Podcast
You’re the Boss, Now What? with Desiree Petrich | Leadership and Team Development for Managers and Team Leaders
Hosted by Desiree Petrich - Intentional Action · EN
A leadership podcast for managers who want stronger teams, less drama, and more trust at work.
If you are a manager of people, this podcast is your playbook for the real challenges of leadership!
Each week, your host Desiree Petrich shares practical tools and frameworks from Working Genius, DISC, and The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team to help you:
- Hold employees accountable without micromanaging
- Handle conflict at work before it turns into drama
- Build trust and respect as a confident, credible leader
- Fix a toxic culture and create a team that takes ownership
- Lead effective team meetings that inspire engagement and action
Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire department, you’ll learn actionable strategies to create better communication, deeper trust, and a workplace people actually enjoy showing up to.
You’ll also get quick takeaways from bestselling leadership books, so you can skip the fluff and apply what works!
You’re the Boss, Now What? is your weekly dose of coaching for managers who want to do more than manage, they want to lead.
Popular Topics Include:
One-on-one meeting frameworks, handling team conflict, addressing passive-aggressive behavior, rebuilding trust after drama, navigating difficult employees, setting expectations without micromanaging, improving accountability conversations, fixing toxic communication patterns, leading effective team meetings, delegation strategies for overwhelmed managers, increasing team buy-in, coaching underperforming employees, giving feedback that lands, managing impostor syndrome at work, and creating a healthier, more human-centered culture.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Balance Accountability and Empathy as a Leader | Drew Moldenhauer
4d ago00:32:03Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you care deeply about your team… but they stop respecting your leadership?In this episode, Desiree is joined by Drew from the Iron and Empathy podcast for a conversation about one of the hardest parts of leadership: balancing accountability and empathy. Because if you lean too far one direction, your team feels micromanaged. Lean too far the other way, and expectations start slipping.If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, struggled with a difficult employee, or felt frustrated trying to hold people accountable without becoming “the bad guy,” this episode is for you.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: How to hold employees accountable without damaging trust Why psychological safety matters in team management and communication in the workplace The signs that “being nice” may actually be hurting your team culture When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot while listening, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich so I can cheer you on.While you’re there, make sure you’re following me for more leadership development content, new manager tips, and practical strategies to help you build stronger, more cohesive teams.Connect with Drew Moldenhauer on Linkedin Iron and Empathy Podcast Take the Working Genius AssessmentThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →Leadership Tips | Find the Tension Between Presence and Progress
1w ago00:04:50Tap to summarizeLast week we talked about not letting your intent diminish and how the longer we wait to do something we know we should do, the less likely we are to actually follow through.This week’s leadership tip is a little different.Have you ever found yourself rushing through a season of life, wishing time would speed up so you could finally get to the “good part”? Or maybe you’ve been so distracted by what’s next that you forgot to notice what’s right in front of you.In this short episode, Desiree shares two pieces of advice that seem to conflict with each other: be where your feet are planted… and look to the horizon.Through stories about childhood, growth, grief, walks down gravel roads, and the reminder to occasionally look up from the noise around us, this episode explores the tension between being fully present and still dreaming about what’s ahead.By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover: Why different moments in life require different mindsets How constantly focusing on “what’s next” can cause you to miss your current season The importance of slowing down long enough to look up and see the bigger picture If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot while listening, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich so I can hear your biggest takeaway.Looking for more leadership tips, leadership development conversations, and practical encouragement for managers and ambitious professionals? Make sure you follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder to slow down and be present today.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →Why It’s So Hard to Make Connections as an Adult at Work
2w ago00:20:52Tap to summarizeMaking connections as an adult feels harder than ever, especially at work.But the problem usually isn’t networking. It’s discomfort. It’s phones. It’s staying in our comfort zones.In this episode, Desiree sits down with Nichelle Lund to talk about communication in the workplace, workplace loneliness, and why relationship-building is one of the most overlooked leadership skills for managers and professionals today.They discuss awkward networking events, making people feel included, building trust at work, and simple ways to create more genuine connections without feeling fake or forced.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: Why making connections as an adult feels so uncomfortable How to build better work relationships and stronger workplace communication Small ways leaders and managers can help people feel seen and included at work When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot while listening, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich!While you’re there, make sure you follow me for more leadership development conversations, new manager tips, and practical leadership skills you can apply immediately at work.CONNECT WITH NICHELLE LUND:This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →Leadership Tips | Don't Let Your Intent Diminish
2w ago00:04:36Tap to summarizeHave you ever thought, “I’ll do it later”… and then never did?You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re experiencing the law of diminishing intent.The longer you wait to do something you know you should do, the less likely you are to do it.It starts small. One delay. One excuse. One “I’ll get to it later.”Then your brain steps in to protect you. You justify it. You overthink it. You talk yourself out of it.And now the thing you knew you needed to do… doesn’t get done.This shows up everywhere in leadership: Avoiding a tough conversation Not giving feedback when it matters Waiting too long to delegate Delaying decisions that impact your teamAnd here’s the problem… It doesn’t go away.It actually creates more stress, more guilt, and starts to chip away at your confidence.Because now you’re reinforcing a belief: “I don’t follow through.”If you’re a manager trying to build trust, improve team management, and grow in your leadership development, this matters more than you think.The fix isn’t complicated. You don’t need more time. You need less delay.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: Why the law of diminishing intent keeps leaders stuck How delaying action impacts your confidence and team trust A simple way to stop procrastinating and follow through fasterThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →6 Ways to Re-Engage an Unmotivated Employee and Improve Employee Retention
