A survival-guide podcast for the new or first-time manager, having been promoted from technical specialist to leading people. Teaching you how to swim, so you don't sink!
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In this episode, Ross interviews Chris Graham, a communication expert, about the essential presentation skills that new managers need to develop. They discuss the importance of feedback, the transition from technical roles to management, and the significance of connecting with an audience. Chris emphasizes the dangers of 'death by PowerPoint' and the value of humor in presentations. He also shares insights on managing filler words and the importance of being genuine in communication.
Takeaways
Feedback is crucial for effective management.
Presentation skills are essential for new managers.
Connecting with your audience is key to effective communication.
Death by PowerPoint can shatter audience unity.
Humor can enhance presentations if it fits your personality.
Filler words are a normal part of conversation.
The audience doesn't know your script, so don't panic if you miss a point.
Be sincere and honest in your presentations.
Your role is to serve the audience, not the other way around.
About Chris
Chris Graham teaches lawyers and other professionals how to connect with their clients and teams. Since 2016, he’s trained over 15,000 people at North America’s leading law firms, large and small companies, government agencies, and charities. In 2022, Chris was Head of Speaker Coaching at TEDxToronto, Canada’s largest TEDx event.
Prior to founding TellPeople, Chris worked at one the world’s top banking law firms (Sullivan & Cromwell LLP) and one of Canada’s top Indigenous rights law firms (Pape & Salter LLP).
He studied at Oxford University, University of Toronto Law School, and Acadia University, and is a graduate of the stand-up comedy program at The Second City in Toronto.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
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In this episode, Ross and Michele de Kreek discuss the critical role of change management for new managers. They explore the importance of understanding human behavior in the context of organizational change, the necessity of leadership alignment, and the significance of communication in facilitating change. Michele emphasizes that resistance to change is natural and can be transformed into positive energy. The conversation also highlights when new managers should seek external help for change management and the evolving nature of change in today's fast-paced environment.
Takeaways
Change management is about moving people from an as-is to a to-be state.
Understanding human behavior is crucial in change management.
Resistance is natural and indicates energy in the system.
Leadership alignment is essential for engaged employees.
Transparent communication helps address fears and resistance.
Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and safety.
Change management should be seen as a strategic enabler.
Change is not just a project; it's an ongoing process.
The pace of change is accelerating in today's organizations.
About Michele:
Michele specializes in holistic transformation programs. As Director of Up Time consulting, the focus is on driving people-first strategies, combining expertise in project change management, strategy, and leadership coaching to deliver impactful organizational outcomes, with a strong commitment to innovation and excellence in change management.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Personal Branding for Professional Success
Season 2 · Episode 9
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 28:38
In this episode, Ross interviews Randall Craig, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, about the importance of personal branding for professional success. They discuss the definition of personal branding, the significance of authenticity, and how to build trust in professional relationships. Randall shares insights on navigating the balance between personal and professional brands, emphasizing the need for consistency and authenticity in one's actions. The conversation concludes with strategies for long-term brand building and the importance of being true to oneself in all professional interactions.
Takeaways
Personal brand is what people say about you behind your back.
Your brand is a combination of what people see, how you act, and what you represent.
Authenticity is key to a strong personal brand.
Trust is built through consistent interactions and relationships.
Every touchpoint can either build or diminish trust.
Long-term brand building requires consistent performance.
Writing and reflecting on experiences can help solidify your brand.
About Randall:
Randall Craig has founded several successful start-ups, held a long-time position at a “big-four” consulting firm, and was a senior executive at an American public company. Randall is currently the CEO of the Braintrust Professional Institute, where he helps organizations build, grow, and solve some of their most challenging problems.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
The Power of KPI's and OKR's
Season 2 · Episode 8
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 25:45
In this episode, Ross interviews Gary Meyer, a partner at Attention, discussing the challenges new managers face around KPIs and OKRs. Gary shares insights from his own management journey, emphasizing the importance of aligning KPIs with business objectives and the potential pitfalls of poorly defined metrics. The conversation explores how new managers can implement effective goal-setting strategies, even in environments lacking clear direction, and highlights the significance of collaboration in achieving team objectives.
Takeaways
Management often lacks formal training, leading to self-taught experiences.
KPIs can feel arbitrary and disconnected from actual business goals.
A significant portion of employees may disregard KPIs altogether.
OKRs provide a framework for aligning team efforts with business objectives.
Effective management requires clear communication of goals from the top down.
