Management Material

Catherine Van Der Laan

Welcome to Management Material.
My name is Catherine Van Der Laan. I started my career at the bottom as an assistant and worked my way up to become the boss’s boss in 8 years. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that what got you to where you are now won’t get you to where you want to be.
This podcast is for top performers who want to be amazing managers. I’ve coached lots of talented people to get them from entry-level to recognized top performers to new managers to seasoned executives. I challenge deeply held beliefs and change how people see the world.
Management is all about leadership. The best managers were developed leaders long before they had any direct reports.
Here's one thing that most people won't tell you: Management is a skill. Management is a skill you can learn, just like the hard skills that got you to where you are now.
Management Material is about developing you into the best manager you can be. Let’s turn YOU into management material.

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Top 10 Management Material Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Management Material episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Management Material for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Management Material episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Servant Leadership: Humility is a Key Trait of Amazing Managers

Management Material

11/01/21 • 17 min

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Lots of people think that you need to be intimidating or the smartest nut in the carton to be a respected leader. That’s not true.
I’ve worked for really intelligent, horrible people who clearly only cared about their reputations and themselves.
I’ve also worked for really intelligent, humble people who you wouldn’t know at first glance were leading a billion-dollar company. Which one would you want to work for?
If you were a leader, which person would you promote?
The one who couldn’t be bothered to help out, because he thinks it’s beneath him or the one who gladly lends a hand when there’s something that needs to be done?
If you want to be a people manager, you’re signing up for a big job. You’re signing up to lead a group of people, not just strategically and as a liaison between individual contributors and senior management, but also as the #1 person who cares for the needs of that group of people.
You need to have the company’s priorities as your priorities, but it means seeing what isn’t seen.
Managers need to see what’s missing, what’s not being done, and figure out a way to fill that in.
Senior leaders know that. They also know that an amazing manager is one who genuinely cares about the people they’re leading.
So be that person now and PROVE that you have those qualities by being a servant leader in your sphere. Help out when it’s needed. Do the grunt work that might be beneath your station. Help people.
Pair servant leadership with some other amazing skills I’d be happy to teach you, and you’ll be well on your way to being thought of as management material.
If you're looking to get some KEY VISIBILITY while working remote, then join our exclusive webinar, Networking for Visibility While Remote.
Sign up at the link below. We're meeting on Thursday, November 11 at 11 AM Eastern.
http://www.wixevents.com/viewEvent/b7853328-0997-4745-ae80-a806c3d4d5e3

Book a complimentary management coaching conversation at https://calendly.com/catherine-vanderlaan/free-60-minute-leadership-consultation
Email me at [email protected] to ask a question or get in touch.
Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/managementmaterialcoaching
Find out more about Management and Leadership Coaching at https://managementmaterialcoaching.com/

Steering Through Uncertainty: Strategies for Inspiring and Re-Engaging Your Team

Management Material

03/26/24 • 24 min

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Unlock the secrets to revitalizing your team's passion and productivity with me, Catherine Van Der Laan, as we navigate the storm of today's workplace challenges.
In this episode, I share my personal journey and the strategies that have transformed teams facing the threat of financial instability and job insecurity. You'll learn about the three-step process that can shift your team's focus from fear to flourishing—a method that has proven vital in my own leadership experiences during times of layoffs and reorganizations. Discover the importance of personal connection and how genuine engagement with both people and goals can create a resilient and motivated workforce.
Leadership isn't just about managing—it's about inspiring and aligning your team towards a common vision.
This conversation goes beyond theories as I provide practical advice on managing stress, leading empathetically, and harnessing personal growth to build a proactive team environment.
We'll explore overcoming the 'amygdala hijack', career mapping, and the immense value of helping others as a pathway to sharpen your own leadership skills.
If you're ready to take the helm and steer your team towards a culture of engagement and professional progress, grab your headphones, and let's set sail together.

Leadership: Take the Blame, Lend the Credit

Management Material

11/21/22 • 17 min

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Today’s topic is about real leadership that inspires people but is super hard on the manager.
Taking the blame and lending the credit is a tough thing. That means taking the fall when a project doesn’t go well or your team doesn’t make its numbers AND talking your team up, giving the right person credit when your team does super well.
Would you follow a leader if you thought they would badmouth you to their bosses? Even if you made a mistake, would you follow a leader who blamed you for it? I know I wouldn’t.
Learn more about becoming a leader people want to follow in this episode.

Leading Around Indecisive Leaders: A Lesson in Tact

Management Material

10/17/22 • 14 min

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A few years ago, I was a defacto leader on a team and I had a boss who was super indecisive. I’m not sure I blamed him, because his boss was indecisive as well and it was a VERY political company.
Our guy in charge - our guy in the chief officer position at the time was very much a bully. People would leave meetings with him in TEARS and some would throw up from anxiety before meetings with him. In any case, my boss was twice removed and his boss was afraid of this guy. That paralyzed our whole department. We couldn’t make a decision because of fear.

That doesn’t sound like a good situation, right?

Well – here’s a quick aside - I honestly didn’t care if I was fired, because my husband and I were totally out of debt and had what we called FU money. That’s money we could rely on to tide us over until I found another job.
If that sounds like something you want to build, go to saverstreet.com and book a complimentary consultation. Let’s build your FU money so you can leave your toxic workplace.
I decided that the toxic culture needed to change, I needed to get people to make a friggen decision and fund my projects... or don’t. I just needed to know. I’m still a little salty about it. Can you tell? It was a bit of an uphill battle and I made some mistakes.
Let me tell you what I learned about leading a team when management is indecisive.

