Manager to Manager

What if the most powerful thing a manager can do isn’t setting goals or tracking metrics, but simply caring about the people behind the work? In this episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott sits down with Zachary Wright, founder of Grapevine and longtime strategy and operations leader, to explore how human-centered leadership transforms performance and culture. Zachary shares his journey from being micromanaged early in his career to discovering his own leadership style—one that prioritizes treating people as people, not cogs in a system. Through personal stories of helping underperformers become top contributors, navigating the challenges of being a first-time founder, and leading teams through uncertainty, Zachary demonstrates why relationships and results are inseparable in effective management. This conversation explores how managers can: Unlock performance by aligning employees’ personal goals with organizational objectives Build trust and influence through genuine curiosity and consistent one-on-ones Set the tone as a founder or leader, recognizing that every action ripples across the team Distinguish between positional power and true leadership rooted in respect and care Use technology, including AI, to support managers rather than replace them Zachary reminds us that leadership is more than positional authority—it’s the daily choice to balance optimism with realism, influence with empathy, and results with relationships. Whether you’re leading inside a startup, managing contractors across time zones, or working to redefine your own leadership style, this episode offers practical and inspiring insights to help you lead with greater clarity and care. Show Notes: Follow Zachary Wright on LinkedIn and explore Grapevine at grapevinesoftware.io Follow Kamaria Scott on LinkedIn | managermomentum.com

What if one of the most defining moments of trust between a manager and their team member isn’t about performance at all—but about how you respond when they share the news of a new baby? In this heartfelt and practical episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott sits down with Arianna Hillis, founder of Shoshanna’s Daughter, to explore how managers can support employees before, during, and after parental leave. Drawing on her personal experience as both a corporate leader and a mother of three, Arianna shares why managers play a pivotal role in shaping an employee’s sense of safety, belonging, and success during this transition. Together, Kamaria and Arianna uncover how thoughtful leadership in these moments can strengthen trust, increase retention, and create a culture where employees thrive at work and at home. This conversation explores how managers can: Respond authentically and supportively when a team member announces they’re expecting Partner with employees to create transition action plans before leave begins Use tools like keep-in-touch strategies, phased returns, and return-to-work buddies to ease reintegration Recognize the mental health milestones where new parents may need extra care Advocate for policies, resources, and best practices that set both managers and teams up for success Arianna emphasizes that parental leave isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s an opportunity for managers to demonstrate empathy, flexibility, and genuine care. And when managers get it right, the payoff is lasting loyalty and stronger team performance. Whether you’ve navigated parental leave on your team before or are preparing for it in the future, this episode offers actionable strategies and a compassionate perspective that every people leader needs. Show Notes: Follow Arianna Hillis on LinkedIn and visit Shoshanna’s Daughter Follow Kamaria Scott on LinkedIn | managermomentum.com

What if the difference between a struggling team and a high-performing one isn’t more motivation, but stronger project management skills? In this results-focused episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott sits down with Michele Badie, PMP Certified Program Manager, whose career spans legal services, financial services, non-profits, higher education, and retail. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked reality that every people leader—whether officially certified or not—is already a project manager. Michele shares how project management goes far beyond tools and timelines. It’s about fostering collaboration, building trust, and creating the clarity teams need to succeed. She explains how results and relationships are inseparable, and why successful execution begins with curiosity, communication, and sustained collaboration. This conversation explores how managers can: Recognize the role of project management in everyday leadership—even without the title or certification Balance results with relationships to create psychological safety and open communication Apply simple yet powerful frameworks like RACI and Agile to bring order and adaptability to projects Manage stakeholder expectations with transparency while fostering long-term trust Stay curious, keep learning, and invest in yourself as both a leader and project manager From tackling accountability to organizing teams without a formal PMO, Michele and Kamaria highlight practical strategies managers can use to execute with confidence while empowering their people. Whether you’re leading a small team juggling multiple responsibilities or working inside a complex organization, this episode offers actionable insights for turning project chaos into clarity—and for reminding every manager that execution is just as human as it is technical. Show Notes: Follow Michele Badie on [LinkedIn] Follow Kamaria Scott on LinkedIn | managermomentum.com

