Supermanagers 6g4z55

Subscribe at www.thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step playbooks, tools, and workflows.In this episode, Aydin chats with Irosha de Silva,, the founder of Markettrics, about how AI is transforming customer from ive documentation to real-time, visual, and agentic assistance. They discuss how they met through an AI networking tool called Bordy, how Irosha transitioned from running a software agency to launching an AI-powered startup, and how tools like Grok and GitHub Copilot are changing the game for fast-moving teams. Irosha also demos how Markettrics works—revealing a future where SaaS tools can s visually and contextually, without human intervention.TIMESTAMPS0:40 – How Aydin and Irosha met through Bordy, an AI networking agent2:50 – Irosha’s tech background and software agency journey4:55 – Going “all in” on building a product in AI6:15 – The frustrating customer moment that sparked Markettrics8:20 – How Markettrics uses agentic AI to improve customer 10:00 – The impact of AI on company-building today11:45 – How startups can now reimagine any function with AI12:45 – Tools Markettrics uses: GitHub Copilot, Grok, ChatGPT14:00 – How AI is helping founders actually get things done (like LinkedIn posts!)16:00 – Irosha’s process for turning notes into a high-performing post using Grok21:10 – Live demo: How Markettrics works with Canva as an example27:00 – Reimagining : From reading docs to real-time visual guidance30:00 – Why patience is dropping in the AI era31:00 – What excites Irosha most about the next 12 months of AI32:50 – How to connect with IroshaTools & Resources MentionedBordy – AI networking agent that introduces professionals via emailMarkettrics – Irosha’s AI-powered customer platform (markettrics.ai)Grok – AI tool (by xAI) Irosha uses to generate real-time LinkedIn postsGitHub Copilot – AI code assistant used by Markettrics’ dev teamChatGPT – Used alongside Grok for content creation and Cursor – Another AI coding tool briefly mentioned by AydinNvidia GTC Conference – Where Irosha gathered content for his LinkedIn post

Subscribe at www.thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step playbooks, tools, and workflows. In episode 6 of This New Way, Fredrik Thomassen and Phillip Maggs walk us through how Superside—a global creative services company—has fundamentally transformed its workflows using generative AI. From automating asset production to embedding AI directly into tools like Figma, Superside is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in creative automation. We also get a live demo of their “brief-to-draft” workflow and discuss how AI is reshaping the talent landscape. TIMESTAMPS: 0:52 – What Superside does and its global scale 2:10 – Phil’s role and what “Director of Generative AI Excellence” means 4:08 – The turning point: DALL·E and Superside’s AI transformation 8:00 – How they approached AI experimentation via “shadow projects” 10:54 – Testing AI-created assets alongside human work 13:20 – How talent profiles are changing with AI 19:00 – Where AI is most disruptive: video production 22:00 – Live demo: from brief to hundreds of personalized assets 32:00 – In-tool editing and automation directly in Figma 36:00 – Image-to-video transformation with Runway 41:00 – What’s next for Superside and the creative industry 46:30 – Final thoughts: what Fredrik and Phil are most excited about TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES MENTIONED: DALL·E – AI image generation MidJourney – Creative image ideation Stable Diffusion – Open-source image gen ChatGPT / GPT-3.5+ – Prompt writing and copy Figma – Design collaboration with custom AI plugins Runway ML – AI video generation Zapier – Workflow automation Superspace – Superside’s internal platform Foul – Model inference layer Node-based AI orchestration – For prompt chaining and bulk generation

Subscribe at thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step playbooks, tools, and workflows. In episode 5 of This New Way, Aydin sits down with Liam Martin, co-founder of Time Doctor and Running Remote, to explore how AI is reshaping team productivity, SaaS economics, and the future of work. Liam shares how his team replaced $40K/year worth of employee engagement software with open-source AI tools — and how their internal R&D lab, Chainsaw, is building the future of workforce analytics. You’ll hear how Time Doctor uses AI to reclassify productivity metrics by job role, how AI has changed their approach to product-market fit, and why they’re betting on proprietary agents as the next evolution of workplace tools. Liam also shares his personal tech stack, insights on open-source AI models like DeepSeek, and how he's replacing Google with LLMs in his day-to-day workflow. You’ll walk away with practical ideas for how to reduce SaaS spend, empower your R&D teams, and get ahead of AI's disruptive force in remote work and beyond. Click here to check out the AI-generated timestamps, episode summary and transcript. