The People Mentor Podcast

You make the point. Nothing. Ten minutes later, someone else says almost the same thing, and the whole room starts nodding. Does this sound like something you have experienced?Influence has nothing to do with your job title, and in this episode, I want to prove it to you.This week I'm looking at the hardest one: your peers. The people alongside you. The ones you might even be quietly competing with for the same next step. You cannot pull rank with them, so if you want them on your side, you have to earn it a different way.In this episode, I cover:Why waiting for a promotion before you start influencing people is costing you more than you realiseThe difference between authority and influence, and why only one of them can actually be built right nowExpert power and why competence alone will only get you so farHow to frame your ideas in a way that lands with different types of peopleWhat real rapport looks like (and why the performed kind will backfire on you)A story from early in my career that changed how I think about all of thisIf you have ever felt like you are saying the right things and nobody is listening, this one is for you.You can find out more about The Manager's Academy here: https://6c35-thepeoplementor.systeme.io/the_managers_academy_membershipMentioned in this episode:BiteSize Brilliance: Managing People Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.Bitesize Brilliance: Managing People Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.

Most managers prepare what they're going to say before a difficult conversation. Nina Ketel says that's exactly where it goes wrong. Lead with curiosity, not conclusions. And it changes everything.Nina Ketel spent over 13 years leading teams in local authority before moving into coaching. She now helps people rebuild their confidence after some of life's harder chapters — redundancy, divorce, illness, returning to work after raising a family.But what makes this conversation so good is that Nina brings both sides of the table. She knows what it feels like to sit in the manager's chair without a rulebook. And she knows what it feels like to walk back into a workplace having lost yourself along the way.We talk about what great managers actually do differently, why people don't lose their ability when their confidence takes a knock (they just lose sight of it), and the single biggest mistake managers make when they're trying to have a difficult conversation — preparing what to say instead of what to ask.Nina also shares the story behind her memoir, The £30,000 Lesson, and the What's Next programme she's running at a Women's Centre in Stockport, supporting women rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse.It's a conversation full of real insight, real experience, and the kind of practical wisdom you can take straight into work with you.

What happens when the part of you that speaks up, pushes back, and advocates for yourself goes quiet? In this more personal episode, Nicola shares her own experience of losing her professional voice during a difficult chapter in her life, the pattern she sees again and again in the managers and leaders she works with, and what it actually looks like to find your voice again. For anyone who's noticed themselves going quiet at work, or anyone leading someone who has.

Most managers think they have a skills problem. What they actually have is a habit problem, and it is running underneath everything they do without them noticing.My guest this week is Doug Stoddard, a neuroscience and habit-breaking expert and the creator of Legacy360 Leadership. Doug coaches leaders from CEOs of large organisations right down to people managing a team of four or five, and his work comes from somewhere very few leadership coaches can claim. He built multiple businesses, went through a devastating bankruptcy, and then spent 9 years after that hitting the same walls over and over before he understood what was really going on.Doug explains what happens in the brain when someone becomes reactive, why unmet expectations sit behind so much of the behaviour you are seeing in your teams, and why your brain attaches your ideas to your sense of self-worth. That last part is why a straightforward disagreement at work turns personal so quickly.He also shares the story of a team member responsible for around $600,000 of revenue. Technically excellent, but the moment he felt his work was not being valued, he fired off emails that did real damage to client relationships. What changed things was not a training course. It was working out why he responded that way in the first place.I share something of my own in this one too, about what I learned when I was in hospital three years ago and my own hypervigilant thinking was getting in the way of recovering.What you will take awayWhy what you are not aware of becomes very expensive, in Doug's words, and what that costs a business in practice.The three things you have to identify before any behaviour actually shifts. Awareness that it is happening, the words going through your head, and the story or identity underneath it.Why the subconscious only thinks in either/or, and how to spot that language in yourself and in the people you manage.Why assessments that hand someone a permanent label are part of the problem rather than the solution.About DougDoug Stoddard is a neuroscience and habit breaking expert and the creator of Legacy360 Leadership. He has spent more than a decade helping leaders get to the root of what is driving their behaviour rather than managing the symptoms.Website: dougstoddard.comSchedule Call Here:https://link.dougstoddard.com/widget/booking/APh7KuyxUVLfZXGUAFy0 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougstoddard1/About meI am Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor. I have spent over 40 years working with managers, and most of what I get called in to sort out is not really a process problem. It is a people problem, usually involving a manager who was promoted without proper preparation.If you are responsible for a layer of managers and the same escalations keep landing back on your desk, The Manager's Academy is my CPD-accredited monthly membership built to give them the practical skills nobody taught them.Find out more: https://thepeoplementor.co.uk/the-managers-academy/ Book a virtual cuppa with me: https://thepeoplementor.trafft.com/services/virtual-cuppa Get in touch: hello@thepeoplementor.co.ukIf this episode was useful, please leave a rating or review. It genuinely helps other managers find the show.Mentioned in this episode:BiteSize Brilliance: Managing People Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.Bitesize Brilliance: Managing People Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.

