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What does it actually look like to lead through relationships? In this episode of Manager to Manager, Kamaria talks with Bob Schon, a sales director whose path from ministry into corporate leadership has shaped how he shows up as a people leader. Bob describes himself as a relational leader, and as you listen, you’ll hear what that really means in practice. Not avoiding accountability, but choosing to lead through influence, curiosity, and connection whenever possible. He shares stories about the moments that shaped his approach, including what it felt like to be on the receiving end of directive leadership, and why he made a conscious decision to do things differently. In this conversation, we explore: • Why relationships often unlock more effort than authority • How optimism shows up in everyday leadership moments • What it looks like to lead through questions, not just answers • The role of passion and purpose in how people show up to work • How trust makes difficult conversations more productive Bob also shares the idea of a “magnetic personality” — the kind of presence that makes people feel better when you walk into the room — and how he’s working to build that across his team. If you’ve ever thought about how to bring more connection into your leadership, while still holding expectations and driving results, this episode offers a clear, real-world example of what that can look like.   Show Notes: Connect with Bob Schon on LinkedIn |  Connect with Kamaria Scott on LinkedIn | managermomentum.com

What would you tell yourself on day one as a manager? In this episode, Kamaria sits down with Kaitlyn Rios — a Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified wound specialist, and VP of Clinical Business Development — who has climbed from her first supervisory role all the way to leading national teams across startups, corporations, and privately held organizations. Kaitlyn gets candid about what no one told her stepping into leadership, starting with a revelation that still makes her laugh: she didn't realize her new role actually meant leading people. From there, the conversation gets real about the four jobs every manager is actually doing at once, the burnout that comes when people leadership becomes an afterthought, and why protecting your calendar isn't just a time management tip — it's a survival strategy. Kamaria and Kaitlyn also dig into the support systems that hold good managers together, why trust is the foundation of any meaningful leadership relationship, and what it looks and feels like to create a team culture where people truly feel safe to take risks and grow. Whether you're brand new to management or a seasoned leader, this one is a candid trip down memory lane with hard-won lessons you can use today.   Show Notes: Connect with Kaitlyn Rios on LinkedIn |  Connect with Kamaria Scott on LinkedIn | managermomentum.com

What does it mean to be a manager when you’re the only one in your business? In this episode of Manager to Manager, host Kamaria Scott sits down with Lauren Gibson, Founder of Letters Launched and writer of the Connections newsletter, to explore what happens when creative entrepreneurs become people leaders for the first time. Lauren shares the real lessons she’s learned from hiring — and letting go of — virtual assistants, balancing delegation with direction, and discovering that being “the first manager” is as much about mindset as it is about skill. Together, she and Kamaria unpack how the fundamentals of leadership apply just as powerfully to solopreneurs as to corporate managers. This conversation explores how entrepreneurs can: Shift from doing the work to leading the work when building their first team Hire for outcomes, not hours — and design fair, value-based relationships with contractors Create structure through simple routines, one-on-ones, and clear expectations Recognize when to seek an “architect,” not a “carpenter,” to bring their vision to life Build sustainable momentum by managing people, not just processes Lauren reminds us that growth doesn’t just come from scaling revenue — it comes from learning to lead well. Whether you’re a founder hiring your first assistant, a creative building a small team, or a manager rethinking what leadership looks like in the new world of work, this episode offers relatable, real-world insights to help you manage with clarity and care. Show Notes: Connect with Lauren Gibson on LinkedIn | Subscribe to her newsletter Connections  Connect with Kamaria Scott on LinkedIn | managermomentum.com

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.