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the episode with someone who will benefit from listening. . . . TIMESTAMPS 00:36 Liam’s McGill story and how he accidentally left academia 02:45 The early days of remote work and building Time Doctor 05:57 What Time Doctor actually does (and how AI is changing it) 08:08 How AI reclassified productivity by job type 11:03 Could product-market fit collapse due to AI? 13:44 Building the Chainsaw team 20:02 Replacing Google with LLMs 24:35 Why proprietary AIs might need to be “pushy,” not polite 28:03 Don’t wait for economics — just solve the problem 29:45 What’s coming next in the AI cost curve 35:58 GPT customizes slide decks based on personality types 39:07 Build complex no-code apps with just a prompt using Lovable 43:46 Engineers may be more disrupted by AI than customer service TOOLS & RESOURCES MENTIONED AI Tools & Models DeepSeek OCR → replaced paid OCR tools, cutting costs by 90% Do Browser (Chrome extension) → automates browser actions like a human LM Studio → runs open-source LLMs like DeepSeek and Claude locally Claude (Anthropic) → used for AI-based task delegation OpenAI GPT-4 / Operators → tested against open-source alternatives Internal Innovation & AI Systems Chainsaw R&D Team → focused on building from scratch, not optimizing Workforce Analytics with AI → redefining productivity dynamically by role AI-driven feature decisions → testing new models before looking at ROI OCR Video Analysis → used to assess best vs worst execution of tasks Philosophies & Frameworks “Build a chainsaw, not a sharper axe” → rethink, don’t just improve “Solve one customer’s problem perfectly” → from Y Combinator playbook Personal AI-first workflows → replacing search with LLMs

Subscribe at ⁠www.thisnewway.com⁠ to get the step-by-step playbooks, tools, and workflows. In episode 4 of This New Way, Aydin sits down with Andrew Waitman, CEO of Assent Compliance, to explore how a billion-dollar B2B SaaS company is transforming operations, product development, and team productivity with AI. Andrew shares how Assent went from under $1M to nearly $200M ARR, became one of the earliest adopters of GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT Enterprise, and how they now embed AI-driven OKRs across every team. You’ll hear real use cases: from summarizing messy trip reports, generating synthetic bills of materials for secure testing, and accelerating supplier document reviews — to measuring impact on productivity and profitability. Andrew also offers actionable insights on how to drive AI adoption across teams, how CEOs should personally lead the AI charge, and which tools he uses daily to stay ahead. You’ll walk away knowing how to start small, scale fast, and turn AI into a measurable force multiplier across your org. ⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠ to check out the AI-generated timestamps, episode summary and transcript. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the episode with someone who will benefit from listening. . . . TIMESTAMPS: 00:35 Andrew’s background and Assent’s growth journey 02:37 The scale: 18,000 suppliers, 200 compliance topics 05:07 The post-ChatGPT transformation and Vista Equity OKRs 06:09 Early adoption of GitHub Copilot & ChatGPT Enterprise 08:51 Trip report improvements using AI synthesis 09:35 Generating synthetic bills of materials for safe testing 12:26 Where AI drives efficiency: entity resolution, part matching, document validation 13:12 Measuring AI’s impact: productivity, quality, and profitability 17:32 Expanding customer success capacity without adding headcount 20:37 How to drive company-wide AI adoption (hackathons, Slack, evangelists) 24:10 Andrew’s personal AI workflows & deep research routines TOOLS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: AI Tools & Platforms GitHub Copilot (Microsoft) → adopted early for engineering ChatGPT (OpenAI, including Enterprise license) → used across teams for synthesis, rewriting, summarization Perplexity AI (Pro) → used for deep research reports Internal AI Use Cases & Systems Synthetic bills of materials → generated using AI to safely test software without exposing sensitive customer data Automated document review → handling millions of supplier documents for compliance Entity resolution → using AI to match the right supplier or part across massive datasets Part resolution & document validation → automating complex checks in the supply chain Company-Wide AI Adoption Tools & Methods OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) → embedded AI goals at company, team, and functional levels AI hackathons → internal competitions to inspire creative use cases Slack channels → for sharing, evangelizing, and discussing AI applications internally Personal CEO Tools & Workflows Perplexity deep research → running 12–15 deep research reports per day AI summarization & rewriting → e.g., turning multi-page trip reports into professional one-page summaries

Subscribe at Thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step AI workflows. In episode 3 of This New Way, Aydin sits down with Philippe Dame, O of Recollective, to unpack how AI is transforming qualitative market-research, sales operations, internal knowledge-sharing, and day-to-day productivity.Phil walks through the product pivot that turned Recollective’s vast unstructured data into an “AI-first” insights engine, then demos a stack of no-code automations — from AI-powered lead scoring in Google Sheets to a self-serve Vertex AI search that makes every doc, deck, and Gong call instantly searchable.You’ll hear concrete play-by-plays, see cost breakdowns , and learn how to start small, scale fast, and turn AI into a force-multiplier across your org. Timestamps: 00:35 Phil’s background and early web-tool days 01:44 Pivot to Recollective and focus on market-research tech03:18 Why hybrid qual + quant research matters 03:58 Unstructured data → perfect AI playground 04:50 “Roap reset” after ChatGPT pressure 06:00 How the team up-skilled on LLMs & vector DBs 08:12 First AI features: summarization → theme extraction → comparisons 09:05 Making space for AI work without derailing commitments 10:10 Company-wide AI wins: sales data mining & lead scoring 13:08 Relay + Google