Podcast
Managing Made Simple
Hosted by Lia Garvin · EN
Managing Made Simple is a weekly leadership and management podcast for people managers, business owners, and founders who want to lead high-performing teams without falling back into the work themselves.
Each week, host Lia Garvin- 3x bestselling author and former team operations leader at Google, Apple, and Microsoft- breaks down the real, everyday challenges of leading teams, giving feedback, delegating, creating team accountability, high performing culture, retention, and more with performance with practical strategies you can implement immediately. Lia’s work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune.
With Lia, you get real talk and actionable leadership insights that make it easier to manage your team and get better results from your people.
If you’re asking leadership questions like:
• How do I get my team to take ownership and accountability for their work?
• Why do I have to repeat myself constantly as a manager?
• How do I know if I hired the wrong employee?
• How do I delegate effectively without things falling apart or micromanaging?
• How can managers tell if team members are overusing AI at work?
• What actually motivates employees today?
• How do I give feedback that actually moves the needle?
• How do I communicate vision, expectations, and strategy clearly?
• What are best practices for performance reviews, compensation, and growth conversations?
How do you lead a team through change, uncertainty, and rapid growth with confidence?
You’ll find the tools, frameworks, and leadership strategies you need to lead your team better, starting today.
Managing Made Simple:
✔ Corporate managers navigating continual change
✔ Founders & Business Owners scaling teams without burning people out
✔ Entrepreneurs balancing business strategy and people leadership
✔ Experienced leaders ready to modernize how they manage teams
New episodes drop every Tuesday, delivering leadership lessons, people management tools, and team-building strategies you can apply immediately.
Learn more at liagarvin.com
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
215: Why your team seems entitled (and what’s really causing it)
Jan 2000:19:02Tap to summarizeYour team is asking for more.More flexibility. More pay. More exceptions. More say in decisions.And you’re sitting there thinking, when did this turn into entitlement?In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening when requests feel unreasonable — and why the root cause is usually a leadership clarity issue, not an attitude problem.You’ll learn:Why “entitlement” is often a signal, not the problemHow leaders accidentally create resentment without realizing itWhat to look for before you shut a request downThe two questions to ask when you feel frustrated with your teamHow unclear expectations fuel repeated tensionWhat changes when roles, ownership, and decision rights are explicitWhy operational clarity prevents culture problemsIf you feel like you’re constantly negotiating with your team, this episode will help you move from irritation to structure.Best for founders, business owners, and managers who want higher standards without constant friction.Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work. I help teams build clarity, accountability, and momentum through practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing easier. Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.comor reach out at hello@liagarvin.com
Transcribe →214: How to give the feedback after you've waited too long
Jan 1300:17:25Tap to summarizeYou were going to say something.About the missed deadline. The behavior in the meeting. The way they handled the client.But you waited… and now it feels awkward, overdue, or impossible to bring up.Here’s the truth: it’s not too late. And avoiding it will cost you more than having the conversation.In this episode, I walk you through how to give feedback after the moment has passed and still strengthen trust.You’ll learn:How to reopen a conversation you should have had earlierWhat to say when feedback feels late or overdueWhy acknowledging your delay reduces defensivenessHow postponed feedback creates bigger performance issuesWays to reset expectations without sounding reactiveHow to rebuild credibility when you’ve let something slideWhy clarity now is better than comfort laterIf you’ve been carrying feedback around in your head, this episode gives you the script to finally move it forward.Best for founders, managers, and team leads who want to be direct without damaging relationships.Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work. I help teams build clarity, accountability, and momentum through practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing easier. Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.comor reach out at hello@liagarvin.com
Transcribe →192: The consequence of team members feeling UNDERUTILIZED
Aug 12, 202500:12:45Tap to summarizeA LinkedIn report says 58% of employees feel underutilized. That’s more than half of your team wondering if they could be doing more somewhere else.In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, I breaks down:Why underutilization is a hidden driver of burnout and turnoverThe signs your high performers are already feeling itHow to address it without overloading your teamYou’ll also hear my own stories of being overlooked for stretch opportunities, and why those were the same moments I started looking for a new job.If you want to keep your best people, it’s time to learn how to see and use their full potential.--Grab my FAVORITE tool to make managing easer, and keep a pulse on what your team is working on without micromanaging: liagarvin.com/snippets
Transcribe →191: Avoid the Biggest Onboarding Mistakes That Derail New Hires
