You’re The Boss, Now What?

How the Right Frameworks Turn Fear into Confidence | Craig Denison

What if you're not a bad leader—just using the wrong blueprint? Craig Denison shares how practical tools and mindset shifts can turn anxious new managers into confident, empowered leaders.
 
Craig Denison is the creator of 90 Day Leader, a framework-based leadership development program designed to help new and accidental managers lead with confidence, without burning out. He's also a former team member of Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group, and a firm believer that leadership is more about clarity and humility than charisma.
 
 
Last week we talked about why great team meetings aren’t about structure, they’re about trust. This week, we’re digging into what happens when you don’t feel like you fit the “leader mold” and how to build confidence anyway.
Have you ever felt like you just weren’t cut out to be a manager? Like you don’t have the charisma, confidence, or presence that a “real” leader is supposed to have? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not wrong for feeling that way.
In this episode, Craig Denison shares how the internal archetypes we build of what leadership should look like often stop us from showing up as ourselves—and what to do instead. Whether you’re introverted, unsure, or unexpectedly promoted, this conversation will help you let go of the pressure to be “the boss” and start leading in a way that feels good and actually works.
We cover:
What makes leadership feel like a burden (and how to shift it to a privilege)
Why humility and self-awareness matter more than confidence
Two practical tools you can use TODAY to become a more empowered leader
Key Takeaways
Most new leaders aren’t trained, they’re just promoted. Frameworks help fill that gap.
Trying to mimic a “perfect” leader archetype makes leadership harder (and less effective).
Humility is the shortcut to peace, progress, and better team performance.
 
 
Guest & Additional Links
Learn more about Craig’s work at https://90dayleader.comFollow Craig on LinkedIn: Craig Denison

Hiring Like a Pro: Building a Team That Actually Loves Their Work | Tessa Kampen

Hiring the right people isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about building a culture that works. In this episode, Tessa Kampen joins me to break down how leaders can shift from hiring for titles to hiring for strengths. We explore why job descriptions should focus on tasks instead of just experience, how to ensure new hires truly love their work, and the dangers of misleading candidates in the hiring process. I also share a personal story of what happens when a job doesn’t align with expectations. If you’re ready to stop the cycle of disengagement and build a team that thrives, this episode is for you!
 
Ever wonder why some hires seem disengaged just months into the job? It might have started with your job description.
Many leaders focus too much on hiring for titles instead of hiring for tasks. The result? New hires who quickly realize the job isn't what they expected. Tessa Kampen joins me today to discuss how leaders can create strength-based hiring processes that lead to engaged, high-performing teams.
We’re covering:
The #1 hiring mistake that leads to early disengagement
Why job descriptions should focus on tasks, not just titles
How to communicate company culture transparently during interviews
The long-term impact of hiring employees who genuinely love their work
Plus, I share a personal story about a job where the reality didn’t match the promises, and how that shaped my approach to leadership today
By the Time You Finish Listening, You’ll Learn:
✔️ How to structure job descriptions to attract the right candidates✔️ Why transparency in hiring is key to retention and culture fit✔️ The questions every leader should ask before making a hiring decision
 
👉 Join the conversation: Share your hiring wins (or horror stories) with me on Linkedin.  Let’s talk about what’s working,and what’s not!
 
Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow leader who’s hiring right now!
Guest & Additional Links:
Connect with Tessa Kampen:
Website
LinkedIn
 
Books Mentioned:📖 Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham📖 The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

Strengths vs. Skills: Are You Leading from Your True Strengths? | Tessa Kampen

Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for you. In this episode, We explore the difference between strengths, gifts, and competencies, and how they impact leadership. Learn how to lean into your true strengths, avoid burnout, and build a strengths-based culture that actually lasts.
 
Have you ever felt drained at work, even though you're good at what you do? Or wondered why a job that once energized you now feels exhausting? You’re not alone. Many new managers and experienced leaders alike struggle with distinguishing between what they excel at and what truly fuels them.
In this episode, we explore:
The difference between strengths, gifts, and competencies, and why knowing this can change how you lead.
How to recognize when your “strength” is actually just a skill you’ve built over time.
What to do when you feel obligated to stay in a role because it's needed, even if it drains you.
 
I also share a real-life example from a listener who is great at her job but finds it emotionally exhausting. We discuss whether finding fulfillment outside of work can be enough to offset frustration in a draining role.
As a leader, it’s your job to help your team align their strengths with their responsibilities while balancing the demands of the business. But that’s easier said than done. How do you build a strengths-based culture that doesn’t fade when the day-to-day demands pile up? That’s what we’ll be tackling in the next episode with my guest, Tessa Kampen.
Key Takeaways:
Just because you're good at something doesn’t mean you should be doing it.
Strengths are what energize you, gifts and competencies are just skills you’ve developed.
Leaders must be intentional about building a strengths-based culture that lasts beyond a workshop.
 
Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast, it helps new listeners find the show!
Guest & Additional Links:
📌 Connect with Tessa Kampen on Linkedin, or on her website 
 
 

How to Successfully Go From Doing the Work to Leading the Team | Joe Raasch

Being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great leader. In this episode, leadership coach Joe Raasch joins me to break down the challenges new managers face when stepping into leadership for the first time. We discuss the mindset shift from individual contributor to people leader, how to stop micromanaging, and why leadership is more than just getting things done.
 
You were a top performer, a go-to expert, the one everyone relied on. Then you got promoted. Now, instead of doing the work, you're leading the people who do. But no one really prepares you for the shift.
Stepping into leadership is about more than just getting promoted. It’s a whole new skill set, one that many new managers struggle to develop. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at leadership, questioned whether you made the right choice, or found yourself slipping back into old habits, you’re not alone.
In this episode, leadership coach Joe and I dive into:
Why so many top performers struggle as new managers
The difference between doing the work and leading the people
How micromanaging isn’t always about control, it’s about comfort
The tough reality of leading former coworkers and why it can feel lonely
How to start proving yourself as a leader before you even have the title
By the Time You Finish Listening, You'll Learn:
Why leadership is a people job, not a process job
How to shift from task-doer to team-builder
Ways to build leadership skills before officially stepping into a role
 
If this episode helped you, leave a review and let me know what resonated most. Your feedback helps more new managers find the show.Connect with Joe on LinkedIn, or book a call with him on his website!
Check out the episode 5 Truths No One Told You About Becoming a Manager
 

I Read the Book "Creativity Inc", By Ed Catmull So You Don't Have To!

The Leadership Lessons Pixar Can Teach You About Innovation & Accountability
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
What if great leadership wasn’t about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where your team can thrive? In this episode, we dive into Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and uncover the leadership lessons that made Pixar a powerhouse of creativity and innovation. If you’re looking to build trust, encourage problem-solving, and stop micromanaging, this episode is for you.
SHOW NOTES:
Are you unknowingly stifling your team’s potential? Many leaders feel stuck between wanting to empower their employees and fearing mistakes or loss of control. But as Creativity, Inc. reveals, the best leaders create a culture of accountability, trust, and open communication.
In this episode, we break down:✅ Why you don’t need permission to take responsibility,  and why waiting for approval can kill innovation✅ The power of open communication , and how Pixar avoided corporate hierarchy bottlenecks✅ How removing the fear of failure makes teams more creative and engaged✅ What Creativity, Inc. taught me about adaptive integrity, staying true to your values while evolving as a leader
This episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, risk-taking, and what it really means to empower your team.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
How to encourage proactive problem-solving without micromanaging
The one question that helps leaders shift from control to trust
Why fostering a culture of accountability can make or break your team’s success
When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway! Take a screenshot of this episode, share it on Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich.
CONNECT WITH DESIREE PETRICH:
🔹 Website: Intentional Action🔹 LinkedIn🔹 Instagram: @desireepetrich
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
📖 Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull 
NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:
Next month we’re tackling Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni, diving into how to identify and leverage your team’s strengths for maximum impact!

The Superpower You Have, But You're Not Using

Not everyone loves networking. Maybe you’re not a fan of small talk, maybe you feel like you never get anything out of it, or maybe you just don’t see the point. But here’s the reality, whether you love it or hate it, in-person networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your career, build influence, and open new opportunities. And the best part? You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or work the entire crowd for it to work for you.
In this episode, I break down three reasons you can’t afford to ignore in-person networking and how to make it work for you—without it feeling forced or transactional.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why my first management job was a disaster—until I got out of the office.✔️ How getting involved with the right groups can fast-track your opportunities.✔️ The mindset shift that will make networking feel natural instead of awkward.✔️ Why your presence matters more than just showing up.✔️ How executive presence plays a major role in your networking success.
Mentioned in This Episode:
📖 Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi – A must-read on building authentic relationships that create opportunities.
📢 Quote by John Burton Adams:
“There is no such thing as a self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others; everyone who has ever done a good deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement, has entered into the makeup of our character, our thoughts as well as our success.”
🔹 My quote:
“Your experiences can only rise to the level of energy that you bring to them.”
🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and let’s connect! Tell me, what’s one way networking has helped you in your career?

How To Establish a Feedback Culture That Builds Trust Instead of Destroying It | Jen Recla

Feedback can feel awkward, whether you’re giving it, receiving it, or wondering if it’s even worth it when nothing seems to change. But without a strong feedback culture, your team won’t grow, and you’ll keep running into the same issues. Today, Jen Recla is back to break down what psychological safety actually looks like at work, how to make feedback feel useful instead of personal, and the biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to create an open culture.
 
 
Ever asked for feedback, only to hear crickets? Or worse, your team gives input, but nothing changes? That’s a fast track to disengagement, and today we’re talking about why.
In this episode, Jen Recla joins me to break down what it really means to build a psychologically safe workplace, one where people feel comfortable speaking up without fear of judgment or backlash.
 
