Life of a Business Manager

If you've ever ended your workday wondering where all your time went, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we're breaking down 6 practical tips every Business Manager should know to become more organized, more productive, and a more confident leader. Whether you're a new Business Manager, Operations Manager, Practice Manager, Office Manager, or an aspiring leader, these are real-world strategies you can apply immediately to improve your daily workflow and lead your team more effectively.

We'll cover how to set clear expectations before assigning...

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations operate—but what does that actually mean for Business Managers?

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, I'm joined by Joe Turso, Founder of The Hive Point Group AI, to explore how AI is changing the future of business operations, leadership, decision-making, and workplace productivity. Instead of focusing on the hype, Joe shares practical insights into how business leaders can use AI to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, enhance strategic planning, and empower their teams.

Together, we discuss how AI is...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we’re breaking down “The 5 Warning Signs Your Department Is Failing (And How to Fix It)”—a must-listen for anyone managing teams, operations, or cross-functional work in today’s fast-moving workplace.

If you’ve been feeling like something is “off” in your department but can’t quite put your finger on it, this episode will help you identify the early red flags before they turn into major performance issues. From communication breakdowns to missed KPIs, unclear ownership, burnout, and operational chaos—we cover the five most common failure signa...

Have you ever looked at a Business Manager job posting and thought, "How am I supposed to get experience if nobody will give me a chance?"

You're not alone.

In this episode of the Life of a Business Manager podcast, we're breaking down exactly how to become a Business Manager with no experience — including the skills employers are really looking for, the best entry-level roles to start with, and the career moves that can help you land your first management position faster than you think.

We'll talk about how aspiring Business Managers can ga...

Have you ever looked at a problem in your department and thought, "This could've been avoided"?

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we're diving into the hidden mistakes business managers don't talk about—the small decisions, overlooked warning signs, and leadership blind spots that often turn into costly operational problems.

From failing to address performance issues early and making assumptions instead of asking questions, to poor communication, unclear accountability, and ignoring critical data, these common management mistakes can quietly impact team morale, productivity, budgets, and overall department performance.

Wh...

Have you ever walked into a department that feels completely overwhelmed, understaffed, behind on goals, and struggling to keep up with daily operations?

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we're diving into one of the biggest leadership challenges business managers face: how to manage a struggling department and successfully lead a turnaround.

Whether you're dealing with low employee morale, poor team performance, operational inefficiencies, communication breakdowns, missed deadlines, or a department that's simply falling apart, this episode will give you practical strategies to regain control and create a clear path forward.

If you’ve ever been stuck trying to get multiple teams on the same page — without actually being their manager — this episode is for you. 

On this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we’re having a real conversation about the challenge of aligning teams that don’t report to you. 

Because let’s be honest… cross-functional work can get messy fast. Miscommunication, unclear expectations, missed deadlines, and everyone assuming someone else is handling it. 

We’re breaking down how business managers create alignment, build trust, influence people without formal authority, and keep projects movin...

This episode is a special one for me—I’m officially launching the Life of a Business Manager website. This has been something I’ve been building behind the scenes, inspired by so many of you who’ve asked how to go deeper than the podcast. 

Now you can book one-on-one time with me for real, practical guidance, explore resources created for the day-to-day challenges we face as business managers, and even grab merchandise that represents the work we do behind the scenes. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just needed clarity in your role, this is exa...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we sit down with Jon Dario, Founder of AIM, for an insightful conversation on what it really takes to build and lead a successful organization from the ground up. Jon shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts required to scale a business, and the strategic decisions that shaped AIM’s growth.

Whether you're an aspiring business manager, entrepreneur, or leader looking to sharpen your decision-making skills, this episode dives into real-world experiences and actionable insights. From navigating challenges and managing risk to building strong teams and maintaining lo...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we dive into a challenge every leader faces but rarely talks about—decision fatigue. When you’re constantly making high-stakes choices, the mental load can quietly drain your focus, productivity, and overall performance.

We break down what decision fatigue really is, how it shows up in your day-to-day work, and why even the most experienced business managers aren’t immune to it. More importantly, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to simplify your decision-making process, protect your mental energy, and regain the clarity needed to lead effectively.

If...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, I’m sitting down with Rick Elmore—a former National Football League player who made the leap from the football field into entrepreneurship as the co-founder of Simplynoted.

Rick gets real about what that transition actually looked like—because let’s be honest, going from professional sports to building a business isn’t exactly a straight path. We talk about the mindset shifts, the challenges, and the discipline it takes to start over and figure things out in a completely different world.

What I really lov...

