You’re The Boss, Now What?

If you’ve ever said, “I just need to manage my time better,” or “If they were more efficient, we’d be fine,” this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, we’re flipping the script on strengths and weaknesses at work. While most people focus on improving tactical skills like organization or productivity, the real game-changer is how we show up relationally. You’ll learn how relational weaknesses, like defensiveness, passive-aggr...

We read the book Love + Work By Marcus Buckingham so you don't have to!

Can you really love your job - or is that just wishful thinking? In this episode, Desiree and guest Tessa Kampen unpack Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham and what it means for new leaders trying to build careers that actually light them up.

Show Notes:
Last week we talked about redefining leadership with Craig Denison - how breaking the mold can make you...

Are authenticity and professionalism at odds, or are we just defining them wrong?

If you're a first-time manager trying to gain respect without losing yourself, you’re not alone. Most new leaders feel stuck between “being real” and “being taken seriously,” and it’s affecting your executive presence, your team’s trust, and how you show up in every meeting.

The truth? You don’t have to choose.

Authenticity and professionalism aren’...

What if you're not a bad leader—just using the wrong blueprint? Craig Denison shares how practical tools and mindset shifts can turn anxious new managers into confident, empowered leaders.

Craig Denison is the creator of 90 Day Leader, a framework-based leadership development program designed to help new and accidental managers lead with confidence, without burning out. He's also a former team member of Patrick Lencioni’s...

Hiring the right people isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about building a culture that works. In this episode, Tessa Kampen joins me to break down how leaders can shift from hiring for titles to hiring for strengths. We explore why job descriptions should focus on tasks instead of just experience, how to ensure new hires truly love their work, and the dangers of misleading candidates in the hiring process. I also share a perso...

Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for you. In this episode, We explore the difference between strengths, gifts, and competencies, and how they impact leadership. Learn how to lean into your true strengths, avoid burnout, and build a strengths-based culture that actually lasts.

Have you ever felt drained at work, even though you're good at what you do? Or wondered why a job that once energi...

Being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great leader. In this episode, leadership coach Joe Raasch joins me to break down the challenges new managers face when stepping into leadership for the first time. We discuss the mindset shift from individual contributor to people leader, how to stop micromanaging, and why leadership is more than just getting things done.

You were a top performer, a go-to expert, the one eve...

What if great leadership wasn’t about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where your team can thrive? In this episode, we dive into Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and uncover the leadership lessons that made Pixar a powerhouse of creativity and innovation. If you’re looking to build trust, encourage problem-solving...

Not everyone loves networking. Maybe you’re not a fan of small talk, maybe you feel like you never get anything out of it, or maybe you just don’t see the point. But here’s the reality, whether you love it or hate it, in-person networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your career, build influence, and open new opportunities. And the best part? You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or work the entire crowd f...

Feedback can feel awkward, whether you’re giving it, receiving it, or wondering if it’s even worth it when nothing seems to change. But without a strong feedback culture, your team won’t grow, and you’ll keep running into the same issues. Today, Jen Recla is back to break down what psychological safety actually looks like at work, how to make feedback feel useful instead of personal, and the biggest mistakes leaders make when tryin...

Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? You’re not alone. Leaders everywhere struggle with time management, prioritization, and setting boundaries. In this episode, leadership expert Jen Recla shares why your relationship with time is holding you back, and how to shift it so you can reclaim control over your schedule, focus on what truly matters, and avoid burnout.

Do you constantly feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Are...

We all know holding others accountable is tough, but what about holding ourselves accountable? Life has a way of getting in the way, making it hard to stick to our goals. In this episode, we’re talking about why self-accountability is so challenging and the strategies you can use to finally follow through.

Have you ever set a goal, felt motivated at first, and then watched it slip through your fingers as life got in the way? Maybe ...

Holding your team accountable without feeling like a micromanager is tough. No one wants to be the boss who’s constantly checking in, chasing deadlines, and fixing mistakes. But when accountability is missing, your team underperforms, and you end up carrying the weight of their unfinished work.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Katie Armentrout to break down the biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to hold their team accou...

So, you’ve just stepped into a leadership role, you’re working toward a promotion, or you’ve been leading for years but know there’s always more to learn. But here’s the thing: no one actually taught you how to lead.

Now, you’re juggling decisions, managing personalities, and wondering, Am I even doing this right?

I’ve been there. I went from being a first-time manager at 24, learning everything the hard way, to running a leadership ...

Have you ever left a meeting thinking that was a complete waste of time?Do your meetings lack structure direction or engagement?

Most meetings feel unproductive and take up valuable time,  not to mention they lack real discussions conflict or engagement.Meetings are treated as necessary evils instead of opportunities for strategy and problem-solving.

Bad meetings aren’t just annoying they impact team morale and productivity. People ...

Becoming a manager for the first time can feel overwhelming. You think you should have all the answers, but instead, you’re second-guessing everything. I know because I’ve been there. In this episode, I share the biggest mistakes I made when stepping into leadership at 24 and what I wish I had known to make the transition easier.

Have you ever felt like you have no idea what you’re doing as a leader?

Most first-time managers strugg...

Stepping into leadership can feel like stepping into the unknown—but what if you had a battle-tested framework to guide you? Today, I’m talking with former Apache pilot Craig Coyle about why most new leaders struggle in their first 18 months and how you can avoid the same fate. He’s breaking down the five-step preflight checklist every leader needs to stay on course and lead with confidence. If you’re ready to take control and make...

No one tells you how hard it is to transition from being a great employee to being a great leader—until you’re already in the thick of it. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five hard truths of leadership that no one warns you about, so you can avoid common pitfalls, gain respect, and lead with confidence from day one.

Did anyone ask if you actually wanted to be a manager? Or did you get promoted because you were great at your ...

Ever wondered why I’m so passionate about leadership development? In this episode, I share my personal journey—from struggling as a first-time manager to founding my leadership development company. I dive into the lessons I learned, the hardships that shaped me, and why leadership and team engagement are at the heart of everything I do.

Have you ever felt unprepared for leadership, even when you thought you had all the right experi...