3w ago00:22:48Tap to summarize“My employee doesn’t seem to care anymore… what do I do?”They used to be reliable. Motivated. Easy to manage.And now?You feel like you’re micromanaging just to get the bare minimum.It’s frustrating. And honestly… a little confusing.Because nothing “big” happened.Here’s the shift most managers miss:It’s not always that they’re lazy. It’s that something changed.And if you keep treating everyone the same… you’ll keep losing your best people without realizing it.In this episode, we break down what your employees actually crave from you as a manager.Not theory. Not more work.Simple shifts that help your team feel understood, valued, and motivated again.Because different people need different things.And when you miss that… you unintentionally shut them down.Links mentioned in the episode Take your Working Genius assessment How to Motivate an Unmotivated Employee Without MicromanagingThe Manager’s Guide to Working Genius in Team MeetingsHow to Use Working Genius to Boost Team PerformanceThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →Leadership tips | Make the Appointment
3w ago00:05:13Tap to summarizeThe Last Letter - Rebecca Yarrows Last week we talked about what it looks like when you hit survival mode. This week is one simple step to get yourself out of it.What’s the thing you keep putting off?The appointment you haven’t made. The email you haven’t sent. The task that keeps popping into your head… over and over again.It feels small. It feels like a minor inconvenience. So you keep pushing it to “later.”But here’s the problem… it doesn’t go away.It follows you. It sits in the back of your mind. It turns into mental clutter that you carry into your work, your leadership, and your time at home.In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story about finally making an appointment I had avoided for over a year… and what changed the moment I stopped guessing and just got the answer.Because whether it’s your health, your work, or something simple on your to-do list…It’s better to know. And it’s even better to be done. This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →How to Motivate an Unmotivated Employee Without Micromanaging
4w ago00:15:09Tap to summarizeHave you ever had an employee where you think… “Do you even care anymore?”They used to show up early They used to go above and beyond And now… something feels offYou try to motivate them But nothing seems to workHere’s the shift: You can’t make someone care But you can make it easier for them to stop caringAnd most managers do it without realizing itIn this episode, we’re breaking down a few mindset shifts to help you look at this differentlyBY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: Why “they don’t care” is often an assumption How disengagement can be a form of protection What might actually be causing the shift in motivationAdditional episodes to catch-up on Using The 5 Love Languages at Work to Build Loyal Teams How to Stop Your Newhires from Checking Out EarlyThis podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →Leadership Tips | Walk into the Wind
4w ago00:05:54Tap to summarizeGet your copy of Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Have you ever had one of those weeks where everything feels hard… and you’re just trying to make it through as a manager?The kind of week where your energy is low, your team needs more from you, and your workload keeps growing?This is one of the biggest challenges in leadership development. Most managers wait until things get hard to figure out how to handle it.But by then, it already feels overwhelming.Because mental strength isn’t built in the hard moments. It’s revealed in them.In this episode of the podcast for managers, I’m sharing a simple concept that can completely shift how you approach stress, pressure, and team management.It’s the idea of “walking into the wind.”And it’s about choosing to do hard things before you have to… so when challenges hit—whether it’s conflict, overwhelm, or difficult employees—you’re ready for it. This is especially important when it comes to how to handle conflict at work. Because the managers who navigate tough conversations well aren’t the ones avoiding hard things…They’re the ones who have built the capacity for them.We’re talking about how to build resilience as a leader, how to strengthen your mindset, and how this shows up in your day-to-day leadership and team management—even when nothing feels urgent.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: How leadership development actually happens in the small, everyday moments How to build mental strength so you can handle stress and conflict at work What “walking into the wind” looks like in real life and team management This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →4 Ways to Get Your Energy Back as a Manager Without Burning Out
Apr 1600:28:33Tap to summarizeIf you don’t have energy, you can’t lead well.And yet… most managers are trying to push through exhaustion instead of fixing it.You finish your workday drained. You go home with nothing left to give. And the things you want to do? They keep getting pushed to the bottom of the list.So you tell yourself you’ll rest more. You’ll take a break. You’ll “fill your cup.”But nothing actually changes.Because the problem isn’t that you’re not trying. It’s that you’re trying to fix burnout the wrong way.In this episode, we break down the 4 buckets that actually help you get your energy back—without adding more to your plate. This is real-life leadership development for busy managers who want to show up better at work and at home.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: The 4 buckets that help managers rebuild their energy without burnout Why most “self-care” advice doesn’t work (and what actually does) Simple ways to improve your energy, focus, and team management starting today This episode is your reminder that being a great leader isn’t about doing more.It’s about having enough energy to lead the people around you well.Read Desiree's Book Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You Lead Additional Episodes Manager Tips for Better Sleep Secret to All Day Energy (Glucose episode) Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Goals This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
Transcribe →Leadership Tips | Fill Your Cup
Apr 1300:05:40Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right”… but still running on empty?As a manager, it’s easy to think the answer is to do more. More routines. More habits. More discipline.But what if that’s not the problem?A lot of leaders are already overwhelmed. Their schedules are full. Their energy is low. And their default solution is to keep adding.More meetings. More expectations. More pressure.This is where leadership development gets missed. Because energy isn’t built by adding more… it’s often built by removing what’s draining you.In this episode, we’re flipping that mindset.Instead of asking what you should add, we’re asking what you need to take away so you can show up better for your team.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn How to increase your energy as a manager without adding more to your schedule Why removing things can be more powerful than building new habits 3 simple ways to refill your cup so you can lead your team more effectively This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect: Linked In | Instagram | Website
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