What if the solution to management burnout isn’t better time management, but a complete rethink of how we structure leadership roles? In this follow-up episode, Kamaria Scott and David Rice, host of the People Managing People podcast, continue their lively, two-way conversation about the impossible position we’ve put modern managers in. Picking up where Part 1 left off, Kamaria and David trade stories, compare experiences, and challenge each other’s thinking on how organizations unintentionally overload managers. They dig into how the decline of long-term job security and traditional benefits has shifted expectations—often leaving managers to “duct tape” systemic problems they didn’t create. Together, they explore: How engagement is shaped by the conscious choices employees make about where to direct their energy The hidden costs of emotional labor for managers, and what can be done to reduce it The gap between generational expectations and current organizational realities Strategies for building team trust when institutional trust is low The conversation flows from structural issues to personal stories, touching on why 82% of young professionals say they don’t want management roles, and why—even as AI evolves—human managers remain essential for context, judgment, and belief in their people. Whether you’re navigating management challenges yourself or rethinking how your organization supports its leaders, this episode offers practical takeaways and a reminder that no manager should have to hero their way through systemic problems alone. Show Notes: Part 1 of this conversation: Redefining Engagement in a Post-Trust Era Follow David Rice: LinkedIn | peoplemanagingpeople.com Follow Kamaria Scott: LinkedIn | managermomentum.com

What if the key to exceptional leadership isn't about hitting every metric, but about creating lasting impact that goes far beyond the numbers? In this thought-provoking episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott sits down with Kim Detera, a seasoned leader with 12 years of management experience across FinTech, telecommunications, and financial organizations. Kim shares his unconventional approach to leadership—one that prioritizes strategic thinking over transactional metrics and empowers teams to create meaningful impact even when traditional targets aren't met. Drawing from his unexpected background in journalism, Kim reveals how asking the right questions became his superpower as a leader. Key takeaways from this conversation: The conversation explores how leaders can drive meaningful impact by: Moving beyond rigid metrics to focus on strategic outcomes and long-term organizational value Asking the right questions to uncover the real intentions and pain points behind client goals Creating structured development plans that prepare team members for increasing autonomy Balancing direction with space, allowing teams to innovate while maintaining accountability Kim offers practical insights on telling success stories through multiple lenses, managing client expectations when targets aren't met, and building team capabilities that enable leaders to step back strategically. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that productivity doesn't equal impact and that empowering your team ultimately creates the succession planning foundation every leader needs. Whether you're struggling with the pressure of hitting every metric or looking to develop a more strategic leadership approach, this episode provides valuable frameworks for creating lasting impact while building stronger, more capable teams. Show Notes:  Follow Kim Detera on LinkedIn Follow Kamaria Scott on LinkedIn

What if failure isn't the enemy, but the secret ingredient to building breakthrough teams? In this episode, Kamaria Scott is joined by Coletrice Haywood, a project management leader and organizational development expert, to explore how people leaders can transform their relationship with failure and use it to unlock team potential. We dive into why the fear of failure keeps teams playing small, and how agile methodologies can help any leader, regardless of industry, create environments where calculated risks lead to innovation. Key takeaways from this conversation: Why the only real failure is not trying or giving up, and how this mindset shift changes everything The three stages of professional development: knowledge, expert, and expertise—and how to meet people where they are How your own relationship with failure directly impacts your team's willingness to take risks Three agile practices every people leader can steal: daily standups, retrospectives, and refinement sessions Why creating psychological safety isn't about avoiding failure. It's about learning from it faster How to turn individual strengths into collective team success through structured conversations Whether you're leading a small team or managing complex projects, this episode will help you move from failure-avoidant to failure-forward leadership. Show Notes Connect with Coletrice Haywood on Linkedin

What if we stopped managing to the metrics—and started leading from purpose? In this episode, I’m joined by Sheryl Mays, a former VP turned leadership coach and customer experience expert, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams. We talk about how a service-driven mindset helps people leaders influence outcomes, build trust, and spark momentum—without losing sight of the humans behind the numbers. Key takeaways from this conversation: The GWC framework: How to assess if team members Get it, Want it, and have the Capacity for their roles Why meeting people where they are is more effective than coaching everyone the same way The critical difference between being a boss and being a leader who removes obstacles How to build the social alliances that make or break cross-functional success Why your most passionate person going silent is the red flag you can’t afford to ignore Whether you’re inheriting a team, navigating growth, or learning to lead through service, this episode will help you move from management to momentum. Connect with Sheryl: Website: risingandshine.com LinkedIn: Sheryl Mays Book: "The Service Driven Seller: How Customer Care Wins Deals and Builds Loyalty"

In this enlightening episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott welcomes Tieska Jumbo, a communications and strategy leader at a global fintech company. Tieska shares her journey from high school English teacher to corporate leadership, and how understanding strengths-based approaches transformed her management style. The conversation explores how leaders can better influence their teams by: Recognizing and adapting to different communication needs based on team members' strengths Customizing messaging to resonate with various thinking styles and preferences Avoiding common communication pitfalls during organizational transformation Creating messages that are clear, compelling, and connected to larger objectives Tieska offers practical insights on balancing transparency with timing, managing team dynamics, and fostering genuine connections through personalized communication. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both your own strengths as a leader and those of your team members to build stronger working relationships. Whether you're an experienced manager seeking to refine your approach or new to leadership, this episode provides valuable strategies for communicating more effectively and moving your team to action. Show Notes Connect with Tieska Jumbo on Linkedin

