Quick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders Grow
The Quick Take podcast provides concise and actionable tips to help executives and leaders, like you, tackle the thorny and complex challenges that affect us daily. By leveraging their experience and relationship with other global leaders, our hosts provide suggestions that are based on their deep experience as leaders and coaches but also pressure tested in boardrooms everywhere because they asked their friends….(almost). Hosted by James Capps and Susie Tomenchok. Episodes release weekly on Thursdays.
Quick Take | Tips to Help Executives and Leaders Grow
Leading from the Middle: Influence, Motivation, and Managing Up
Middle managers are often the most overlooked—and overloaded—leaders in an organization. Caught between executive pressure and team expectations, they’re expected to influence without authority, stay motivated under stress, and manage up, down, and sideways. So how do you actually thrive in the middle?
In this episode, Susie and James shine a light on the unique challenges and potential of the middle layer. They explore how this group quietly drives results, holds critical relationships, and often shapes culture more than anyone else. With stories, research, and tactical advice, this conversation will shift the way you think about middle management—whether you’re in it, supporting it, or leading it.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- Why middle managers are often the most powerful yet underutilized layer in a company.
- How to give middle leaders the tools, space, and boundaries they need to lead effectively.
- What it looks like to model leadership that motivates and empowers from the center.
Join the Conversation:
Are you leading from the middle—or supporting those who do? What have you learned about navigating the pressures and potential of this role? We’d love to hear your take.
CONNECT WITH SUSIE:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susietomenchok/
CONNECT WITH JAMES:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/capps/
