Karen Benz: Navigating Change and Empowering Leaders with 1:1 Coaching (Encore) | Ep #114
Release Date: 02/11/2025
Difficult Conversations Planner: How to Prepare, Deliver & Follow Up Like a Pro | Ep. #128
Building Better Managers
In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we dive into one of the most stressful and avoided parts of leadership: the difficult conversation. Whether you’re giving tough feedback to a direct report, navigating a peer conflict, or even managing up, these high-stakes dialogs can easily go off the rails. But they don’t have to. We break down a practical two-part planning system to help you move from confrontation to collaboration—without losing your cool. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why 90% of your success is determined before you say a word ✔️ A 7-step...
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Mastering One-on-One Meetings: The Manager’s Most Underrated Superpower | Ep. #127
Building Better Managers
In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we explore one of the most underrated yet high-impact tools in a manager’s toolkit: the one-on-one meeting. While many treat one-on-ones as routine check-ins or status updates, top-performing managers know they’re so much more. When done right, one-on-ones are a strategic space to build trust, drive clarity, and accelerate development. We’ll share practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world examples to help you turn your next one-on-one into a moment of meaningful connection and growth. Key Takeaways Why...
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The Leadership Power of Listening: How Enhanced Listening Skills Can Transform Your Team | Ep. #126
Building Better Managers
In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we dive into one of the most underestimated leadership superpowers: listening. At a time when hybrid work, constant pings, and AI overload are stealing our attention, truly listening—with focus, curiosity, and empathy—has become a lost art. But it doesn’t have to be. We explore the key techniques and mindset shifts from New Level Work’s “Listening Skills Enhanced” training to help managers lead with greater clarity, compassion, and confidence. Whether you’re heading into a tough 1:1, navigating team...
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Mastering Feedback with the SBI Model: A Framework for Growth and Trust | Ep #125
Building Better Managers
In this episode of Building Better Managers, we explore one of the most essential tools in every leader’s toolkit: giving effective feedback. We introduce the SBI Model — Situation, Behavior, Impact, a practical, repeatable framework adapted from the Center for Creative Leadership. Whether you’re delivering constructive feedback or reinforcing great work, SBI helps managers communicate with clarity, build trust, and foster real growth. Through examples, breakdowns, and practical coaching tips, this episode guides leaders in creating feedback conversations that are consistent, specific,...
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Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety with Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman (Encore) | Ep #124
Building Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson talks with experts Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman to explore the critical concept of psychological safety in the workplace. They discuss the importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and take risks without fear of negative consequences. The conversation covers practical strategies for leaders and team members alike to foster psychological safety, including communication techniques, managing reactions, embracing failure, and designing inclusive rituals. Key...
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Navigating Workplace Drama Effectively with Marlene Chism (Encore) | Ep #123
Building Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson engages with Marlene Chism to explore the complexities of conflict in the workplace. They discuss the importance of developing conflict capacity, emotional integrity, and leadership clarity. Marlene emphasizes the need for leaders to confront their inner narratives and the impact of organizational culture on conflict resolution. Key takeaways: Conflict capacity involves skills development, inner game, and culture. Drama in the workplace is inevitable but can be managed. Emotional integrity means owning your experience and...
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Self-Care Strategies for Leaders with Liz Kislik (Encore) | Ep #122
Building Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson discusses the importance of self-care for leaders with management consultant Liz Kislik. They explore effective time management strategies, the distinction between empathy and compassion, and the structural solutions that can support self-care in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to model self-care, manage their time effectively, and navigate conflicts with compassion and action. Listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps to improve their leadership and team dynamics. Key takeaways: ...
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Personal Connections: The Heart of Sales and Leadership with Chris Wells (Encore) | Ep #121
Building Better Managers
In this episode of Building Better Managers, host Wendy Hanson engages in a deep conversation with Chris Wells, VP of EMEA at New Level Work, about the intersections of sales, HR, and learning and development. They explore the importance of personal connections in sales, the similarities between HR and sales professionals, and the common blind spots in leadership development programs. The discussion also highlights the evolving approaches to leadership development, the challenges faced by HR leaders, and the future of sales in the context of leadership development. Chris shares valuable...
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The Role of AI in Modern Leadership with Kristine Ellis (Encore) | Ep #120
Building Better Managers
Host Wendy Hanson engages with Kristine Ellis, Director of Talent Development at GuideWell, to explore the complexities of leadership in the healthcare sector. They discuss the unique challenges faced by healthcare leaders, the innovative use of AI in management, and the importance of coaching and collaboration in fostering a supportive work environment. The conversation also highlights strategies for navigating change, supporting mental health, and ensuring employee well-being, all while emphasizing the core values that drive GuideWell's mission to transform healthcare. Key takeaways: ...
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Navigating Career Development in Modern Workplaces with Julie Winkle Giulioni (Encore) | Ep #119
Building Better Managers
In this encore episode of Building Better Managers, Wendy engages with Julie Winkle Giulioni, a renowned expert in career development. They discuss the evolution of career conversations, the importance of psychological safety, and the impact of remote work on employee growth. Julie emphasizes the need for continuous dialogue about career development rather than relying on annual reviews. The conversation also explores the role of AI in enhancing career growth while highlighting the irreplaceable value of human interaction. As the workplace continues to evolve, leaders must adapt their...
info_outlineDedicated and high-performing Executive Coach and former Vice President of Coaching at New Level Work, Karen Benz, explores the nuances of coaching in leadership. Learn the importance of understanding what coaching is and isn't, the concept of directed coaching, and the significance of building a strong coaching community. This conversation with host Wendy Hanson highlights the transformative 'Aha' moments experienced by managers during coaching sessions, the differences between internal and external coaching, and the power of perspective in facilitating growth. The importance of feedback and the value of coaching in today's workplace is emphasized, especially in navigating challenges brought on by recent global events.
Key takeaways:
- Coaching is about building individual leadership skills through goal setting.
- Directed coaching combines traditional coaching with the coach's expertise.
- A strong coaching community enhances the experience for both coaches and clients.
- Aha moments in coaching can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
- External coaches can provide a fresh perspective free from organizational politics.
- Perspective shifts can help clients see situations differently and improve their management style.
- Feedback is essential for growth and improvement in coaching.
- Coaching is an investment in personal and professional development, not a remedial action.
- Clients must be motivated to engage fully in the coaching process.
- The relationship between coach and client is crucial for effective coaching.
Meet Karen:
Karen Benz is an experienced Executive Coach (and former VP of Coaching at NLW) with an extensive background in leadership and management. She holds a B.S. (Bryant University) and M.S. in Management (Salve Regina University). Her experience spans most industries including technology, finance, health care, defense, manufacturing, service, nonprofit, government, and education.
Karen has a certification in DISC and has taught business courses at the university level for over 10 years. She also has experience as the Chief Operating Officer of an ambulatory health care facility located in Rhode Island. Karen is a certified graduate of Corporate Coach University. She is the VP of Coaching at New Level Work and is based in Rhode Island.
Karen's Links:
- Your LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenbenz/
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