In this eye-opening episode of Manager to Manager, Kamaria sits down with HR consultant Dawn Sipley to explore the fascinating concept of "parentification" – when children take on adult responsibilities too early – and how it shapes workplace behaviors long into adulthood. Dawn shares her remarkable personal journey from raising her sister at age 13 to building successful businesses, revealing how her early experiences created both superpowers and challenges in her professional life. Together, they unpack how parentification manifests in the workplace through high achievement, boundary issues, and complex relationships with authority. If you've ever wondered why some team members seem to take on every challenge yet struggle with delegation, or why others excel at crisis management but resist support, this conversation offers powerful insights. You'll discover practical strategies for: Identifying signs of parentification in your high performers Creating psychological safety for team members with colorful backgrounds Approaching unexpected behaviors with curiosity instead of judgment Building consistent leadership that supports everyone's growth Whether you recognize these patterns in your team members or in yourself as a leader, this episode provides a compassionate framework for understanding the deeper stories behind workplace behaviors – and how to lead with greater awareness and impact.   Show Notes Guest Bio: Dawn Sipley is the founder of Simply the Best, an HR consulting company focused on helping businesses hire, fire, and lead their people effectively. Drawing from her background in staffing and her personal journey through childhood adversity, Dawn brings a unique perspective on how our formative experiences shape our professional lives. Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn. Want to keep this conversation going? The Manager to Manager Community is a space for people leaders who are doing the work — and want to do it with more support, more clarity, and less isolation. Inside, you’ll find: Real conversations (like this one) that you’re probably not having at work Monthly meet-ups, coaching sessions, and resource drops A space to build your confidence, your systems, and your leadership — without having to pretend you’ve got it all figured out Join the waitlist. We’d love to have you in the room.  

In this special episode of Manager to Manager, guest host Dr. Emme Devonish turns the tables and interviews Kamaria Scott about her leadership journey—from watching managers show up for their teams at AOL to navigating global teams as an I/O psychologist and people leader. Kamaria shares the pivotal moments that shaped her approach: the chaos that revealed what real support looks like, the humbling 360 feedback that made her reset how she led, and the patterns she’s seen over two decades of helping managers figure it out without a playbook. Together, they explore: How “comfort carts” during peak chaos at AOL sparked a lifelong fascination with workplace dynamics Why Kamaria calls management a “full-contact sport” that requires support—and why that truth matters The feedback that stung (and stuck) and how it led to building real-time feedback loops with her team Why knowing your people as individuals matters more than any generational trend The vision behind creating Manager to Manager—a space for reflection, clarity, and community This episode is for every manager trying to balance team needs, organizational demands, and their own humanity—all at once. Show Notes Connect with Kamaria on LinkedIn Guest Host: Dr. Emme Devonish Founder & Executive Coach, Creative Compliance Communication Services Connect with Dr. Devonish on LinkedIn Resources: Join the Manager to Manager Community    

In this enlightening episode of Manager to Manager, we chat with Ramona Henfield, a seasoned HR leader with 27 years of experience in nurturing talent across global teams. Ramona shares her passion for coaching and human behavior, offering valuable insights into how effective leadership can promote both individual and team growth. In our conversation, we dive into: Positive Intent in Leadership: Ramona discusses the importance of assuming that everyone wants to excel at their job and how this belief shapes her approach to leadership. Coaching as a Leadership Strategy: Learn how Ramona utilizes coaching to help her team members uncover their strengths, navigate challenges, and enhance their performance. The Dual Playgrounds of Growth and Performance: Ramona explains her philosophy of balancing the growth and performance zones, illustrating how leaders can guide their teams effectively through these phases. Personal and Professional Development: Insights into how regular coaching sessions can serve as powerful tools for both leaders and their teams to foster continuous improvement and achieve their goals. Ramona’s practical tips and deep understanding of human dynamics will inspire you to embrace coaching as a crucial component of effective leadership, helping your team to realize their full potential and succeed in dynamic environments. Show Notes: Connect with Ramona Henfield on Linkedin