If you've been feeling that bone-deep tiredness that comes with leading a team, you might assume it's your workload. In this episode, Nicola Richardson explores why leadership fatigue is so often misdiagnosed and why the real culprit is usually the conversations you haven't had yet.From the performance issue that's been skirted around for months, to the feedback you keep rehearsing in your head but never quite deliver, Nicola unpacks why managers avoid difficult conversations (hint: it's not weakness, it's a skills gap), what that avoidance is actually costing you, and three practical things you can do to start carrying less.Mentioned in this episode:Bitesize Brilliance: Managing People Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.BiteSize Brilliance: Managing People Most managers were never actually taught how to manage. They were brilliant at their job, got promoted, and then found themselves responsible for a team with no real preparation for what that means. This podcast is for them. Bite Size Brilliance: Managing People is hosted by Nicola Richardson, founder of The People Mentor, with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and people management. Each episode is short, practical, and designed to give you something you can actually use - whether you're dealing with a difficult conversation you've been putting off, trying to get the best out of your team, or just feeling the weight of managing people and wondering if it's supposed to feel this hard. Episodes alternate between solo episodes where Nicola shares her expertise directly, and honest conversations with guests who know what it's like to lead people in the real world. No theory for theory's sake. No corporate fluff. Just real, useful insight for real managers.

In this episode of The People Mentor Podcast, Nicola Richardson explores how to have honest, respectful return-to-work conversations when employees prefer remote working.She shares how to balance business needs with empathy, why blanket rules can damage trust, and how listening and flexibility help rebuild engagement after change. Nicola also offers practical ways to handle resistance, frame the conversation around shared goals, and support employees through the transition back to the workplace.Whether you're a manager or business owner, this episode gives you tools to navigate return-to-office discussions with confidence, clarity, and care.

When caring too much starts to cost you clarity.Empathy is one of the greatest strengths a leader can have.But when it turns into over-caring, avoidance, or guilt, it can quietly hold you back.In this episode, I explore why empathetic leaders often struggle most with being direct, how it manifests in everyday conversations, and the small shifts that turn empathy into clarity rather than compromise.You'll learn practical ways to balance compassion with courage, so you can speak your mind without compromising your humanity.

Tired of workplace finger-pointing destroying your team? Discover why blame culture spreads like wildfire through organisations and how smart leaders flip it into ownership. Discover the neuroscience behind blame, recognise the warning signs, and acquire practical tools to transform toxic conversations into trust-building moments. Perfect for managers and senior leaders who want to stop firefighting and start leading with confidence.

Managing Managers for the First TimeI thought this would be just like leading my old team, but bigger. I was so wrong.If This Sounds Like You, This Episode Is Essential:❌ Your old success moves now create bottlenecks❌ Direct instructions that used to work are failing❌ You feel like you're failing at everything❌ Your confidence has been knocked sideways❌ You're drowning in detail instead of leadingThe Uncomfortable TruthManaging managers isn't a scaled-up version of your old job. It's an entirely different game - and most leaders are thrown into it without a roadmap.What You'll Learn✅ The identity shift that's messing with your head✅ Why you're avoiding the conversations you need to have✅ The four critical mistakes every new leader makes✅ Your inner critic voices and how they're sabotaging you✅ The reframe that changes everythingPerfect If You're:Recently promoted to manage other managersFeeling overwhelmed and out of your depthMissing the days when you "just got things done"Ready to stop struggling and start leading with confidenceThis episode could be the turning point that helps you see this transition for what it truly is and gives you the clarity to navigate it successfully.

