If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: admin@ideasforleaders.com

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In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar chats with Phoebe Garfinkel, Head of HR at AstraZeneca. With a diverse background, Phoebe talks about her journey from poetry to business, and her experience leading HR teams in a large global company. She shares insights on developing middle managers, the importance of coaching, and how strong leadership skills can shape company culture, drive performance, and enhance employee satisfaction.

Phoebe Garfinkel, Head of HR at AstraZeneca, shares her unique journey from studying poetry to leading HR in a global company. She talks about her passion for developing middle managers, emphasising the importance of coaching, clear communication, and creating an environment where managers can grow. Phoebe explains how strong leadership and emotional intelligence can drive team performance and culture.

Key Topics:

• The Power of Coaching: How building a coaching mindset in managers helps improve team performance and growth.
• Supporting Managers: The importance of developing middle managers to lead effectively and understand their team’s needs.
• Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: Why emotionally aware leaders create a positive environment that drives success.
• Clear Communication: How setting clear expectations and giving regular feedback helps teams stay on track.
• Building Strong Team Culture: How leaders shape a team’s culture by focusing on relationships, trust, and open communication.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Teaser

[02:24] Phoebe shares her background and how her career journey led her to HR and leadership development.

[08:35] The transition from technical roles to management and the challenges of middle managers.

[11:05] Creating a shared vision for managers and aligning them with company values

[20:49] The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and how it influences team culture.

[23:16] The importance of managing difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback.

[24:25] Building a strong team culture through trust, communication, and coaching.

[30:06] The importance of coaching for managers and how it drives performance and growth.

[31:32] Key takeaways on how to develop effective middle managers for long-term success

[34:12] How leaders can support their teams’ well-being while balancing performance expectations.

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