Sheets workflow for automated enrichment 16:18 Running internal “AI office hours” to drive adoption 17:05 Staying current: newsletters, trials, and cost control 20:25 Seat-based vs. usage-based pricing—Phil’s take 23:04 Perplexity as Phil’s go-to research sidekick 24:50 Cutting the “collaboration tax” with self-serve AI answers 27:24 Live demo: Recollective’s Ask-AI tab & verbatim citations 31:28 Segment @mentions for instant comparative analysis 37:04 Emotion tagging and drilling into negative 38:30 Building an internal Vertex-AI search in one afternoon 42:23 Agent Builder setup walkthrough 44:34 Relay use-cases: lead workflows, news scraping, stand-up bot 53:23 n8n migrations: 4,000 Gong calls plus on-the-fly analysis 56:30 OpenAI Playground & Notebook LM for ad-hoc knowledgebases 1:02:20 Google AI Studio multimodal experiments (free) 1:04:04 Start simple—one use-case, one stakeholder, iterate Tools & Resources Mentioned: AI / LLMs & Model-Playgrounds ChatGPT (OpenAI) OpenAI Platform & Playground Claude (Anthropic) Perplexity Pro- Google Gemini (Workspace) Google AI Studio KnowledgeBase & Search Vertex AI Agent Builder / Search (Google Cloud) Notebook LM (Google) Internal Vertex-powered “ask-AI” portal Automation & Workflows Relay (no-code workflow tool with AI steps) Zapier (reference point) n8n (open-source automation + AI agents) Data, CRM & Sales Enablement Google Sheets Salesforce Outreach Gong (call recordings) Collaboration & Productivity Slack (AI channel, human-in-the-loop flows) Notion (company intranet) Google Drive & Google Calendar RSS feeds + custom “Article Extractor” scraper Core Product Recollective (Phil’s qualitative-research platform with built-in AI features) Developer / Engineering Utilities Cursor IDE (AI-assisted coding, briefly cited)

Subscribe at Thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step AI workflows. In episode 2 of This New Way, Felipe Izquierdo, CEO of Quest, explains how a small, boot-strapped team runs both an educational game studio and a cohort-based learning program by leaning on AI for almost every function — prototyping multiplayer math games in hours instead of weeks, automating high-touch parent emails, and even building a 24/7 “executive-coach” phone agent from scratch. Along the way he shares the exact stacks (Cursor, Replit, Zapier, Anthropic, Twilio, 11 Labs) and design choices that let three people operate like fifty. Timestamps 00:00 Felipe’s path from non-technical founder to AI-assisted coder 01:28 What Quest does and why AI keeps the team lean 03:28 How AI shrinks game-prototype cycles from weeks to hours 08:34 Daily workflow: Cursor, Replit, Super Whisper voice coding & Mac dictation 14:00 Learning to code faster via screenshot-driven ChatGPT tutoring 16:58 Show & Tell #1: Zapier + Anthropic email-drafting pipeline (live demo) 30:59 Show & Tell #2: Building and calling “Maximo,” a voice executive-coach agent 41:48 Future bets: voice as the primary UI and AI-only workflows Resources & Tools Mentioned: Coding & Prototyping: Cursor, Replit, Devin (reference), GitHub PR reviews Voice / Dictation: Super Whisper (Mac), macOS built-in dictation, 11 Labs Voice & Conversational AI, OpenAI Real-Time API Automation & LLMs: Zapier (Zaps), Anthropic Claude, Google Sheets / Airtable, Twilio (SMS & voice) Products & Links: Quest math & strategy games – quest.com AI executive coach “Maximo” – meetmaximo.com

Subscribe at Thisnewway.com to get the step-by-step AI workflows. Welcome to the very first episode of This New Way. We’re kicking things off by flipping the mic and letting Manuela Bárcenas interview Aydin Mirzaee, our podcast host, about why we’re retiring Supermanagers and launching this new, AI-centric show.  In this episode, Aydin describes how adopting AI feels like onboarding a new teammate, how he steered Fellow’s pivot from manual meeting workflows to an AI meeting assistant, and demos two of his favorite tactics: Turning a 60-second voice memo into a polished board-report section with ChatGPT Using Fellow’s Ask Fellow and Copilot to auto-draft mandates and PRDs straight from meetings and customer calls You’ll also hear the cultural plays — company-wide hackathons, “show & tell” town halls, and even a ChatGPT-every-new-tab browser hack — that helped Aydin get the whole team moving faster with AI. We wrap up with a teaser of future guests who are smashing targets and reinventing product management with AI tools. Timestamps: 01:01 Looking back – 5 years of Supermanagers and why a change is needed 01:41 New revolution – From remote-work disruption to the AI era 02:26 Big reveal – Retiring Supermanagers and launching This New Way 03:03 Format upgrade – Video, YouTube/Spotify, and on-air show-and-tell demos 03:58 Why it matters – Managing humans and AI agents will soon be core leadership skill 05:35 About Aydin – Founder background & current role as CEO of Fellow 06:38 Fellow’s AI pivot – Turning a manual meeting tool into an AI meeting assistant 08:59 CEO advice – Hackathons and cross-functional learning to kick-start adoption 10:31 Creating AI culture – Weekly town-hall demos normalize AI-assisted work 11:31 Personal hacks – ChatGPT-on-new-tab, screenshot explainers, and habit breaking 14:44 Demo 1 – Voice memo ➜ board-report section via ChatGPT “Projects” workflow 20:38 Demo 2 – One-on-one recap ➜ company-wide mandate memo with Fellow AI 23:46 Demo 3 – Customer interview ➜ detailed PRD/requirements doc in minutes 26:46 Impact – Better communication, higher expectations, and faster output 28:35 Future outlook – Doing “1,000 % work” with 100 % resources Resources and Tools mentioned: ChatGPT desktop app (voice mode) & GPT-4o-01 model ChatGPT “Projects” for reusable style guides Chrome extension that opens ChatGPT on every new tab Fellow AI Meeting Assistant: Ask Fellow, Copilot, Redaction features CrewAI – multi-agent orchestration platform (via Greg Eisenberg video) Slack – channel posts of AI-generated memos YouTube creators (e.g., Greg Eisenberg) for discovering new AI workflows