Binary objectives are essential for measuring success accurately.
Many companies fail to communicate their objectives effectively to all levels.
Tools for managing OKRs and KPIs are readily available and affordable.
New managers should actively engage in defining their KPIs with their teams.
Documenting processes helps managers protect their interests and clarify objectives.
About Gary
Having started in the marketing industry 20 years ago, Gary Meyer has a reputation for pushing the envelope through creative and digital strategy. He displays leadership through a unique lens - making an impact based on the unexpected. Never taking the easy route means Gary has been successful during key strategic moments throughout his career, including building a 30+ strong agency from the humble starting grounds of his dining room table. His ability to make objective key decisions for his business and clients alike, led to his recognition at the African Independents Awards 40 under 40 list, and has supported the revenue growth for clients across the globe such as Nespresso, Panasonic , TATA Motors, Virgin Atlantic, and Heineken. During his appointment as Senior Vice President and Head of Digital at Proof Strategies in Toronto Canada, Gary drove the digital marketing strategy for Canadian Red Cross, Webber Naturals, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Loblaw (PC Health).
Onboarding to Foreverboarding
Season 2 · Episode 7
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • Duration 32:34
In this episode, Ross Saunders speaks with Marc Haine about the concept of 'Forever Boarding' as a transformative approach to employee engagement. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional onboarding processes, the importance of ongoing support and communication, and the need for managers to evolve into coaching roles. Marc emphasizes the significance of understanding employee journeys, recognizing disengagement, and fostering a sense of community within organizations to enhance workplace culture and retention.
Takeaways
People stay because they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Onboarding should be an ongoing process, not a finite one.
Employees evolve, and so should our management approach.
Engaged participants can become ambassadors for the organization.
Managers should focus on coaching rather than just managing.
Regular communication is crucial for team dynamics.
Curiosity and service should guide management practices.
Creating a sense of community reduces interpersonal conflicts.
Accountability to each other enhances workplace culture.
About Marc:
With over 35 years of experience in hospitality and service-based industries, Marc Haine knows one thing for sure: people don’t stay because of perks—they stay because they feel seen, heard, and valued. As a keynote speaker and membership engagement strategist, Marc helps organizations and associations turn casual participants into committed ambassadors.
Marc is the author of Lights! Camera! Action! and host of the podcast Marc Haine Live, where he empowers leaders to rethink how they build connection—from the inside out. His work blends storytelling, humour, and actionable strategy to help teams ignite engagement, elevate culture, and build lasting loyalty.
Marc works with organizations to strengthen engagement, boost retention, and create transformative experiences that stick.
Whether it’s for team leaders, business owners, or association executives, Marc delivers insights that shift perspective—and strategies that stick.
In this episode, Ross Saunders speaks with Vivian Lee, Director of Education and Strategy for ODLAN, about the unique challenges and strategies in nonprofit leadership. They discuss the importance of diverse teams, the impact of funding cycles, and the necessity of understanding political landscapes. Vivian shares insights on building a positive workplace culture and effective management practices for new leaders, emphasizing the importance of communication and appreciation. The conversation also highlights ODLAN's mission to support LGBTQIA+ communities through digital literacy and safety programs.
Takeaways
Diverse teams enhance problem-solving and creativity.
Understanding the grant cycle is crucial for nonprofit sustainability.
Political changes can significantly impact nonprofit funding.
Consistent communication fosters trust and team cohesion.
Positive reinforcement should be amplified in management.
Building relationships is key to a healthy workplace culture.
New managers should prioritize knowing their team members.
Empathy and authenticity are vital in leadership.
About Vivian
Vivian is Director of Education and Strategy for ODLAN, the Open Digital Literacy and Access Network. She is an Education Management Specialist and is Skilled in Integrated Technology Education, Curriculum Development, Educational Policy, and Executive Management. She is actively working through a Doctorate in Educational Policy on Digital Citizenship Curriculum Policy at the University of Toronto, and holds a Masters of Education focused in ESL Education from Temple University Japan.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
The How of Hiring
Season 2 · Episode 5
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 • Duration 27:26
In this episode of 'This Is Not What I Signed Up For', Ross Saunders shares his insights on the hiring process, emphasizing the importance of finding 'A players' for management roles. He discusses the top grading methodology, the significance of resume evaluation, screening interviews, technical interviews, and the importance of reference checks. Ross provides practical tips and personal anecdotes to help new managers navigate the complexities of hiring effectively.