We’re covering:
✅ Why candor is not the first step in building trust, it’s actually the result✅ How to get useful feedback from your team (instead of vague, unhelpful responses)✅ The biggest mistake leaders make after asking for feedback—and how to fix it✅ Why anonymous feedback can backfire if you haven’t built trust first✅ The simple framework for giving meaningful recognition that actually lands
Plus, we discuss why some companies avoid using Radical Candor (and what to do instead), how to navigate negative feedback without spiraling, and why your team stops giving feedback if they don’t see action.
Key Takeaways:
Feedback isn’t just about asking, it’s about acting on it so your team knows it matters.
If you don’t have a psychologically safe workplace, anonymous feedback might not give you the full picture, it could just open the floodgates.
Recognition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Learning how your team prefers to receive praise makes it more impactful.
 
Social Media CTA:
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let me know, what’s the best (or worst) feedback you’ve ever received?
Guest & Additional Links:
Connect with Jen Recla
Books Mentioned:
The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Thanks for the Feedback by Sheila Heen & Douglas Stone
Jen’s Workshop on Feedback Culture 

Stop Saying "I'm Too Busy" - Here’s How to Navigate Your Workload | Jen Recla

Feeling overwhelmed by your workload? You’re not alone. Leaders everywhere struggle with time management, prioritization, and setting boundaries. In this episode, leadership expert Jen Recla shares why your relationship with time is holding you back, and how to shift it so you can reclaim control over your schedule, focus on what truly matters, and avoid burnout.
 
Do you constantly feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Are you overwhelmed with meetings, emails, and never-ending to-do lists? You’re not alone. Many new managers find themselves drowning in tasks, unable to focus on leadership responsibilities. But what if the real issue isn’t time—it’s how you think about it?
In this episode, Jen Recla joins me to break down the mindset shift needed to navigate your workload effectively. We talk about shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset with time, setting boundaries without guilt, and prioritizing tasks that actually move the needle. Plus, we tackle the unique challenges of transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role, and how to avoid falling into the trap of doing instead of leading.
 
By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:✔️ Why “I don’t have time” is a lie, and what it really means✔️ How to transition from task execution to leadership without burnout✔️ Practical strategies to set boundaries and protect your time
 
 
Guest & Additional Links:🔹 Connect with Jen Recla on [LinkedIn]🔹 Jen’s workshop on navigating workload🔹 Books mentioned:
Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martel
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin
First Things First by Stephen Covey
Getting Things Done by David Allen
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

How to Finally Hold Yourself Accountable (Without Relying on Motivation)

We all know holding others accountable is tough, but what about holding ourselves accountable? Life has a way of getting in the way, making it hard to stick to our goals. In this episode, we’re talking about why self-accountability is so challenging and the strategies you can use to finally follow through.
 
Have you ever set a goal, felt motivated at first, and then watched it slip through your fingers as life got in the way? Maybe you’ve tried time blocking, accountability partners, or even sheer willpower—but none of it seems to stick.
Here’s the truth: Self-accountability is one of the hardest things to master because no one is watching. You can make excuses, shift priorities, and let things slide without immediate consequences. But over time, it adds up, leaving you feeling frustrated and stuck.
In this episode, we’re diving into:✔️ The real reason we struggle with self-accountability✔️ How to shift from motivation-based action to discipline-based action✔️ The "accountability mirror" method and how to use it effectively
By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:
How to identify what’s truly stopping you from reaching your goals
A powerful shift that makes accountability feel easier
Why setting smaller, adaptable habits is more effective than rigid time blocking
 
Struggling with self-accountability? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on LinkedIn at Desiree Petrich and let me know what challenge you’re working through. Let’s tackle it together.
 
Guest & Additional Links:
📖 Grab a copy of my book, Taking Intentional Action 
📚 My must-read book list for leadership and self-improvement
 

How to Hold Your Team Accountable Without Being the Bad Guy | Katie Armentrout

Holding your team accountable without feeling like a micromanager is tough. No one wants to be the boss who’s constantly checking in, chasing deadlines, and fixing mistakes. But when accountability is missing, your team underperforms, and you end up carrying the weight of their unfinished work.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Katie Armentrout to break down the biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to hold their team accountable, and how to avoid them. We’ll talk about why setting clear expectations isn't enough, the role your own leadership habits play in team accountability, and how to correct problems before they turn into bigger issues.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by missed deadlines, unclear communication, or a lack of follow-through, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it.
 
Episode Links
Connect with Katie Armentrout 
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook 
Listen to: Are You Great at Your Job, but Not So Much With the People? 
Take the Four Tendencies Quiz (Gretchen Rubin) 
Learn About Working Genius
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How to hold your team accountable without creating resentment
Why accountability starts with YOU, and how to model it effectively
The key to setting clear expectations so there’s no confusion
Why people resist accountability and how to shift the team culture
When you finish listening, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot, share it to your LinkedIn or Instagram stories, and tag me @desireepetrich so I can say thanks.
 
And if you love this show, leaving a quick review is the best way to support it—it helps more leaders like you find these episodes.