Leadership isn’t just for the people with the title.In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how to lead when you don’t have the formal authority. Whether you’re stepping up inside your team, managing cross-functional work, or just want to be seen as a leader (without micromanaging), this one’s for you.If you’ve ever had to get people on board, move a project forward, or set expectations without being anyone’s “boss”, you aren’t alone. This is one of the most common challenges emerging leaders face, and one I hear about often.This applies even if you never want to be a people manager. Leadership shows up in projects, relationships, conversations and influence. Learning how to step into it (without pushing) is what will separate you from the rest. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why formal titles aren’t what makes someone a leader- What “taking the lead” actually looks like (without overstepping)- 4 steps to leading without being the boss- The skill every emerging leader needs to master- Why feedback isn’t just for managers- Simple mindset shifts to help you lead with confidenceListen now to learn how to take the lead without the title.If you’re trying to lead without the title and feel unsure how to do it without overstepping, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. Tell me what feels sticky or where you’re getting stuck.Links and Resources Mentioned:The Leaders Lounge: The coaching and community membership for new and emerging managers who want to lead with confidence (without the overwhelm). Get real time coaching and strategy to level up your leadership skills without doing it aloneFREE Workload Audit: A practical guide for managers and new leaders to simplify their workload and maximise their impact. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
--------
22:20
EP 89. Managing and Supporting Gen Z with Henry Langdon
Gen Z is shaking up the workplace, and if you’re leading or managing them, you might have already noticed things are different.The old ways of managing just won’t cut it. Gen Z questions authority, filters out corporate jargon, and expects real engagement, not just instruction. So how do you create an environment where they can thrive?In this episode, I sit down with Henry Langdon, the founder of Udamon, to talk about what really works when leading and supporting Gen Z. Henry specialises in workplace learning and knows exactly how to bridge the gap between Gen Z’s expectations and the realities of the working world.Through Udamon, Henry has designed digital university curriculums and partnered with global organisations like Siemens, PwC, and Barclays to transform how young professionals enter the workforce. He’s also passionate about adventure, personal development, and the psychology of learning, which fuel his drive to push the boundaries of L&D.In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why traditional management approaches don’t work (and what does)- How Gen Z’s mindset around work is completely different from past generations- The shift from being a “boss” to being a coach (and why Gen Z needs this)- Practical strategies for helping them navigate work successfully- The biggest mistakes leaders make when managing Gen Z, and how to fix themGen Z is ambitious, driven, and ready to challenge the status quo, but they also need support in learning the unwritten rules of the workplace. If you’re a leader, manager, or business owner, this episode will help you get the best out of them.If you manage Gen Z and find yourself frustrated, uncertain, or just trying to figure out how to get the best from them, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what’s coming up for you and what shifts you’re trying to make. Links and Resources Mentioned:The Leaders Lounge: The coaching and community membership for new and emerging managers who want to lead with confidence (without the overwhelm). Get real time coaching and strategy to level up your leadership skills without doing it alone!FREE Workload Audit: A practical guide for managers and new leaders to simplify their workload and maximise their impact. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseConnect with Henry LangdonWebsite: udamon.orgLinked In: henrylangdonAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
--------
1:03:55
EP 88. How to Manage Your Workload as a New Manager (Without Burning Out)
New managers take on too much, too soon. It happens all the time. You say yes to everything, pick up extra work, and you’re suddenly drowning in tasks that shouldn’t even be on your plate.If your to do list never ends, if you feel like you’re working harder but never getting ahead, this episode is for you. I’m walking through a simple way to get your workload under control, so you can focus on leading your team, without working late every night.In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why new managers get stuck in the busy trap (and how to stop it)- The three types of categories in your workload and what to do with each one- How to cut out low value work without feeling guilty- A better way to delegate so you’re not micromanaging or fixing mistakes- How to create space for the work that actually mattersYou don’t have to do it all. You just have to know what’s worth your time.If this episode helped, send it to a manager who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t yet, leave a quick review! If your workload feels out of control and you’re stuck doing everything yourself, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn. Let me know what’s one task you know you shouldn’t be doing, but haven’t let go of yet. I’d love to hear from you.Links and Resources Mentioned:The Leaders Lounge: The coaching and community membership for new and emerging managers who want to lead with confidence (without the overwhelm). Get real time coaching and strategy to level up your leadership skills without doing it alone!FREE Workload Audit: A practical guide for managers and new leaders to simplify their workload and maximise their impact. Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
--------
16:18
EP 87. How to Coach Your Team (or anyone) in 15mins (or less)
Coaching is one of the most powerful skills you can develop as a leader. It creates accountability, enables problem solving, and helps your team take ownership, without micromanaging. If your team keeps coming to you for every little decision, or you feel like you’re constantly fixing problems instead of developing people, this episode is for you.In this episode, you’ll learn- Why your team keeps coming to you for answers (and how to fix it)- A simple, four question framework that will help you coach your team effectively in 15 minutes or less. - Why coaching builds stronger, more independent team. - How to stop micromanaging and create real accountability- How to keep conversations focused on actionThis is all about shifting how you lead so your team becomes more independent, capable, and engaged.If you’re tired of carrying all the weight, it’s time to make coaching part of your leadership style.If you’re looking to improve performance while lightening your own workload, this is the episode for you.If you feel stuck micromanaging and want change, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn, I would love to hear from you.Links and Resources Mentioned:The Leaders Lounge: The coaching and community membership for new and emerging managers who want to lead with confidence (without the overwhelm). Get real time coaching and strategy to level up your leadership skills without doing it alone!VIP Leaders Waitlist - Join the interest list hereThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier [Book] Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
--------
13:43
EP 86. 3 Career Mistakes I Made (And What I Wish I Learned Sooner)
In this episode, I’m sharing three career mistakes I made and what I wish I had learned sooner. These lessons aren’t just about climbing the ladder. They’re about avoiding the traps that keep you stuck and making better choices that actually move you forward in your career and leadership. Whether you're a new manager, an emerging leader, or just feeling stuck, these lessons will help you take control of your career with clarity and confidence.Here’s what you’ll learn: - The biggest mistake that taught me a lot about leadership- How making and taking ownership for mistakes helps you more than being “perfect”- The key leadership lessons each mistake taught me and what you can take away from them- Mindset reminders to help you navigate making mistakes so they don’t hold you back and instead move you forward.If you are hard on yourself when it comes to making mistakes or maybe you’re hard on your team - this episode is for you.If this episode helped you, send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn, I would love to hear from you.Links and Resources Mentioned:FREE Impostor Survival Guide - 5 Strategies to breakthrough self-doubt & step into your role as the courageous, confident leader you’re meant to be.The Leaders Lounge: The coaching and community membership for new and emerging managers who want to lead with confidence (without the overwhelm). Get real time coaching and strategy to level up your leadership skills without doing it alone!Are we connected? If not, connect here:Website: tashpieterse.comInstagram: @tash_pieterseLinkedIn: tashpieterseAre you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!
Lead with Less is THE podcast for People Leaders.
Hosted by Tash Pieterse, Certified People Leadership Coach, Business Owner, and mother.
Lead with Less is a podcast for people leaders who want to learn the skills they need to lead in way that people actually want to follow.
With over 13+ years experience in Human Resources, leading her own teams, running her own business, and being a mother, Tash brings all of that experience and knowledge to the podcast so you can get everything you need to become a leader focused on adding value, making an impact, and empowering the people around you.
This is the perfect spot if you're an established professional, new to leadership, business owner, or executive and want to Lead with Less overwhelm, confusion, and struggle so you can become a Leader people actually want to follow.
New Zealand