Getting Close With Your Team: Build Trust Over Time

Management Material

02/28/22 • 18 min

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Joining a new team can feel exciting, terrifying, inspiring, overwhelming, and stressful.
Most people will focus on building relationships with their new team members... which can sometimes go wrong.
In this podcast episode, we talk about how to get close with your new team members, how it can go wrong, and how it can go well.
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If you'd like to join the beta test for The Promotion Handbook, let me know by emailing me at [email protected]. I'd love to help you get promoted into a new role!

You’re Always Creating: People are Partners, Not Obstacles

Management Material

11/29/21 • 14 min

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Getting to management can feel pretty cutthroat for a lot of people. It's a race and only one person can win the ONE open management position.
Your hopes are high. You really want that job. And so do other people.
So what do you do?
The person who gets the job will learn the mindset shift that we discuss here.
You're always creating relationships and those relationships will help you. The people who want that management job are NOT your obstacles; they're your partners.
Make friends. Build partnerships. You're always creating relationships every single time you interact: partners or obstacles.
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If you're looking to join the Aspiring Manager's Group, learn more at the link below. I hope to see you there!
https://www.saverstreet.com/samgc

Thriving in Your Career Despite a Micromanaging Boss: Strategies for Growth and Visibility

Management Material

11/24/21 • 19 min

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Struggling with a micromanaging boss? You're not alone.
Join me, Catherine Van Der Laan, as we tackle the pressing issue of staying afloat and excelling in your career despite an overbearing supervisor.
Through the story of Linda, a financial analyst hampered by her manager's tight reins, we delve into the art of being 'excellent out loud' and strategically building a network of allies to keep your achievements in the spotlight.
This conversation is about equipping you with the tools to find projects that beam your potential across the company and securing your growth and visibility, irrespective of who's calling the shots.
It's a jungle out there, but seizing the right opportunities can be your path to career evolution.
If you're eyeing a management role, you'll appreciate our discussion on a special development group and the significance of connecting within your company for those career-boosting projects. We're breaking down the walls of restraint by taking initiative and aligning with company goals—sometimes without explicit permission.
My door at Management Material Coaching is wide open for those looking for a more personalized map to navigate these waters. Let's make your next career move bold, and don't forget to hit us with your feedback on iTunes—it's the compass that guides our journey.

Don't Sacrifice Your Work-Life Balance: Work Back Down to 35 Hours Per Week

Management Material

11/22/21 • 21 min

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Most of us have what is called a 40 hour per week job. That’s what we’re paid for and sometimes that really exists. But we all know that changes with job expectations, work flux, and how well we spend our time.
If you want to take on extra projects that will stretch you and develop your PROVEN skill set, then you need the time in your schedule to take on those projects.
Your options are:

make your job more efficient,
ask for a re-evaluation of your workload, or
ask for some of your job responsibilities to be reassigned to a colleague.

Your last option is what I consider your last resort: work more than 40 hours per week.
In this episode, we talk about how to make time for those extra projects that PROVE that you should be the obvious choice for your next role.

Sit at the Table: You Have Something to Contribute

Management Material

11/16/21 • 16 min

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Years ago, I arrived early for a giant every-other-week strategy and project approval meeting. I wasn't "important" for the meeting or so I thought.
Our Vice President of Product walked into the room as I was settling down in the back to take notes, learn from other presenters, and switch a few switches in our systems if a project was approved.
She turned to me and asked me, "Why aren't you sitting at the table? Sit at the table."
I let her know that I wasn't important, so I felt more comfortable sitting in the back.
"Sit at the table. You have something to contribute. Always sit at the table."
It was awkward, uncomfortable, and a tremendous growth opportunity that helped shape me into who I am now.
Now I sit at the table. I contribute. I ask questions. I learn on purpose, not through "osmosis."
So sit at the table. You'll change your perspective and learn different things. You'll contribute more.
...And you'll start to be seen as management material.
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Aspiring Managers Group is on SALE! (Until the end of November or it fills up.)
If you'd like to learn more, click the link below. We're excited that you're interested in getting to a management position.
https://www.saverstreet.com/samgc

Communicating with Executives: Point First, Explanation Later

Management Material

10/03/22 • 14 min

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At one point in my career, I started giving presentations to senior management - GMs, SVPs, and occasionally our Chief Product Officer.
When I first started giving those presentations, I would present my data, decision-making process, and the whole story before getting to the potential options for how we could move forward. These were usually strategy presentations and I thought the leaders needed to know basically everything I knew before they could help make an informed decision.
WRONG.
After a few months of this - and a few frustrated executives, some meetings that ended poorly, and complete confusion on my part - my boss took me aside and explained that executives think a little differently than someone on the ground.
You see, they do a lot of homework - usually. They’re caught up on the high points of the strategy. They know or don’t need to know all the details. They can ask if they want to know the details, so let’s just get to the point first.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Management Material have?

Management Material currently has 61 episodes available.

What topics does Management Material cover?

The podcast is about Corporate, Management, Career, Leadership, Company, Woman, Podcasts, Leader, Business, Manager, Coaching and Careers.

What is the most popular episode on Management Material?

The episode title 'Leadership vs. Management: What's the Difference Between a Manager and a Leader?' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Management Material?

The average episode length on Management Material is 18 minutes.

How often are episodes of Management Material released?

Episodes of Management Material are typically released every 6 days.

When was the first episode of Management Material?

The first episode of Management Material was released on Jul 27, 2021.

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Management Material

Catherine Van Der Laan

Top 10 Management Material Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Management Material have?

What topics does Management Material cover?

What is the most popular episode on Management Material?

What is the average episode length on Management Material?

How often are episodes of Management Material released?

When was the first episode of Management Material?

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