For more than 15 years as a CTO, I’ve learned that the greatest impact a leader can make is in developing other leaders. My approach to managing people has been shaped not only by my time in technology, but also through decades of coaching in martial arts and my experience leading teams in the military, including in combat. Across all of these environments, one truth has been constant: people thrive when they are supported, guided, and given clarity.
Over the last several years, I began recording a series of trainings focused on practical, real-world management skills. These sessions were originally created for the teams I worked with, helping new and experienced managers navigate expectations, communicate effectively, develop their own style, and handle the everyday challenges of leadership. This collection brings those trainings together in a format anyone can learn from. Each episode breaks down a specific aspect of managing people, with a focus on clarity, accountability, and actionable habits that strengthen teams.
Whether you’re a first-time manager or a seasoned leader looking to refine your craft, these sessions are designed to support your growth and help you build stronger, healthier, more effective teams.
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Feedback and Culture
In this episode, Eric discusses the importance of feedback and culture in a people manager training lecture. He emphasizes the significance of both positive and negative reinforcement and feedback (and the differences), explaining how each can be used to encourage desired behaviors and create a positive work environment. Eric highlights the need for vulnerability, stating…
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Managing Styles
In this episode, Eric focuses on various management styles and emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. He highlights the importance of understanding and identifying which management style works best in different situations, encouraging flexibility and adaptability. The session covers several management styles, including authoritarian, transformational, democratic, laissez-faire, transactional, servant leadership, and coaching, each with…
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Check Ins
In this episode, Eric focuses on effective management practices, emphasizing the importance of structured check-ins and meetings to foster communication and engagement. He discusses various types of meetings, such as one-on-ones, staff meetings, and ad hoc check-ins, highlighting their distinct purposes and how they can be tailored to fit individual needs. Active listening and open-ended…
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Roles and Responsibilities
Eric focuses on the importance of defining roles and responsibilities within a team. He also discusses the significance of setting clear objectives and using frameworks like RACI for project governance to ensure alignment and reduce confusion. He highlights the need for managers to be authentic and adaptable, acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to…