Takeaways
Resume evaluation is crucial for assessing attention to detail.
Screening interviews should focus on career goals and fit.
Technical interviews should assess both hard and soft skills.
Understanding a candidate's past experiences is vital.
Performance management is key before considering termination.
Reference checks should involve direct hiring managers.
Hiring A players makes management easier and more effective.
About your host, Ross:
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Ownership in Management
Season 2 · Episode 4
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 30:28
In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Patric Trollope, the CTO of D6 Group, discussing the complexities of leadership in the education technology sector. They explore the importance of ownership, the pitfalls of setting expectations, and the necessity of active listening in effective management. Patric shares insights on how to navigate challenges, the shift from being an executor to a leader, and the significance of communication in fostering agreements within teams. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt quickly to changes and to take responsibility for their teams' outcomes.
Takeaways
Expectations can set people up to fail.
Agreements foster better communication than expectations.
Active listening is crucial for effective leadership.
Plans are assumptions, not facts; be ready to pivot.
Communication is key in managing agreements.
Leaders must rely on their teams to execute tasks.
Tactical empathy helps in understanding team dynamics.
You are accountable for everything as a leader.
Don't be the victim when things go wrong; own the situation.
About Patric
Patric is a web technologist of 20 years, who has spent the last 10 years leading people to build products that make an impact in education management. As a strategic leader and problem-solver, he has guided teams to develop high-performing distributed systems, serving over 1 million monthly active users. With expertise in cloud computing, SaaS, and software architecture, he’s also a skilled communicator who bridges the gap between technology and business.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Leading with Laughter
Season 2 · Episode 3
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • Duration 25:51
In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Michael Kerr, a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker, about the importance of humor and culture in leadership. They discuss how a positive workplace culture is crucial for success, the role of managers in shaping that culture, and the impact of humor on team dynamics. Michael emphasizes the need for leaders to be champions of their culture and to create a sense of belonging and safety for their teams. The conversation highlights the significance of being intentional about culture and the benefits of incorporating humor into leadership practices.
Takeaways
Culture is the number one competitive advantage for any business.
Leaders must think of themselves as culture leaders.
Humor can significantly enhance workplace culture and team dynamics.
Creating a sense of belonging is essential for employee engagement.
Leaders should model the values they want to see in their teams.
Micro cultures exist within larger organizational cultures.
Ignoring team culture can lead to demoralized employees.
Positive humor fosters trust and approachability in leaders.
Workplace culture affects employee well-being and performance.
Fun at work should be a daily practice, not just a special occasion.
About Michael:
Michael Kerr is a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker who writes and speaks about inspiring workplace cultures, leadership, and businesses that leverage their humour resources to drive outrageous results.
He is the author of nine books including, "The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are Laughing All the Way to the Bank," "The Jerk-Free Workplace," and most recently, "Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results."
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
It's a Trap! New Leader Pitfalls
Season 2 · Episode 2
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • Duration 30:39
In this episode, Ross Saunders and Vava Kolinski discuss the challenges faced by first-time managers, focusing on key pitfalls such as the importance of empowerment in decision-making, the dangers of overthinking, and the necessity of clear communication. Vava shares his personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively while fostering an authentic and supportive team environment.
Takeaways:
Empowerment from leadership is crucial for new managers.
Authenticity in leadership fosters a positive team culture.
Delays in decision-making can erode trust and relationships.
Overthinking can paralyze decision-making and impact mental health.
Clear and direct communication is essential for effective management.
Mistakes are part of the learning process; embrace them.
Building a supportive team environment is a key managerial responsibility.
Surrounding yourself with experts enhances decision-making.
Trust is built through honesty and transparency.
Recruitment is about growing people, not just filling positions.
About Vava:
Vava is the Director of Access and Privacy for LCBO, and is a person that stands out as a great leader! The way he talks about his teams is consistently amazing and warm. Having had many teams related discussions with him, I really wanted to have him the podcast for everyone’s benefit!
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
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Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Ross started his management career by being promoted from technical specialist to manager of a global team. This was not an easy transition at first but it blossomed into an exciting management career spanning over a decade in corporate and enterprise software environments. Ross has managed development teams, technical teams, call centres, and entire software divisions across several countries.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
Enjoyed the episode? Sign up for my newsletter on www.thisisnotwhatisignedupfor.com to get blog posts, new episodes, eCourses, and other content as it's released.
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