Your workplace conversations are broken. I'm here to fix them.In this episode, I'm tackling something that is often overlooked - your workplace culture.Not the glossy values stuck on your website. I'm talking about the authentic culture -the one your team experiences every single day.You'll discover why you can prep your words perfectly, but if your culture is built on fear or silence, those words won't land. I'll show you how toxic culture kills conversations before they start, and what healthy cultures do differently. I'll share real examples of how small cultural shifts can transform even the most challenging conversations.Because here's what I know after years of working with leaders - when culture is healthy, even the most difficult conversations feel possible.Ready to create a culture where honesty thrives and every conversation counts?Hit subscribe, and let's fix this together.New episodes every week. Perfect for leaders who want results, not excuses.

That stomach-dropping feeling when someone asks for just five minutes of your time? The way you end up hiding in staff toilets just to get a moment's peace? You're not alone.In this episode, I dive into the real reason managers struggle to say no at work - and it's not what you think. It's not about being too nice or lacking assertiveness. The truth is, poor boundaries are actually stopping you from having the conversations that matter most.I share why those tiny "yes" moments are stealing your energy from the big stuff - like addressing performance issues, team conflicts, and the difficult decisions that make the difference between a struggling team and a thriving one.You'll discover:

One of the most awkward situations you'll face as a senior manager is when staff come to you complaining about their boss. After 33 years of managing teams, I know this one inside and out, having been on both sides of it.These complaints can spiral into massive problems if you get them wrong. Team morale suffers, and productivity declines. But you can sort them out if you know what you're doing.I'll provide you with the practical steps you need when someone raises concerns about their manager - what to do first, how to conduct a proper investigation, and how to maintain relationships throughout the entire process.Because how you handle these situations shows your team what kind of leader you really are.When you get it right, you build trust. When you get it wrong, you lose good people.

Being the strong one at work might win you praise, but it comes at a hidden cost. In this episode, I unpack what it really takes to continuously hold it together, why it quietly drains leaders, and how to shift from carrying everyone else's weight to leading with steadiness that doesn't burn you out.If you've ever felt like you can't let the cracks show, this one's for you.

Some team members sulk when things don't go their way.It's draining. It slows everyone down. And it tests your patience.In this episode, I share how to spot the signs early, why ignoring them makes things worse, and the practical steps you can take to turn the mood around without losing control.If you've ever had to manage someone who retreats into silence or passive resistance, this is for you.Listen in and take away strategies you can use straight away.

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a half-hearted "sorry"?You know the type. The apology that leaves you feeling worse than before.In this episode, I'm breaking down why apologies go wrong. And how to say sorry in a way that rebuilds trust.If you lead a team, work with clients, or ever find yourself saying, "I didn't mean to upset you," this one's for you.

Feeling stuck or worn down by all the changes in your career? In this episode of No Room for Fluff: The Workplace Edit, I explore how to build long-term career resilience, so you can stay grounded, keep growing and feel more in control no matter what work throws at you. From identifying your core values and strengths to practical tips on reflection, emotional intelligence and even financial resilience, this episode is packed with tools to help you bounce back stronger.

Feeling the pressure of a high-stakes transition at work? Whether you're juggling deadlines, stepping into a new role, or navigating difficult colleagues, this episode is your toolkit for staying calm, clear, and in control. Nicola shares practical strategies to manage stress, communicate with impact, and lead yourself through uncertain times, without burning out. Take a moment to tune in. You'll walk away with grounded insights, confidence resets, and a reminder that you're more capable than you think.

Have you ever had that one person who gets under your skin? The passive-aggressive emailer, the meeting hijacker, or the colleague who always plays the victim? In this episode of No Room for Fluff: The Workplace Edit, I'm breaking down what's really going on underneath the behaviour, and how to take back control without it becoming a drama. Whether you're a manager, business owner or leader, you'll get practical, clear tips to handle tricky personalities while keeping your cool.Listen now and learn how to lead with confidence, even whenemotions run high.

Ever felt tension in your team and thought, “Uh-oh, here we go”?Before you brace for conflict, pause.It might just be miscommunication.In this episode, I'm sharing the subtle signs to look for, what's going on in people's minds (including yours), and how to prevent misunderstandings before they escalate.If you've ever left a meeting thinking, “What just happened?”, this one's for you. Let's clear the air and get communication working for you, not against you.

