The Boss Moves Podcast: Hacks for new managers

The Management Anxiety trap. How to master your mindset as a manager

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100

How do you master the invisible monster of anxiety in middle management, is the question we tackle in this episode. We talk to Steve Maher, an executive coach, psychotherapist, and the author of Calm Down! Calm Down!: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Mastering Anxiety.

Steve shares how management anxiety often disguises itself as "high performance"—such as micromanaging, over-preparing, or the inability to delegate—and explains the real impact this has on a leader's brain and body. We discuss why our ‘stone-age’ biology misfires when handling professional pressure, the trap of creating worst-case scenarios, and why simply telling a stressed manager to "calm down" is often counterproductive. We also break down practical tools to interrupt anxiety spirals, change your relationship with stress, and implement micro-habits to protect your mental space and manage confidently.

You can get a copy of Steve's book here:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/steve-maher/calm-down-calm-down/paperback/product-kv6g2jq.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Get in touch

Do you have a management issue or quandary you'd like to talk to be discussed? You could be on our next pod. Just get in touch at info@tractioncoaching.co.uk or message us on one of our socials.

Traction Coaching
TikTok: @dannythecoach
Linkedin: Philippa

How to set the stage for a winning team

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100

A manager's performance is inseparably linked to the delivery of the team.

In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a high-performing team. It's more than just hiring talented individuals; it's about setting the stage for success. Join us as we explore the essential elements of creating a supportive environment where every team member can thrive, from fostering psychological safety to establishing clear expectations and celebrating wins.

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Performance Management

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Do you dread the word PDR or perhaps struggle setting objectives?

In this episode we discuss an issue that's important for any manager, performance management. We talk about the 'mechanical' side of it; the meetings, the conversations and the objectives for the year. And then how they can work alongside the more nuanced behavioural aspects, the principles and approaches you can take to people management to help both you and the team deliver your best.

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Making the step up to manager: dealing with overwhelm

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Making that step up from team member to manager can be tough. Suddenly you're not just managing your own workload and output, you're dealing with everyone else’s too. It can be overwhelming. In this episode we talk to Emma Barrow, an experienced Head of Communications and people manager, about her experience and how she deals with the needs of being a manager. In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about everything from the importance of organising yourself to constantly reviewing, learning and practicing the role of a people leader.

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How can I become a more confident manager?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0000

How confidence can come and go, the importance of your 'story' and focusing on what you can control are a few of the topics discussed in this episode of Boss Moves. While some managers seem to be just naturally confident, Danny and Philippa discuss what every manager can do to be a bit more self assured in their role and how they can help do the same for their teams.

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Setting a high performance culture

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

How do you build an environment which supports for a high performing culture, is the question we tackle in this episode. We talk to Richard Yorke, an exited founder, who is now an Angel Investor, mentor and advisor with a focus on start-ups operating in the UK's cyber-tech industry. Richard talks about the lessons he learned when his business started growing in size and the issues it raised for managing teams and company direction. We discuss why values need to be about real behaviours, the importance of routine management processes and the need for open communication.

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How do I develop my team?

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0100

Developing your team is one of the most important roles of a manager, but as a new or recently promoted manager how do you do it well? That's the subject of this episode featuring manager Kieran Moriarty. In this session, Kieran talks to Danny about his concerns over micromanagement, how to delegate in a way that helps the team learn and developing their confidence to show what they can do.

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