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we dive into the dual impact of mentorship and sponsorship with Richard Conner, a dynamic people leader and advocate for career development. Richard brings his wealth of experience to the table, offering practical insights into how these relationships can shape careers and unlock potential. We explore: The difference between mentorship and sponsorship and why both are essential for growth. How managers can guide their teams to build meaningful relationships with mentors and sponsors. Tips for people leaders who want to sponsor their employees and position them for success. The ripple effect of fostering a culture where mentorship and sponsorship thrive. Richard’s stories and actionable advice will inspire you to reflect on your own approach to career development: Are you creating opportunities for your team to grow? Are you encouraging them to build the right relationships for their future? Tune in for an engaging conversation that will leave you with fresh ideas to empower your team and elevate your leadership.   Show Notes: Connect with Richard Conner on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we dive deep into the power of authenticity with Dani DeLorme, an extraordinary people leader whose unique journey and vibrant personality challenge traditional leadership norms. Dani shares how her personal experiences shaped her inclusive leadership style, emphasizing the importance of bringing your whole self to work—and inviting others to do the same. We explore: Why self-expression and individuality are vital for building trust and psychological safety. How to challenge preconceived notions in hiring and embrace a "culture add" mindset over "culture fit." Practical tips for helping teams thrive by fostering genuine connections. The ripple effect of showing up authentically and inspiring others to do the same. Dani's insights remind us that leadership is more than just managing tasks—it's about building relationships, celebrating uniqueness, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued. Tune in to reflect on your own leadership approach: Are you bringing your whole self to work? Are you encouraging your team to do the same?   Show Notes Connect with Dani DeLorme on LinkedIn

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we wrap up our special series "Unity with Variety: Creating a Culture of Excellent People Leaders" by welcoming Evan Hensley, Heath Nichols, and Susan Breedlove - three dynamic Agile Delivery Managers from Acklen Avenue who report to Jennifer Fields. Despite sharing the same job title, these three leaders each bring a unique perspective and skillset to their roles. Discover how they leverage their complementary strengths, foster mutual respect, and create a collaborative environment where everyone thrives. Join the conversation to: Learn how Evan, Heath, and Susan bring their distinct approaches to life, focusing on work, people, and experience to foster cohesive and high-performing teams. Hear from Susan on how embracing her true self as a leader has transformed her approach and enhanced team trust and engagement. Gain insights from Heath on the significance of empathy-driven management and staying curious to continuously improve oneself and the team. Explore how Evan aligns team members with meaningful work, leading to greater job satisfaction and productivity. The discussion also highlights how Jennifer Fields' leadership philosophy of leveraging complementary strengths has empowered these managers to excel individually and collectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and foster a culture of excellence in their organization.

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we continue our special series "Unity with Variety: Creating a Culture of Excellent People Leaders" by featuring Jennifer Fields, Chief Delivery Officer at Acklen Avenue. Jennifer shares her unique leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of autonomy, support, and growth within her teams. She reflects on her own journey from a software developer to a senior executive, offering valuable lessons on leadership evolution and the importance of self-awareness. Join the conversation to: Discover Jennifer’s approach to valuing autonomy over control and how it empowers her team to make decisions and solve problems effectively. Gain insights on why Jennifer believes leadership is more about mindset than process and how this perspective impacts her team’s performance. Find out how Jennifer embraces different leadership styles within her team and how it contributes to a cohesive yet varied approach to achieving common goals. Learn about Jennifer’s strategies for creating space for her team members to thrive, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging personal growth. In addition to sharing her personal journey, Jennifer highlighting the importance of being the leader you would want to follow. She discusses the significance of self-awareness, intentional leadership, and the continuous effort to balance autonomy with achieving organizational goals. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights for building a thriving and empowered team.    Show Notes: Connect with Jennifer Fields on LinkedIn

In this episode of Manager to Manager, we continue our special series "Unity with Variety: Creating a Culture of Excellent People Leaders" with Chelsea Gonzalez, VP of HR at Acklen Avenue. Chelsey shares her journey from teaching to HR leadership, highlighting the importance of intentionality, personalized interactions, and continuous self-improvement. She discusses the significance of understanding how your actions impact your team and creating a supportive environment that values both professional and personal growth. Join the conversation to: Discover Chelsey’s approach to regular one-on-one and team meetings that foster open communication and trust. Gain insights into how Chelsey tailors her leadership style to meet the unique needs of each team member, enhancing their individual and collective performance. Find out how Chelsey uses feedback to continually improve her leadership and why she emphasizes understanding the impact of one’s actions on others. Learn about Chelsey’s journey and how she navigates the challenges of being a leader and a parent, supported by an inclusive and understanding work environment. Chelsea also opens up about the significance of support from senior leaders and the impact it has on her own growth and confidence. This episode has practical advice for both new and seasoned managers on how to create a people-first culture that drives both employee satisfaction and organizational success.   Show Notes: Connect with Chelsey Gonzalez on LinkedIn Watch Chelsey's DisruptHR presentation.  

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