If you’re a business manager, you’ve probably heard it before: “We need to do more with less.” Less budget, fewer staff, tighter timelines… but the expectations somehow stay the same—or even get higher.

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we’re talking about the real-life challenge of making things work when resources are limited. From juggling priorities and managing short-staffed teams to figuring out what actually matters most, this conversation breaks down how business managers navigate pressure while still keeping operations moving forward.

I share practical strategies and everyday examples of ho...

Business manager soft skills can make or break your career. In this episode of the Life of a Business Manager Podcast, we explore the soft skills every business manager needs to succeed—from communication and emotional intelligence to adaptability and professional presence.

Technical skills may get you the job, but leadership soft skills determine how well you lead teams, build relationships, and navigate constant change. In today’s fast-paced work environment, managers who develop strong communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building skills are the ones who grow into stronger leaders.

In this episode, you’ll lea...

In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we sit down with Maddison Violet, a passionate winery owner in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, who proves that business and fun can absolutely go hand in hand. Alongside her husband, Maddison has built more than just a winery — she’s built a lifestyle rooted in partnership, purpose, and a deep love for winemaking.

We talk about what it’s really like to run a winery as a couple — the behind-the-scenes operations, the seasonal hustle, the financial decisions, and the creative process that turns grapes into unforgettable experien...

The first 90 days as a Business Manager can define your long-term success—or create problems that take years to undo. 

In this short episode of Life of a Business Manager, we dive into a practical first 90 days roadmap for business managers.

You’ll learn what to fix early, what to ignore (even when it looks messy), and what to focus on learning before making major operational changes. 

Whether you’re a new business manager, transitioning into operations management, or looking to level up your leadership skills, this episode delivers real-world advice to help you buil...

You’ve got the idea, the niche, and the plan—now it’s time to launch. In Part 2 of the podcasting mini-series on Life of a Business Manager, we shift from preparation to execution and focus on how to record, publish, promote, and grow your podcast in 2026.

In this episode, I break down how to record episodes efficiently (even with a busy schedule), publish your show across the right platforms, and avoid the most common mistakes new podcasters make at launch. We also dive into promotion strategies that actually work in 2026, includ...

Thinking about starting your own podcast in 2026 but not sure where to begin? 

In Part 1 of this podcasting mini-series on Life of a Business Manager, I break down the first critical steps to launching a podcast—without overcomplicating the process.

In this episode, we talk about how to clearly define your podcast niche and target audience, so your show has purpose and stands out in a crowded space. I also walk through the essential equipment and tools you actually need in 2026 to sound professional—without spending a fortune or build...

As we wrap up 2025, this special year-end recap episode of Life of a Business Manager reflects on the lessons, conversations, and real-world experiences that defined the year. From navigating evolving operations and workforce challenges to embracing AI, data-driven decision-making, and leadership growth, this episode highlights what it truly meant to be a business manager in 2025.

Throughout the year, we explored practical “how-to” strategies, career development insights, and candid discussions with professionals across industries—each offering a unique perspective on managing people, processes, and change. 

This episode revisits the biggest takeaways, recurring themes, and moments that resonat...

Running a business isn’t just about big ideas — it’s about making sure the day-to-day actually works. In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we talk about what “operations” really mean in plain language, and how you, as a manager, can keep things moving without getting lost in the weeds.

Listeners will learn:

Whether you’re a seasoned manager or just stepping into the...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Sonja Clark, who’s not only shaping the future of work at Microsoft, but also knows how to enjoy life outside the office. She supports Microsoft Copilot, helping teams unlock the potential of AI to simplify work, spark creativity, and boost productivity. But when she steps away from the tech world, you’ll most likely find her on a scenic trail, soaking in the views—or discovering her next favorite bottle of wine.

We chat about what it’s really like working behind the scenes with Copilot, how she...

In this episode, we’re diving into the must-know AI tools that every business manager should have on their radar. No jargon, no tech overwhelm—just real talk about the tools that actually make your day easier.

We’ll chat through the AI platforms that can help you automate repetitive tasks, stay organized, make better decisions, and keep your team running smoothly. Think scheduling helpers, smart analytics, project management boosts, and tools that practically become your extra set of hands.

Whether you’re curious about where to start or you’re already dabbling in AI and want t...

Burnout isn’t just about being tired — it’s about feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and stuck. In this episode of Life of a Business Manager, we open up about the emotional and professional toll burnout takes on managers and their teams.

We’ll discuss how to recognize the early signs, why burnout happens even to high performers, and the proven ways to recover and prevent it from returning.

Whether you’re managing a department, a project, or an entire operation, this episode will help you understand that you’re not alone — and change is possible