advice-friends-loneliness-village.htmlStuff Mom Never Told You, Can

How do you get what you need from the people in charge?It’s not just people managers who need to be good at influencing conversations; anyone who interacts with a supervisor or even a more dominant personality benefits from learning how to manage up. That’s what I’m covering today with Melody Wilding, the author of a new book, “Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge.”The book combines Melody’s work in emotion research and therapy with her professional development experience to teach everyone—from the new hire to the department director—how to communicate with confidence and comprehensive understanding, regardless of how different their and their boss’s communication styles might be. Improving this skill set has huge positive effects on not just how we rise at work but also how much we enjoy our time there.Hear Melody’s insights to expertly manage your workplace conversations, including:Why you need to get into your boss’s head;How to set boundaries that ensure your time and expertise

You’ve heard of paid family leave—but what about paid prenatal leave? Today’s episode highlights good news for women, workers, and families in the Empire State. As of January 1, 2025, New York enacted a first-of-its-kind new benefit that provides 20 hours of paid prenatal leave benefits to all pregnant private-sector workers.Learn more about this groundbreaking new law and what it could mean for the rest of us:What rights pregnant New York workers are now entitled to;How this benefit came to pass in the New York State House;And how we might advocate for similar legislation nationwide. Related Links:Episode 414, New Rights for Pregnant Workers - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode414Episode 311, How to Talk About Marital Status, Parental Status, and Pregnancy in the Interview - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode311Episode 494, Matrescence and the Transformation of Motherhood - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode494TAKE ACTION with Bossed Up - https://www.bossedup.org/takeactionBossed Up Courage