In this episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the challenge of managing an underperforming team member when your boss undermines your efforts. She provides practical strategies for:- Documenting performance issues systematically- Having constructive conversations with underperforming employees - Creating and implementing effective Personal Improvement Plans (PIPs)- Dealing with a boss who wants to retain an underperformer- Handling ongoing underperformance a year after a completed PIPNicola offers step-by-step guidance on preparing for difficult conversations, setting clear performance goals, providing support, and navigating tricky situations with unsupportive management. Whether you are facing this issue or want to be prepared, this episode provides valuable insights for maintaining professional integrity while improving team performance.

Struggling with employee social media issues? In this must-listen episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the challenge of confronting staff about inappropriate online behaviour. You'll learn practical strategies for professionally addressing social media concerns, protecting your business, and strengthening team relationships. Discover how to turn awkward conversations into opportunities for growth using the COMPASS model. Whether you're dealing with a social media situation now or want to be prepared, this podcast provides the tools you need to navigate the digital minefield confidently. Don't miss these expert insights to become a more effective communicator and leader.

In this episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the thorny issue of being 'too nice' in the workplace. With her signature blend of warmth and straight-talking advice, Nicola explains why avoiding difficult conversations can hurt your business. She shares practical strategies for delivering constructive criticism effectively, including the powerful AID model. Whether you're struggling with an underperforming team member or want to create an open, honest communication culture, this podcast offers valuable insights. Nicola challenges listeners to shift from being merely nice to truly kind and effective leaders. Tune in to learn why sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your employees and your business is to have those tough conversations.

Nobody enjoys difficult conversations, and if you need to have such a conversation with your boss, it can intensify the feelings of dread and anxiety you might have. In this podcast, I share my tips and techniques for having successful, difficult conversations with your boss that will help improve your relationship.

Join Nicola from The People Mentor as she shares valuableinsights on creating an inclusive workplace for neurodiverse individuals. Learn practical strategies to support employees with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences during difficult conversations. Discover how small adjustments alongside empathy can lead to better communication, collaboration, and personal growth. Whether you're a manager or a colleague, this podcast offers actionable tips for creating a more understanding and supportive work environment.Tune in to enhance your leadership skills and positively impact your workplace!

Difficult conversations trigger our fight-or-flight response, so it's not surprising that managing emotions can feel difficult. In this episode of The People Mentor podcast, Nicola shares some strategies for staying calm, empathetic, and focused on constructive solutions.

If recent years have taught us anything, it's that you can never be too prepared for a crisis. But how prepared are you? How can you be the leader that people need in times of crisis so that everyone thrives instead of just surviving? In this podcast, I share some strategies for thriving in volatile times.

Compassionate leadership is badly needed in an increasingly stressful world. However, how do leaders balance compassion with strength and professionalism? I explore this, particularly in relation to difficult conversations.

You love your job. But the one thing that takes the shine off it is the office politics. The taking credit for people's work. The blame culture.The gossiping and the backbiting. It can really discourage people and affect performance, and it can even affect your integrity as a leader. Here's how you can navigate negative office politics while maintaining your integrity and positioning yourself as the leader people can trust.

What if I told you that the single most important factor in your success as a leader is knowing yourself? That understanding how you think and react can make you a more effective, compassionate, and innovative leader? This episode of The People Mentor podcast is all about mindful leadership and how to use this self-knowledge to be present and cultivate focus, clarity, creativity, and compassion.  

Welcome to my podcast, your go-to guide for leading with heart and results in high-pressure times. Today I am chatting about all things burnout prevention, handling tough conversations, and boosting team well-being. Peppered with actionable advice, expert insights, and a hearty dose of empathy, this is your essential toolkit to navigate leadership in burnout-intense times. 

Are you struggling to manage long-term employees who have become challenging in your business? In my latest podcast, I provide you with valuable strategies and insights on effectively navigating this situation. Discover how to unlock the potential of these employees, foster a positive work environment, and drive the continued success of your team. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform challenges into opportunities for growth! Check out the podcast now.

