Manager to Manager

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we kick off our special series "Unity with Variety: Creating a Culture of Excellent People Leaders" by sitting down with Stephanie Johnson, COO of Acklen Avenue.
Stephanie shares her insights on leading with authenticity, empowering her team, and fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of building trust, embracing individuality, and creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard. Discover how Stephanie's leadership philosophy has shaped Acklen Avenue's thriving culture and gain practical tips for cultivating your own leadership excellence.
Join the episode to hear:
How leading by example can create a positive ripple effect throughout the organization
Ways to balance a unified vision with the celebration of individual leadership styles
Strategies for building trust and fostering open communication within your team
The importance of embracing diversity and empowering your people to contribute their unique perspectives
How to use structured processes and metrics to drive alignment and make informed decisions
Stephanie also shares her experiences working closely with the CEO to maintain alignment and support across the organization. This episode is packed with practical advice for both new and seasoned managers on how to lead with authenticity, inclusivity, and strategic clarity.
 
Show Notes:
Connect with Stephanie Johnson on Linkedin

Are you constantly feeling overwhelmed and distracted by technology? Do you struggle to focus on important tasks and find your creative spark? In this episode of Manager to Manager, Kamaria chats with Michelle Moore, a brilliant expert in mental capacity and work design, about how to regain control of your attention and create a more fulfilling work life.
Michelle shares her insights on how to harness attention, cultivate a healthy relationship with tech, and design work environments that promote well-being and productivity.
Join the conversation to:
Learn how technology overload can erode our mental capacity and what you can do to protect it.
Discover the five key areas of work design that impact our ability to harness attention and create value: focus, culture, balance, digital toolkit, and environment.
Get actionable advice on how to lead your team in a way that promotes focus, creativity, and well-being in the digital age.
This episode is a must-listen for new and seasoned managers and who are looking to create more focused, productive, and fulfilling work environments for themselves and their teams.

Ever wondered what sets extraordinary leaders apart?
In this episode of Manager to Manager, Kamaria Scott welcomes Sasha Poulus, a seasoned finance professional with a decade of experience at industry giants like Merrill Bank of America and J.P. Morgan. Sasha's career is remarkable not only for her accomplishments but also for a unique distinction: she's never had a bad boss. This experience, she reveals, ignited a passion for leadership that champions individuality and empowers team members to reach their full potential.
Sasha opens up about her journey, from an entry-level position to leading large teams, emphasizing the pivotal role her mentors played in shaping her own leadership style. She shares how she learned to build trust, foster open communication, and understand individual motivations as the key ingredients for creating win-win scenarios for both employees and the organization.
Join the conversation as Sasha shares how she:
Transforms teams through trust and communication
Unleashes potential with personality assessments
Designs personalized work experiences
Champions work-life balance
Empowers through five-year plans
Tune in to uncover the power of individualized leadership and its profound impact on employee engagement, productivity, and overall well-being.

In this insightful episode of "Manager to Manager," host Kamaria sits down with Phil Nahajewski, a seasoned CFO and partner at the Florida CFO Group, to explore the delicate balance between achieving business results and maintaining strong relationships with team members. Phil shares his journey from a results-driven manager to a well-rounded leader who values both performance and people.
Join us as we delve into:
The importance of Theory X and Theory Y in management.
Phil's personal stories and experiences that shaped his leadership style.
Strategies for maintaining balance during both prosperous and challenging times.
How to leverage strengths-based management to enhance team performance.
The role of humor and positivity in the workplace.
Phil's practical advice and engaging anecdotes provide valuable insights for managers at all levels, especially those navigating the complexities of today's business environment. Don't miss this episode if you want to learn how to lead with both your head and your heart.
Tune in to discover how to be a 10/10 leader in both results and relationships!
Show Notes:
Connect with Phil on Linkedin
Watch Phil's DisruptHR Presentation: Let's Get Fractional

Are you looking to elevate your internship program and develop future leaders? Join Kamaria in this enlightening episode of Manager to Manager as she welcomes Isabella Johnston, the Intern Whisperer, who shares her expertise in developing innovative approaches to internship success.
In this episode, you will learn:
Strategic Intern Integration: Techniques for seamlessly integrating interns into your team, aligning their projects with both educational outcomes and organizational goals.
Mentorship Mastery: Insights from Isabella on how to mentor effectively, ensuring mutual growth and learning.
Creating Impactful Projects: Guidelines for designing intern projects that are both challenging and beneficial, helping interns make tangible contributions to your company.
Isabella combines her educational expertise with business acumen to explore the transformative potential of internships. She offers strategies for avoiding common pitfalls and creating a nurturing environment that promotes both intern growth and organizational productivity.
Whether you're initiating a new internship program or refining an existing one, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a win-win scenario. Tune in to transform how you manage and benefit from internships.
 