Aug 5, 202500:13:14Tap to summarizeOnboarding can make, or break, a new hire’s success. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook Podcast, I reveal the two biggest onboarding mistakes managers make, and how to avoid them.You’ll learn how to set clear expectations, keep new-hire enthusiasm high, and integrate them smoothly into the team. Whether you lead a small business or a corporate team, these tips will help you turn hiring wins into long-term results.Key Takeaways:The two most common onboarding fails (and how to fix them).How to set the right pace, so new hires don’t stall or steamroll.Easy ways to create an onboarding process that actually sticks.--WORK WITH LIA:How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!Grab your copy today!https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategyCONNECT WITH LIA:Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/
Transcribe →190: Three Simple Mistakes That Wreak Havok on Hiring
Jul 29, 202500:20:40Tap to summarizeHiring mistakes are expensive—and avoidable. Learn how to hire well and protect your team. Subscribe for weekly manager tips!In this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin unpacks the three most common hiring mistakes that derail teams and cost businesses time, money, and high-performing talent. You’ll learn why moving too fast, underpaying, or hiring "divas" can wreck your team culture—and what to do instead. Perfect for new managers, small business owners, and HR leads looking to build strong, sustainable teams.Hiring well isn’t just a skill—it’s your best defense against burnout, team dysfunction, and costly turnover. Lia Garvin shares real-life examples and lessons from top companies like Google and Apple, breaking down the true cost of bad hires and how to build a hiring process that protects your team. Whether you’re scaling a small business or managing a corporate team, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and a renewed confidence in your ability to hire right.👉 Want to build a better hiring process? Email Lia at hello@liagarvin.com to learn more about her 90-day COO program and team-building strategies. Learn more at https://liagarvin.com📚 Get the New Manager Playbook:https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/--WORK WITH LIA:How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!Grab your copy today!https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategyCONNECT WITH LIA:Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/
Transcribe →189: The Hidden Cost of AI Leadership- Why Shortcuts Hurt Your Team
Jul 22, 202500:13:48Tap to summarizeAre you using AI in leadership or just hiding behind it? Discover how shortcuts like AI video clones and ChatGPT strategies are killing trust. Subscribe for more real-talk on leadership!What You’ll Learn:Why overusing AI as a leader can damage team trust and engagementReal-world stories about AI video clones, copy-pasted strategies, and feedback gone wrongHow to use AI to elevate—not replace—your leadership presenceSimple tips to stay connected with your team (even when you’re busy!)AI in leadership is everywhere but are you leveraging it to connect or to check out? In this episode, Lia Garvin breaks down the hidden dangers of using AI tools as a replacement for genuine leadership moments. From the jaw-dropping story of an executive who sends out AI video clones instead of real updates, to the cringe-worthy copy-paste ChatGPT strategies, Lia explores the real impact these shortcuts have on team morale and trust.Drawing from personal experience as Chief of Staff at Microsoft and a candid coaching story from YouTube, Lia illustrates how teams crave authentic connection, not automation. When leaders substitute presence with AI, they risk eroding respect, increasing turnover, and missing critical opportunities to support high performers.But it’s not all warnings. This episode also shows how to use AI as a tool for brainstorming and efficiency, while still taking full responsibility as a leader. Lia shares actionable advice on having hard conversations, building executive presence, and using AI to amplify your impact, not erase it. If you’re a manager wondering how to get the best from your team in the age of automation, this is your playbook for keeping humanity at the heart of leadership.Subscribe for weekly leadership strategies and real-world stories—don’t miss an episode!--WORK WITH LIA:How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!Grab your copy today!https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategyCONNECT WITH LIA:Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/
Transcribe →188: Three Keys to Manage Contractors Without the Headache
Jul 15, 202500:16:44Tap to summarizeYour freelancer blew the deadline—now what? Learn how to manage freelancers the right way. Subscribe for more leadership tips!What You’ll Learn:Why fractional talent often fails to meet expectations—and how to fix it3 proven freelancer management tips that actually workHow to set expectations and onboard freelancers effectivelyWhat to do when a freelancer misses a deadline or underdeliversManaging freelancers shouldn’t feel like babysitting but without the right systems, it does. In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin dives deep into the freelancer horror stories so many founders and leaders are facing. From contractors missing deadlines to UI designers holding projects hostage, you’ll hear real-life examples of what not to do when working with remote support staff.But it’s not all cautionary tales. Lia shares her 3 keys to successful freelancer management starting with a clear onboarding process and setting realistic expectations. You’ll also discover how to build accountability even without formal authority, and what tools you can use to track progress without micromanaging. Whether you’re struggling with freelancer deadline issues or want to lead remote teams more effectively, this episode is your playbook.Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! 🎙️ Hit the bell on YouTube or follow on your favorite podcast app.Download Lia's Snippets Tool: https://www.liagarvin.com/snippets/--WORK WITH LIA:How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!Grab your copy today!https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategyCONNECT WITH LIA:Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/
Transcribe →187: Feel Like Your Team Doesn't Care Anymore? Here's How to Solve It.