Looking to boost productivity in your SME team?  Look no further! My podcast, "How to Increase Productivity in Your SME Team to Achieve the Results You Want," is packed with actionable strategies to optimise your team's efficiency. Join me as I explore time management, effective delegation, and productivity that will help you achieve outstanding results in your business. Tune in and unlock the secrets to a high-performing team! ️ 

Today I'm sharing some insights today about building a powerful culture in your SME business.  A strong company culture is the secret sauce that can take your business to new heights. It's not just about having a cool office or fancy perks; it's about creating an environment where your employees can thrive, be engaged, and deliver their best work. And trust me, that's the kind of culture that attracts and retains top talent!Now, picture this: You stumble upon a small company called ABC Inc., specialising in IT project management. Sounds promising, right? But here's the plot twist – their culture is downright toxic and dysfunctional. Want to know more listen to the latest podcast. 

Can leadership skills be learned or are they innate? In this episode of The People Mentor podcast, I talk about whether leadership is in our nature or whether leadership skills can be nurtured. Here's my take on it. 

What impact do your leadership skills have on the performance of your team?In leadership, how you speak, how you act, and the decisions you make can have a direct effect on your employees, in positive and negative ways. In this podcast, we'll be looking at the leadership skills to develop for high-performing teams and the leadership behaviours you need to leave behind. 

Do you enter into a difficult conversation with the intention of ‘winning?' If you want a positive outcome, that's not the best way to go about it. The art of having successful difficult conversations is in finding common ground and a way forward that's acceptable to all parties. Here are my tips on how to get the best out of tough conversations. 

The benefits of having neurodiverse people on your team are increasingly being recognised. However, along with these benefits, there are challenges, one of which is communication. In this podcast, I'm looking at how to have a successful and productive conversation with a neurodiverse employee.  

Does your confidence as a manager of people need work?Behind every confident team is a confident manager. In this podcast, I'll be sharing tips on how to increase your confidence so that in turn, your team becomes happier, more innovative, and more productive. 

As a new manager, it's crucial you understand how to lead your team to success. Effective leadership has a far-reaching impact, not just on the immediate team, but on the overall business and its success. That's why I have pulled together in this podcast, 10 tips for new managers to help you get started on the right foot

Difficult conversations are challenging enough and holding them remotely adds another layer of difficulty. There's more room for misunderstanding and feelings getting hurt, not to mention the difficulties that trying to read body language when you're not in the same room can bring. Here's why I think holding difficult conversations virtually is never a good idea. 

Managers in SME businesses tend to wear a lot of hats. In the space of a day, they deal with daily trivia as well as the higher-level strategic stuff and coordinating all the different parts of the business. All of that against a backdrop of constant and sometimes seismic change. It's a balancing act that requires the right leadership skills. But what leadership skills are most important in SMEs?

Nobody likes delivering bad news. But how do you deliver bad news without upsetting the whole team? In this podcast, I look at how delivering bad news successfully is all in your approach and give you some examples of scenarios and how to deal with them. 

How meaningful are the conversations you have at work? How can you go from superficial small talk and dancing around the real issues to talking about what matters the most at work? In this podcast, I look at how to make your conversations more meaningful, and how you can use them to create that welcoming and productive culture in your team. 

What is your worst fear about difficult conversations? For many people, it's the fear that they'll lose control of their emotions. They worry they'll storm out, get angry, or start crying. While it can be tough to keep your cool during an intense conversation, it is possible to have difficult conversations at work without crying. Here's how. 

What is the key to handling those crucial conversations better? Is radical candour the way forward? In this podcast, I look at some approaches to dealing with difficult conversations to get the best outcome for you and for the other person. 

Managing relationships with team members can be tricky at the best of times, but what about when you add managing people you consider as friends to the mix? This podcast looks at how to navigate the difficult conversations and situations that can arise. 

The state of your working relationships can be an important factor in whether you are happy and productive at work, or not. When a co-worker undermines you it can make you feel isolated and excluded at best. At worst, it can affect your mental health and even make you want to leave your role. So what should you do when a co-worker undermines you? 

Have you ever had a personal relationship at work? We all spend a lot of time at work so it's inevitable that relationships will happen. Today's podcast looks at whether managers need to get involved in such a private thing and what to do when relationships at work become a problem. 

The death of someone close is always painful and can spill over into the workplace. As a manager and leader knowing how to support your team member can seem hard and often the person's grief is acknowledged when they return to the office and then a few days later forgotten.This podcast looks at what we need to do to support our team members in the workplace 

Whatever team you have there will be a point when a team member has personal problems.  How to support the team member is a key question for managers and leaders.