In episode 26 of season 2, we sit down with Topaz Adizes, award-winning filmmaker, founder of The Skin Deep, and author of 12 Questions for Love. Topaz has spent years exploring the transformative power of deep human connection and asking the right questions. In this episode he shares how leaders can create safe spaces for authentic conversations, build trust within teams, and harness group dynamics to unlock creativity. Topaz emphasizes the importance of “the space between humans” - the emotional gaps and differences that AI cannot replace. He also introduces practical tools to foster open dialogue and strengthen workplace relationships. Through powerful stories and a five-act framework for structuring conversations, Topaz shows leaders how to cultivate vulnerability, navigate conflict, and drive meaningful collaboration. Tune in to discover how asking better questions and creating intentional spaces can elevate your leadership and bring your teams closer together.  Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode offers actionable advice for building resilient, human-centered organizations. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [03:17] From filmmaker to exploring the emotional human experience [05:47] Creating space and asking better questions for transformative conversations [08:30] How humans can differentiate themselves from AI in the workplace [12:28] A five-act framework for deg deeper conversations [17:17] Building trust in new teams by creating safe spaces [19:47] Using The AND card deck to improve team communication and connection [22:27] The role of physical and virtual spaces in shaping team dynamics [25:40] The future of relationships in an AI-driven workplace [32:47] Balancing creativity by separating brainstorming, execution, and analysis [37:18] Why leaders must “prime vulnerability” to foster openness in teams 👉 Check out the resources mentioned here:  https://fellow.app/supermanagers/topaz-adizes RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Topaz on LinkedIn Check out Topaz’s films Check out The And card decks Read Topaz’s book: 12 Questions for Love Read Arthur Aron’s 36 Questions to Fall in Love study Check out The Skin Deep the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Supermanagers podcast, we sit down with Zabeen Hirji, former Chief Human Resources Officer at RBC, to explore the evolving role of organizational purpose and leadership in modern times. Zabeen shares insights from her extensive experience managing a global workforce of 80,000 employees across 40 countries. She emphasizes the importance of regularly revisiting an organization's purpose to align with shifting internal and external environments. Aydin and Zabeen discuss how AI is reshaping the workplace, and AI's potential to augment human capabilities, automate mundane tasks, and enhance productivity. They also touch on the increasing importance of maintaining a base knowledge alongside AI adoption, advocating for a blend of human employees and AI agents managed with enhanced skills. Tune in to explore these valuable insights and more, as Zabeen Hirji and Aydin Mirzaee provide a roap for thriving in a rapidly transforming work landscape. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Supermanagers podcast and share it with your friends and fellow managers. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Purpose-driven leadership: Insights from Zabeen Hirji [05:48] Promoting transparency and experimentation in organizations [11:08] Convergence of human and AI agents [14:01] Revolutionizing knowledge work: Streamlined data processing [20:03] Balancing profits and sustainability: A purpose-driven approach [25:29] Aligning roles with organizational purpose and values [33:58] Empowering leaders for impactful third act journeys [35:09] Creating impactful opportunities through wisdom and connections [38:39] Embracing lifelong learning for personal growth

In episode 24 of season 2, we sit down with Alan Todd, an entrepreneur, executive learning expert, and advocate for cohort-based leadership development. Alan brings decades of experience in helping organizations build learning cultures that harness collective intelligence and foster team resilience. He is known for his work in developing innovative leadership programs and creating environments where individuals and teams thrive through meaningful dialogue and psychological safety. In this episode, Alan discusses the principles behind building effective cohort-based learning teams and how this approach leverages collective intelligence for organizational success. He explains the importance of balancing System 1 and System 2 thinking to enhance decision-making and team problem-solving. Alan also delves into the concept of connecting people to their purpose and creating sustainable competitive advantages through continuous learning and development. With real-life examples and actionable takeaways, Alan outlines how leaders can inspire curiosity and embed psychological safety into team dynamics, encouraging open dialogue and diverse perspectives. He also shares his insights on “team-of-teams” leadership and how facilitating conversations across departments can lead to more cohesive and innovative organizations. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Alan’s strategies on fostering learning cultures, building resilient teams, and leading with empathy. This episode is ideal for leaders and team who are ionate about creating environments where everyone can actively learn, grow, and succeed. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [03:15] The transformative effect of cohort-based learning [06:48] System 1 vs. System 2 thinking and their roles in decision-making [09:34] Psychological safety  [12:50] The importance of “teaching them to long for the sea”  [16:27] Diverse thinking and leveraging interaction  [20:41] Build learning organizations  [24:03] The “team-of-teams” leadership approach  [29:15] Unanimous consensus is rare  [34:50] Connecting people to purpose  👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/alan-todd-udemy RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Alan on LinkedIn Check out cohort based learning on Udemy Business the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 23 of season 2, we sit down with David Weiss, CEO of Weiss International, an expert in leadership development, innovation, and navigating complex organizational challenges. David’s experience as an author, speaker, and executive coach has equipped him with unparalleled insights into how leaders can thrive amid uncertainty and foster team environments that drive innovation and engagement. In this episode, David dives into the essential qualities leaders need today, focusing on the power of emotional intelligence and how to lead effectively when ambiguity is the norm. He explores how fostering open dialogue and creating collaborative spaces can unlock a team's creative potential. David also shares practical strategies for helping leaders at all levels develop the resilience and agility needed to adapt to ever-changing business landscapes. With actionable takeaways and real-world examples, David explains how leaders can close leadership gaps, inspire their teams, and harness the collective intelligence of their organizations to solve complex problems. He emphasizes the importance of developing emotional maturity and facilitating conversations that lead to impactful decision-making. Tune in to learn David’s proven frameworks for leading through change, building innovative cultures, and enhancing your leadership toolkit for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to expanding their leadership capacity and fostering team success. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [05:22] The importance of emotional intelligence and why it’s essential for modern leadership [08:15] Building resilient teams  [12:38] Strategies for facilitating open dialogue  [16:45] Closing leadership gaps and empowering leaders at every level [21:10] How to approach leadership when faced with ambiguity [26:07] Embedding innovation into team culture [30:23] Real-life examples of leaders successfully navigating complex challenges [32:50] The role of emotional maturity in making decisions 👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/david-weiss-weiss-international  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with David on LinkedIn Check out Weiss International Check out David’s books the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 22 of season 2, we sit down with Charlie Gilkey, founder of Productive Flourishing, a professional training and coaching company/community dedicated to helping individuals and teams achieve their best work. Charlie is an author, executive coach, and workplace consultant known for his expertise in organizational development, change management, and leadership strategies. In this episode, Charlie unpacks essential team habits that can transform how teams operate, from addressing common workplace challenges, like the "broken printer problem," to fostering better communication and alignment. He introduces powerful concepts such as the "air sandwich" and explains how to identify and overcome cultural debt that holds teams back from success. Charlie also shares insights from his books Start Finishing and Team Habits, detailing how to build strong, cohesive teams that thrive on purpose and productivity. With practical examples and actionable advice, Charlie emphasizes the importance of retrospectives, proactive problem-solving, and creating a culture where every team member contributes to continuous improvement. He challenges the notion that only managers can instigate change and highlights the potential of non-managers to drive team success. Tune in to discover Charlie’s frameworks for improving team habits, developing sustainable work practices, and creating an environment where teams can excel. This episode is a must-listen for leaders and team looking to foster a culture of growth, innovation, and resilience! . