If you’ve ever said, “I just need to manage my time better,” or “If they were more efficient, we’d be fine,” this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, we’re flipping the script on strengths and weaknesses at work. While most people focus on improving tactical skills like organization or productivity, the real game-changer is how we show up relationally. You’ll learn how relational weaknesses, like defensiveness, passive-aggressive behavior, and poor communication, are quietly killing trust and morale on your team, even when everything looks like it’s running smoothly.

Whether you're leading a team or just trying to be a better teammate, this episode will help you see the true cause of disconnection, and what to do about it.

🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why improving your tactical skills might not fix your team problems
• The difference between tactical and relational strengths and weaknesses
• Real-world relational weaknesses that silently destroy workplace culture
• What it really means to be defensive (and how to shift it)
• Why being approachable matters more than being available
• How to start showing up as a human-centered leader... today

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• Previous episode: Love + Work with Tessa Kampen
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

✅ Subscribe & Review:

If this episode challenged your thinking or gave you something practical to try, I’d love for you to hit subscribe, leave a rating + review, and share it with a teammate who might be focusing on the wrong things.

🔜 Next Week:

We’re taking this conversation one step further. With graduation season in full swing, I’m sharing the hard truths I wish I had learned sooner, about self-discipline, ownership, and what it really means to lead yourself well.

Being the boss is both a privilege and a responsibility. Now what are you going to do with it?

• tactical vs relational strengths
• relational weaknesses in the workplace
• leadership development podcast
• how to improve team dynamics
• building trust at work
• defensive behavior at work
• human-centered leadership
• emotional intelligence in leadership

We read the book Love + Work By Marcus Buckingham so you don't have to!

Can you really love your job - or is that just wishful thinking? In this episode, Desiree and guest Tessa Kampen unpack Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham and what it means for new leaders trying to build careers that actually light them up.

Show Notes:
Last week we talked about redefining leadership with Craig Denison - how breaking the mold can make you a stronger, more authentic leader.

This week, we’re asking a question many leaders are afraid to face:

What if you’re succeeding... but in the wrong thing?

In this conversation, Tessa Kampen joins Desiree to break down the lessons inside Marcus Buckingham’s Love + Work and what every leader needs to know about burnout, joy, and doing work that matters.

If you're constantly putting out fires, questioning your path, or wondering why you feel so disconnected even in a “good” job - this episode will hit home.

Spoiler: Joy at work isn’t optional. It’s strategic.

By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• How to identify your “red threads” (and why they’re crucial to career longevity)
• Why only loving 20% of your job can drastically reduce burnout
• What leaders can do today to create more joy and connection on their team

When you finish listening, we'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Find us on LinkedIn, and share what hit home for you!

Take 30 seconds to ask your team what part of their job they love most - and what they wish they could do more of. The answers might surprise you - and help you lead more effectively.

Guest & Additional Links:
Connect with Desiree and Tessa on LinkedIn
Grab a copy of Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham

new manager tips, leadership podcast, leadership development, how to avoid burnout as a leader, leadership mindset, workplace communication
how to find joy in your job, managing burnout as a manager, how to create team connection
how to stop feeling overwhelmed as a manager, imposter syndrome in leadership, transitioning from employee to manager

Are authenticity and professionalism at odds, or are we just defining them wrong?

If you're a first-time manager trying to gain respect without losing yourself, you’re not alone. Most new leaders feel stuck between “being real” and “being taken seriously,” and it’s affecting your executive presence, your team’s trust, and how you show up in every meeting.

The truth? You don’t have to choose.

Authenticity and professionalism aren’t enemies. They’re tools. And when you know how to use both, you’ll finally feel like the leader you were meant to be.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why being authentic doesn’t mean oversharing (and being professional doesn’t mean polished to perfection)
• The mindset shift that helps you show up as you, without losing credibility
• How to define expectations and culture so you can confidently lead with clarity

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.
Take a screenshot of you listening, post it on LinkedIn, and tag me @Desiree Petrich

While you’re there, connect with me on LinkedIn to see how I help new and aspiring leaders grow their executive presence, delegate with confidence, and lead with clarity—without burning out.

Keywords: leadership podcast, new manager tips, executive presence, leadership development, first-time manager, leadership mindset, how to delegate tasks, leading with confidence, how to gain respect as a manager, developing executive presence for career growth, transitioning from employee to manager, imposter syndrome in leadership, how to set expectations as a new manager, why your team doesn’t respect you, practical leadership tips, building trust with your team, how to be a leader people actually follow