Show Notes:
Connect with Isabella Johnston on LinkedIn
Visit Employers 4 Change

Are you ready to explore the deeper dimensions of leadership that extend beyond conventional management? Dive into a transformative discussion in this episode of "Manager to Manager," where Kamaria welcomes Dr. Jason James, an expert in leadership and organizational development.
This episode unpacks the critical role of humanity in leadership, especially in the context of the changes brought by recent global challenges. Learn how embracing your humanity can profoundly impact how you lead and interact with your team:
Integrating Personal Growth: Understanding how self-awareness and self-love are foundational to effective leadership, as shared by Dr. James.
Humanity in Action: Strategies for applying principles of empathy, compassion, and love within the workplace, transforming everyday management tasks.
The Leadership Journey: Dr. James shares a deep dive into his personal experiences that shape approaches to managing teams, highlighting the continuous need for leaders to evolve and adapt.
Dr. James enlightens us on the intersection of theoretical knowledge and practical application in leadership. He discusses how aligning personal values with professional conduct can lead to more authentic and sustainable team dynamics.
Reflecting on his own journey and the evolution of leadership styles over time, the conversation reveals how today's leaders can foster an environment where humanity is at the core of corporate culture, promoting not just productivity but also genuine fulfillment and well-being within teams.
Join us for a compelling discussion that will inspire you to rethink your leadership approach, emphasizing the power of humanity in creating more resilient and cohesive teams. Whether you are a seasoned manager or aspiring to lead, this episode offers valuable perspectives on nurturing leadership qualities that truly resonate with and empower your team.
 
Show Notes
Connect with Dr. James on LinkedIn

Feeling like there's more to leadership than just your job title? Ready to discover how to build genuine influence and guide your team to success?
In this thought-provoking episode of "Manager to Manager," Kamaria sits down with Ned Parks, a distinguished leadership coach with an extensive background in guiding teams through transformational change, both in military and civilian contexts.
Ned unveils the intricacies of leading without leaning on the crutch of positional power, presenting three pivotal strategies for new and seasoned leaders alike:
Embracing Vulnerability: How showing your human side can build stronger, trust-based relationships within your team.
The Art of Clear Expectations: Why setting and communicating clear guidelines is foundational to team alignment and success.
Valuing Every Voice: Learning to listen and incorporate the diverse perspectives and skills of your team, including the unique strengths veterans bring to the civilian workforce.
Ned emphasizes the shift from a directive to a consultative leadership style, encouraging leaders to engage deeply with their team members to unearth and utilize their insights for collective growth and improvement.
The conversation also delves into Ned's personal journey of growth and self-discovery in leadership roles. Reflecting on his experiences, he highlights the continuous path of learning and the significant impact leaders can have on their teams and individual lives by adopting a mindset of service and support.
Through sharing his insights and personal lessons, Ned aims to motivate current and aspiring managers to redefine their approach to leadership. It's not about commanding from the front but walking alongside your team, guiding them with humility, understanding, and a shared vision for success.
 
Show Notes:
Connect with Ned Parks on LinkedIn

Are you new to leading a veteran team? Find out how to avoid common leadership pitfalls and earn your team's trust and respect!
In this insightful episode of "Manager to Manager," Kamaria chats with Milista Anderson, a seasoned leader currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at a recruiting and solutions firm.
Milista shares the nuances of stepping into leadership positions within established teams and offers valuable advice for new leaders, encapsulating her experience into three memorable guidelines:
Avoiding the "I've come to save the day" mentality
Refraining from making unkeepable promises 
Be cautious when approached by eager volunteers aiming for the second-in-command position.
She stresses the importance of taking a consultative approach, engaging with team members to understand their perspectives and leveraging their insights to drive positive change. 
The discussion also touches on the personal growth and self-awareness that come with leadership roles. Milista reflects on her continuous learning journey, emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive impact on the teams and individuals she encounters.
By sharing her experiences and the lessons she's learned, Milista aims to inspire current and aspiring leaders to approach their roles with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to improve their teams and themselves.