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [03:11] Military to executive coach [07:12] Have ever heard of an “air sandwich”? [11:56] The “broken printer problem”  [17:42] Prioritizing “Quadrant 2 time” for teams [23:33] Importance of regular retrospectives  [29:24] How to identify meeting inefficiencies [34:41] Team habits that empower every member [38:25] Your team is stronger than you give them credit for 👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/charlie-gilkey-productive-flourishing RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn Check out Productive Flourishing Check out Charlie’s book Team Habits Check out Charlie’s book Start Finishing the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 21 of season 2, we sit down with Charlene Li, New York Times bestselling author and expert in digital transformation and disruptive leadership. Known for her impactful books, including The Disruption Mindset, Open Leadership, and Groundswell, Charlene shares insights from her latest book, Winning with Generative AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success, which provides a strategic approach to harnessing the potential of generative AI as a leader. In this episode, Charlene dives into the art of leading through disruption and creating growth-focused, purpose-driven organizations. She explores how leaders can shift from maintaining the status quo to actively pursuing change that aligns with future customer needs. Charlene also shares her unique framework for identifying “Big Gulp” moments — decisions that challenge leaders to embrace risk confidently — and practical methods to make AI a transformative force within teams and companies. With real-world examples and actionable strategies, Charlene breaks down the three critical questions every leader should ask to stay aligned with evolving markets and build a resilient organization. She also shares stories from her career, and her journey from Harvard Business School to becoming a sought-after advisor for top executives. Tune in to learn Charlene’s strategies for leading in a rapidly changing world, leveraging AI for competitive advantage, and fostering a company culture ready to tackle future challenges. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to lead change, think strategically, and future-proof their organization! . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [03:04] Vulnerability makes you a better leader [07:30] The connection between growth and disruption [09:02] “Big G” versus “small g" growth [11:33] Building a disruption-ready organization [17:23] 3 questions every employee should be able to answer [23:42] “Big Gulp” moments in decision-making [28:49] The importance of decision-making preparedness  [29:59] Generative AI is an accelerating force  👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/charlene-li-quantam-networks-group RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Charlene on LinkedIn Check out Quantum Networks Check out Charlene’s latest book, Winning with Generative AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 20 of season 2, we sit down with Shivani Berry, CEO and founder of Arise Leadership, a program dedicated to helping women advance in their careers and excel in leadership roles.   In this episode, Shivani delves into the key leadership skills that professionals must master to succeed, including strategic influence and getting buy-in from dominant personalities. She also explores the importance of becoming a " magnet" and the power of using reflection to overcome imposter syndrome.  With practical examples and actionable insights, Shivani explains how leaders can create a culture of development within their teams and organizations. She also shares her personal journey of transitioning from tech management to founding Arise Leadership, and the challenges she faced along the way. Tune in to learn Shivani’s unique frameworks for leadership growth, strategies for navigating complex work environments, and how to unlock your full potential as a leader.  You’ll find this episode valuable if you’re looking to improve your leadership skills and drive success in your organization! . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [02:41] Mastering strategic influence is critical for leadership  [06:36] Getting buy-in from dominant personalities [09:15] Building trust and credibility [12:45] Why leaders fail to get buy-in and how to avoid them [18:46] Techniques for effective reflection [19:28] How to consistently receive high-quality [32:18] Senior leadership challenges [34:02] Turning self-doubt into leadership strength [41:10] How organizations can and accelerate the growth of women in leadership   👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/shivani-berry-arise-leadership RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Shivani on LinkedIn Check out Arise Leadership Read Shivani's article “The Best Leaders are Magnets — Here’s How to Become One” Read Radical Candor by Kim Scott Listen to Kim Scott on the Supermanagers Podcast the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 19 of season 2, we sit down with Aaron Hurst, a serial social entrepreneur and author of The Purpose Economy. Aaron is an expert on the science of purpose and fulfillment and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations discover their purpose.  In this episode, Aaron shares his insights on building a purpose mindset within teams and the importance of fulfillment at work, as well as offers practical strategies for leaders, including storytelling, reflection, and creating space for employees to find meaning.  Throughout the conversation, Aaron dives deep into the science of purpose, offering compelling data from his research at NYU and PwC, and shares how leaders can implement these findings to foster engagement and growth in their organizations. Tune in to learn how Aaron’s experience and research can help you create a more meaningful and fulfilling workplace, and discover why adopting a purpose-driven leadership style can lead to higher performance and satisfaction across your team. You’ll find this episode valuable if you’re a leader looking to cultivate purpose in your organization and empower your team to thrive both personally and professionally! . