In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the crucial balance between providing effective feedback and avoiding micromanagement. She emphasizes the importance of communication skills, conflict resolution, and maintaining a broad vision while executing tasks. Samantha shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, like the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) model, to help leaders give actionable and respectful feedback that fosters trust and improves team performance.

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Manager Superhero Quiz

In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige interviews Herb Sargent, CEO of Sargent Corporation. With a rich history and nearly a century-long legacy, Herb shares his journey in the construction industry, the transition to employee ownership, and insights into building a successful and people-focused company culture. Listen as he discusses leadership, mentorship, and the importance of investing in employees for long-term success.

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses why the common managerial phrase 'Come to me with solutions, not problems' can often lead to frustration both for managers and employees. She explores the reasons behind its ineffectiveness and offers practical strategies to cultivate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in employees. This episode provides insights into fostering a solutions-oriented team and encouraging a collaborative, open communication culture within and across departments.

Link to the episode about Technical Skills vs. Soft Skills here.

00:57 Unpacking the Phrase and Its Impact

02:42 The Necessary Skills Gap

03:45 Encouraging Communication and Providing Guidance

05:24 Cross-Department Dynamics and Collaboration

07:18 Teaching Big Picture Thinking

07:53 The Three Key Components

11:02 Coaching Your Team Through Problem Solving

13:51 Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge shares insights from the show Hell's Kitchen that can be applied to building and managing successful teams. Lessons include the importance of pausing to reassess when things go south, demanding accountability, fostering team decision-making, avoiding ego-driven mistakes, and observing the traits of successful individuals.

02:26 Lesson 1: Pause and Reassess
03:32 Lesson 2: Demand Accountability
04:55 Lesson 3: Foster Team Decision-Making
06:13 Lesson 4: Avoid Ego-Driven Mistakes
07:29 Lesson 5: Observing Successful Individuals

In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestige talks with Lindsay Fortunato, CEO of Fortunato Construction Group. Lindsay shares her journey growing up in a construction environment, her leadership style, balancing work life, and how she maintains a people-first culture. Discover insights into customer-centric approaches and the importance of teamwork and employee retention.

01:24 Lindsay Fortunato's Early Influences
01:43 Architectural Inspirations
03:39 Business Lessons from the Family
05:02 Life Beyond the Family Business
06:59 People-First Approach
11:01 Balancing Work and Family
16:46 Post-COVID Workforce Adaptations
19:40 Hiring and Culture
21:34 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
24:21 First Steps to Success

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestidge discusses the common tendency of businesses to overcomplicate processes. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity in operations, highlighting its impact on team efficiency, morale, and overall business success. Discover how to identify and eliminate unnecessary complexities by adopting lean management techniques, asking critical 'why' questions, and focusing on effective and efficient solutions that drive quality results.

In this episode, Samantha C. Prestige talks to Josh Luebker, a fractional CFO and COO, about bridging the gap between project management and accounting in the construction industry. They explore how to help subcontractors find stability and growth through consistent processes, efficient project management, and effective communication. Josh shares his journey in the industry and offers practical advice for achieving a better work-life balance and long-term business success.

In this episode, host Samantha C. Prestidge shares her personal story of being passed up for a management position early in her career. She discusses three key reasons for not getting the promotion and provides advice for employees and managers on how to navigate similar situations.