What shifts when someone stops thinking like an employee and starts thinking like an owner?

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane sits down with Sharon De Lay, founder of GO-HR, to explore the powerful mindset shift that drives accountability, initiative, and sustainable performance inside organizations.

Sharon shares what it really means to cultivate an "owner mindset"—not in title, but in behavior. Together, they unpack why accountability often breaks down, how leaders unintentionally reinforce passivity, and what it takes to build a culture where people step up without being micromanaged.

You'll hear practical strategies for:

• Encouraging initiative without creating chaos

• Setting expectations that empower rather than control

• Moving from compliance-based management to commitment-based leadership

• Helping managers model ownership before expecting it from others

If you want fewer excuses, stronger follow-through, and a team that acts like stakeholders—not spectators—this conversation delivers the clarity and tools to make it happen.

Listen in and rethink how ownership really shows up at work.

Connect with Sharon

• GO-HR
• LinkedIn

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Dr. Laura Janusik to unpack the subtle but powerful influence of "Midwest Nice" in organizations.

What happens when politeness replaces candor? When harmony matters more than clarity? Dr. Janusik explores how well-intentioned indirectness can stall feedback, dilute accountability, and quietly erode performance.

Together, they examine the neuroscience of listening, the cost of conflict avoidance, and practical ways leaders can move from passive agreement to productive dialogue—without sacrificing respect.

If your culture values kindness but struggles with directness, this conversation offers a smarter path forward.

• Listening to Change
• Connect on LinkedIn

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Luke Goetting to explore what it really takes to recruit, retain, and develop Gen Z talent.

As digital natives enter and reshape the workforce, expectations around feedback, career growth, flexibility, and leadership are evolving fast. Jane and Luke unpack how organizations can move beyond generational stereotypes to create clear career pathways, meaningful development conversations, and cultures that keep high-potential talent engaged.

They also dive into the practical side of bridging generations at work—how to reduce friction, align expectations, and build systems that support both emerging professionals and seasoned leaders.

If your organization wants to attract the next generation without losing the current one, this conversation offers practical insight and forward-thinking strategy.

Connect with Luke Goetting:

• https://lukegoetting.com/
• Gen Z @ Work Podcast
• Connect with Luke on LinkedIn

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Marques Ogden to explore the powerful concept of the "Bison Mindset."

Unlike cattle that run away from storms, bison charge straight into them—shortening the time spent in discomfort and building strength along the way. Marques shares how this philosophy applies to leadership, setbacks, career pivots, and organizational challenges.

Together, they unpack what resilience really looks like in the workplace, how grit is developed rather than inherited, and why adversity can become an accelerator for growth when faced head-on.

If you're navigating uncertainty, leading through change, or rebuilding after a setback, this conversation will challenge you to stop circling the storm and start moving through it.

Connect with Marques Ogden

• https://marquesogden.com/
• Podcast: Get Authentic with Marques Ogden
• LinkedIn

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Dr. Melissa Hughes to explore what truly motivates people at work and why "just right" is the secret.

Drawing on neuroscience and the Goldilocks Principle, Melissa explains why employees disengage when work is too easy or too overwhelming and how leaders can calibrate challenges to keep teams in the optimal zone of growth.

Together, they unpack the science behind intrinsic motivation, psychological safety, and how small shifts in feedback, autonomy, and expectations can unlock higher engagement and performance.

If you've ever wondered why some people lean in while others quietly pull back, this conversation offers practical insight into creating work that is not too much, not too little—but just right.

Connect with Melissa

• Melissa Hughes Rocks
• LinkedIn
• YouTube Channel

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Trudy Towns to explore how HR leaders can use data to analyze, refine, and elevate the employee lifecycle.

From recruitment and onboarding to engagement, development, and retention, Trudy shares how meaningful metrics can uncover friction points, reveal patterns, and guide smarter decisions. Rather than relying on instinct alone, HR can leverage workforce data to strengthen every stage of the employee journey.

Together, they discuss practical ways to identify the right data, connect it to business outcomes, and move from reactive reporting to proactive workforce strategy.

If you're ready to shift HR from administrative support to strategic driver, this conversation offers a roadmap for using data to cultivate impact across the entire employee lifecycle.

Connect with Trudy:

• ImpactCultivate Consulting
• LinkedIn

In this episode of Management Matters, Jane Magness sits down with Doug Thompson to explore the power of storytelling as a leadership tool.

Great leaders don't just share information—they shape meaning. Doug explains how intentional storytelling builds trust, reinforces culture, clarifies vision, and inspires action. When leaders use stories well, they create connection and momentum that data alone cannot generate.

Together, they discuss how to craft stories that resonate, avoid common narrative pitfalls, and use personal experiences to spark growth within teams and organizations.

If you want to move from simply communicating to truly influencing, this conversation will challenge you to rethink the stories you tell and the growth they can ignite.

Connect with Doug Thompson

• The Doug Thompson
• The Doug Thompson Podcast
• LinkedIn

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Laura Janusik, a renowned communications expert, to explore the secrets to fostering meaningful conversations in the workplace. From the surprising downsides of an open-door policy to strategies for encouraging dynamic group discussions, Dr. Janusik shares actionable insights every leader can use. Plus, discover common communication pitfalls leaders face—and how to avoid them. Tune in for practical advice that will transform how you connect, collaborate, and lead!

Don't miss this game-changing episode!

Connect with Dr. Janusik on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurajanusikphd/