Episodes

  • 285: Surviving Toxic Bosses with Eric Charran

    285: Surviving Toxic Bosses with Eric Charran
    Aug 17 2025
    In this insightful episode, Eric Charran, author of 'Have You Ever Had a Boss That?', delves into the complexities of navigating dysfunctional workplaces. With more than 25 years of experience in digital innovation and AI-driven solutions, Eric shares practical strategies for dealing with difficult bosses and enhancing personal effectiveness. Discover how to manage up, grow your manager, and succeed in challenging environments. "I wrote this book after experiencing and observing unhelpful behaviors in the workplace. Many employees feel these behaviors are directed at them personally, but often it's just a matter of leaders using the wrong tools in their toolbox." - Eric Charran Charran identifies the nine boss archetypes as: The Surprised – The Deer-in-Headlights Boss who is caught off guard by issues, even when previously informed. The Emergency Broadcaster – The Chicken Little Boss who believes every minor issue is a major crisis and panics frequently. The Complainer – The Woe-is-Me Boss who constantly complains about problems without seeking solutions. The Amnesiac – The Forgetful Leader who frequently forgets past discussions, decisions, and promises. The Firefighter – The Crisis Junkie who thrives on managing crises, often creating emergencies to feel important. The Order Taker – The Yes-Man (or Woman) who always agrees with superiors and avoids making independent decisions. The Raw Nerve – The Overly Sensitive Boss who reacts emotionally to feedback and criticism, often taking things personally. The Attack Sub – The Stealthy Saboteur who engages in undermining behaviors and indirect attacks on colleagues. The LIFO (Last in, First Out) – The Fickle Manager who frequently changes priorities, often abandoning tasks or projects halfway through. Key Takeaways: -How do I identify my boss' archetype and how do I deal with it? -How do I know my worth and leverage it to become more valuable to my boss? -What is the Q-Tip Principal and how can it help me? -How can I manage up? -How can I survive in a dysfunctional workplace? #careeradvice #workplacetips #dysfunctionalworkplace #badleaders #horriblebosses #AI #workplaceculture #careergrowth #careerproblems #hatemyboss Connect with Eric Charran https://prbythebook.com/experts/eric-charran/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcharran/ Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts!!!! · Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ TWITTER/X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel · Website: https://salesfuel.com/ · Twitter: https://x.com/SalesFuel · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Extra Point: Peer Advisory Groups

    Extra Point: Peer Advisory Groups
    Aug 13 2025
    This week, we're talking about something that could be a game-changer for your leadership journey—peer advisory groups. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • Extra Point: Hiring the Right People

    Extra Point: Hiring the Right People
    Aug 6 2025
    This week, we're tackling a topic that's as crucial as it is challenging: hiring the right people. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • 284: The Power of Peer Groups with Aviva Leebow

    284: The Power of Peer Groups with Aviva Leebow
    Aug 3 2025
    Aviva Leebow, a Vistage Chair, explores the impact of peer advisory groups on leadership development. She shares insights on how these groups help CEOs and business leaders break barriers, gain diverse perspectives, and make impactful decisions. Aviva emphasizes the importance of addressing blind spots and the unique benefits of peer groups over traditional mentorship. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she leads two groups within the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and mid-sized businesses. "If you had to choose one between a coach and a peer group environment, I choose a peer group environment all day long. Even as a coach, I say that." - Aviva Leebow KEY TAKEAWAYS -Benefits of a peer advisory group -Shallow networking vs. deep connections -Different structures, arrangements and leadership levels of peer groups. What should you look for? -Most common networking mistakes most leaders make CONNECT WITH AVIVA LEEBOW https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000001eDGIVAA4/aviva-leebow https://www.linkedin.com/in/avivaleebow/ Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts!!!! · Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ TWITTER/X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel · Website: https://salesfuel.com/ · Twitter: https://x.com/SalesFuel · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ #networking #peers #peertopeer #vistage #salesfuel #managesmarter #peeradvisorygroups #businessnetworking #networkinggroups Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Extra Point: AI & the Future of SEO

    Extra Point: AI & the Future of SEO
    Jul 23 2025
    This week, we're exploring the fascinating world of digital marketing with a spotlight on AI's impact on SEO strategies. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • 283: Failing Upward: Navigating Undeserved Promotions with Dima Ghawi

    283: Failing Upward: Navigating Undeserved Promotions with Dima Ghawi
    Jul 20 2025
    Dima Ghawi, author of 'Breaking Vases: Shattering Limitations and Daring to Thrive,' discusses the phenomenon of 'failing upward' in the workplace. How to deal with people less qualified "falling up" and getting promoted past you, how to deal with managing people who "fall up" into your department! With her extensive experience in leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dima offers insights into overcoming unconscious biases and navigating office politics. Learn how to create a resilient career path and foster an inclusive work culture in this engaging episode. "I just think a lot of these individuals get promoted because they know how to play the game. They know how to play politics. They say the right thing. They do the right thing." - Dima Ghawi Key Takeaways: -Peter Principle and Pretty Principles -Unconscious Bias and how that plays into "Falling Up" dynamics -What strategies can individuals use to cope with being passed over for promotions? -Managing those who have fallen up into your department and managing the existing teams around them Connect with Dima Ghawi https://www.dimaghawi.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimaghawi https://www.breakingvases.com Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts!!!! · Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ TWITTER/X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel · Website: https://salesfuel.com/ · Twitter: https://x.com/SalesFuel · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Extra Point: Performance Coaching

    Extra Point: Performance Coaching
    Jul 16 2025
    This week, we're talking about something that's not just a buzzword—it's a game-changer: performance coaching. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins
  • Extra Point: Sales Closing Scripts

    Extra Point: Sales Closing Scripts
    Jul 9 2025
    This week, we're talking about the art of closing sales with confidence and finesse. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    4 mins