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [02:15] Aaron's early entrepreneurial journey and family influence [07:15] Purpose mindset vs transactional mindset [09:20] Importance of hiring people with a purpose mindset [11:30] How reflection and gratitude can create meaning at work [16:05] Storytelling to drive team alignment and purpose [19:10] The science behind purpose and why it matters in organizations [22:50] Organizational strategies for fostering purpose and meaning [29:00] Challenges in scaling teams and dealing with failure [37:30] Using a portfolio approach to building multiple businesses   👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/aaron-hurst-the-purpose-economy RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn Read Aaron’s book The Purpose Economy Learn more about Aaron’s organization: Taproot Foundation  Check out Aaron’s company Imperative  Check out Aaron’s platform Board.Dev  the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 18 of season 2, we sit down with Patrick Ewers, founder of Mindmaven and author of Radical Delegation. Patrick is an expert on productivity and relationship building, and in this episode, he shares his powerful strategies for freeing up time and increasing impact as a leader.  Patrick discusses his concept of radical delegation, which allows leaders to regain 10 to 12 hours a week by delegating tasks more effectively. He emphasizes the importance of investing in relationships, explaining that strong relationships are key to success, yet often overlooked due to their lack of urgency. Patrick also dives into the concept of positive alacrity, the simple but transformative habit of voicing positive thoughts immediately to strengthen relationships and improve workplace culture.  Tune in to learn how Patrick's innovative approach to delegation and relationship building can help you become a more effective and impactful leader! You’ll find this episode valuable if you’re a leader looking to optimize your time, develop relationships, and delegate tasks effectively for long-term success.  . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [04:42] How to free up time and increase productivity [06:07] Patrick's mistake when trusting his gut in relationships [09:46] The importance of body language and face-to-face communication [14:34] The purpose of radical delegation [18:58] Using an Engagement Manager for effective delegation [22:07] Follow-up emails and dictation tools will build stronger relationships [31:58] Inbox shadowing to increase efficiency [39:10] Building trust with an engagement manager can enhance long-term productivity   👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/patrick-ewers-mindmaven RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn Read Patrick’s book Radical Delegation  Check out Patrick’s company Mindmaven the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 17 of season 2, we sit down with Jerry Colonna, the CEO of Reboot.IO and author of Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong. Jerry is known for his radical approach to leadership and self-inquiry, and in this episode, he shares his insights on how leaders can create conditions of belonging within their organizations. He explores the concept of radical self-inquiry, emphasizing the importance of making the unconscious conscious to break free from recurring patterns that hinder personal and professional growth. Jerry also delves into the power of empathy in leadership and how fostering real conversations can lead to more inclusive and ive work environments. Through practical examples, Jerry discusses the importance of leaders taking responsibility for their role in shaping the culture of their organizations. He encourages leaders to look inward, challenge their belief systems, and actively create conditions where everyone can belong. Tune in to learn how Jerry's philosophy can help you build a more inclusive and empathetic workplace. This episode offers profound insights for leaders looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and their role in creating a more connected and human-centered organization. You’ll find this episode valuable if you’re a leader aiming to foster belonging, lead with empathy, and create a culture that embraces real conversations! . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [01:10] Discussing radical self-inquiry [03:47] Radical self-inquiry’s importance in leadership [07:01] Overview of Jerry’s new book, Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong [11:40] Creating conditions for belonging in the workplace [16:38] The challenge of empathy and inclusion in the workplace [18:41] How a CEO can foster an inclusive culture [25:25] Dealing with divisiveness in organizations [33:80] Stop thinking you have to have all the answers   👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/jerry-colonna-reboot RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn Read Jerry’s NEW book Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong Read Jerry’s book Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up Check out Jerry’s company Reboot.IO  the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In episode 16 of season 2, we sit down with Brian Gottlieb, author of Beyond the Hammer and a visionary business leader who scaled his home services company from a $3,000 startup to a $150 million enterprise. Brian shares his unique approach to leadership, focusing on hiring to your weaknesses and empowering others to fill the gaps where you fall short. He dives deep into how he built a culture of development, transforming his company into a training organization where employees are constantly learning and growing. Brian also emphasizes the importance of problem-solving systems — creating scalable solutions that allow teams to work autonomously and solve issues without micromanagement. Through powerful examples from his own journey, Brian explains how leaders can build systems that enable sustainable growth and foster employee development. Tune in to learn how Brian's leadership philosophy, rooted in empowering others and leading with purpose, can help you build a strong, high-performing culture in your organization. You’ll find this episode valuable if you’re a leader looking to hire effectively, develop talent, and create scalable systems for long-term success! . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [02:45] Brian’s journey from a $3,000 startup to a $150 million company [06:19] The importance of hiring to your weaknesses [10:25] Brian’s epiphany about focusing on people development [12:20] Transitioning a company to a training organization [14:02] The Harvard Business School executive program [19:01] Creating a manager training program to drive alignment and growth [24:01] Using stay interviews to retain employees and gain [27:30] Aligning a business with clear mission and vision statements [29:12] How daily huddles helped streamline communication and management   👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/brian-gottlieb RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Read Brian’s book Beyond the Hammer the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Coffey, a seasoned CEO with over 21 years of experience leading private-equity-backed service companies. Adam shares his journey from his military career to becoming a leader in the private equity world, where he has overseen 58 acquisitions and facilitated billions of dollars in successful exits. In episode 15 of season 2, Adam delves into the critical lessons he's learned about leadership, including the importance of building a strong culture and being transparent as a leader. He discusses the concept of the 'Happy Meal effect' in startups and how it applies to scaling companies effectively. Adam also emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt to different stages of growth and highlights the value of ongoing learning and self-improvement. You’ll gain insights into navigating different growth stages, the importance of hiring and empowering great people, and the role of a CEO in inspiring and leading a team. Adam's practical advice on performance management and building a transparent culture offers actionable strategies for leaders looking to enhance their organizations. You’ll find this episode valuable if you're looking to elevate your leadership skills,  build high-performing companies, and motivate your team. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:46] Adam Coffey’s books [04:56] Lessons from the military and General Electric (GE) on leadership and discipline [06:52] Transitioning from CEO roles to consulting and teaching [09:30] Defining the role of a CEO and the importance of company culture [12:14] The 'Happy Meal effect' in startups and growth companies [17:45] The importance of employee engagement and performance management [28:38] Transparency in leadership and making tough decisions [32:41] Building a strong company culture and engaging employees   👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/adam-coffey RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Adam on LinkedIn Read Adam’s book The Private Equity Playbook Read Adam’s book The Exit Strategy Playbook Read Adam’s book Empire Builder: The Road to a Billion  the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Amy Edmondson, one of the world’s leading management thinkers. As the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, she is an expert in psychological safety and organizational learning.  In episode 14 of season 2, she discusses the importance of creating environments where team feel safe to speak up and how this psychological safety is essential for learning and innovation. She also explores the balance between psychological safety and ability, emphasizing that these concepts are not in opposition but rather complementary in high-performing teams. You’ll gain valuable insights into how to foster a culture of inquiry, the role of clear goals in team performance, and practical steps for turning around fearful organizations. Amy’s examples from companies like Pixar and Southwest Airlines offer concrete illustrations of how these principles can be applied in real-world settings. You’ll find this episode valuable if  you're looking for actionable advice for leaders looking to enhance their team’s psychological safety, ability, and overall performance. . . . Like this episode? Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review and share the podcast with your colleagues. . . . TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [02:13] Leadership mistakes and psychological safety [05:26] The role of psychological safety in organizational learning [08:58] Balancing psychological safety and ability [14:07] Characteristics of high-performing teams [18:09] The impact of clear goals on team performance [24:12] Turning around a fearful organization [30:22] Lessons from Pixar and Southwest Airlines [39:38] Tips for leaders on mastering the art of asking good questions   👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/amy-edmonson-harvard-business-school RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Read Amy’s book The Fearless Organization Read Amy’s book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well the Supermanagers Slack community Connect with Aydin on LinkedIn Follow Fellow on LinkedIn