Jul 8, 202500:14:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin tackles the growing frustration managers face—disengaged teams, missed deadlines, and a lack of accountability. Discover how to shift from confirmation bias to clarity, set powerful expectations, and blend AI with your leadership skills to reignite ownership. Learn how to integrate AI into people management, drive performance with empathy, and improve team culture without micromanaging.If you’re a leader feeling like your team is coasting or dropping the ball, this episode is your reality check. Lia breaks down the perception vs. experience gap that fuels disengagement and shows how using AI for team leadership can support—rather than replace—your emotional intelligence. You’ll also learn how to spot real accountability gaps, communicate expectations clearly, and understand what’s really demotivating your team.And when money’s tight? Lia shares smart ways to use career development, recognition, and transparent compensation conversations to retain top performers plus how AI tools for better employee engagement can streamline that effort.Whether you lead a startup team or a corporate division, this is your tactical guide to improving team accountability with AI insights and meaningful leadership.Love this episode? Subscribe and download the free toolkit at https://liagarvin.com/toolkitNeed help with disengaged teams? Message Lia at https://liagarvin.com--WORK WITH LIA:How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!Grab your copy today!https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategyCONNECT WITH LIA:Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/
Transcribe →186: Your Team’s Overdoing it With AI- Here's What to Do
Jul 1, 202500:13:48Tap to summarizeAI tools can help—but what happens when your team leans on them too much? Discover how new managers can regain control, set clear expectations, and lead with purpose in an AI-driven workplace. Subscribe now for real-world leadership tools!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to manage AI usage in the workplace with intentionSigns your team may be overrelying on AI—and how to respondHow to lead with AI, not get replaced by itWhat to do with the time saved by automation and AI productivity toolsSetting expectations with freelancers and remote teamsRethinking employee performance in the age of workplace automationEthical AI in business: what managers need to knowWith the rise of ChatGPT, automation tools, and AI copywriting assistants, today’s managers are walking a tightrope. On one side: innovation and efficiency. On the other: unclear quality control, dropped context, and team members who may be over reliant on AI.In this powerful episode of The New Manager Playbook, leadership expert Lia Garvin dives into the heart of AI in the workplace and what it means for modern leadership skills. She walks through two urgent questions facing every manager: (1) How do you set boundaries for AI use without stifling innovation? (2) What should you do with the hours your team saves using team productivity tools?You’ll learn why setting team expectations is your best weapon against AI misuse and how to help your people stay relevant—not replaced. Lia also addresses how to evaluate employee performance when the workload shifts, especially for freelancers and remote team members. With practical strategies for ethical AI in business, this episode will help you confidently navigate the future of work. If your team is leaning too hard on AI and you're unsure how to respond, this episode is for you. Subscribe to The New Manager Playbook and share it with fellow leaders. Need a custom strategy to manage AI in your workplace? Book a workshop with Lia Garvin: hello@liagarvin.com--WORK WITH LIA:How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!Grab your copy today!https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategyCONNECT WITH LIA:Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/
Transcribe →185: AI Isn’t the Solution Unless You Know the Problem First
Jun 24, 202500:13:40Tap to summarizeToo many leaders are jumping into AI hoping it’ll fix their workflows—but without clarity on what needs fixing, it might just make things worse.What You’ll Learn:How to identify the real problems AI should solve in your team.The biggest AI misuse traps managers fall into.A decision-making framework for evaluating automation tools.When AI helps—and when human leadership is irreplaceable.In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin breaks down a critical leadership skill for the AI era: discernment. With businesses rushing to adopt automation, Lia explains why understanding the specific problems you’re solving is the only way to ensure AI helps instead of hinders.You’ll hear real client examples where confusion, fear, and inefficiency followed blind AI adoption—and how clarity of purpose turned things around. Lia outlines top use cases for automation (like data aggregation and information flow), while reminding managers that people-centric problems—like communication gaps and turnover—still need human solutions.This is a must-listen for new and seasoned managers who want to lead with intention, empower their teams, and use AI as a tool—not a crutch.Like what you heard? Subscribe to The New Manager Playbook and leave a review! Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear it.--WORK WITH LIA:How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!Grab your copy today!https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategyCONNECT WITH LIA:Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/
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