EP 116. What to Do When You’re Burning Out as a Manager
Every manager feels tired and stretched sometimes - but when exhaustion becomes the norm, it’s a red flag for burnout. The good news? There are clear signs to watch for and proactive steps you can take before it spirals.In this episode, I share: - The key signs you might be on the edge of burnout (and what to look for in your team too)- Why talking to someone is the first step to lightening the load- How to use an energy audit to see what drains vs. fills your energy- Why workload audits and delegation are essential burnout-busters- How to bring joy back into your work and life to re-ignite energyBurnout doesn’t have to be the cost of leadership. This episode will show you how to recognise the warning signs early, take back control of your energy, and create space to thrive as a leader and a human.If you are new to leadership and wondering how to “get it right”, have a listen What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there anything else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you!Links and Resources Mentioned:The Workload Audit - Cut through the noise and simplify your workload by focusing on what matters. Your free guide. Grab it here. https://tashpieterse.com/workload-auditThe Doing to Delegating Masterclass - Learn how to delegate with confidence that grows your team and leaves you focusing on the things that matter. Grab it here. https://tashpieterse.com/doingtodelegating-masterclassAre 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!
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EP 115. How to Run Better Meetings as a Manager (That People Actually Want to Attend)
We’ve all sat through terrible meetings - the kind that drag on, go nowhere, and make you wonder why you showed up at all. But as a manager, you have the power to change that.In this episode, I share six essential practices for running meetings that matter, so you can save time, get more engagement, and actually move things forward.In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why disorganised meetings destroy engagement (and how to fix it)- The power of a clear agenda and why it must go out in advance- How to ensure only the right people are in the room- Why everyone present must add value and how to make that happen- How to finish strong by clarifying actions, ownership, and deadlinesWhen you start practicing these, your meetings stop being time-wasters and start being productivity drivers. This episode will show you how to make that shift and free up more time for what really matters: leading your team and doing meaningful work.If you are new to leadership and wondering how to “get it right”, have a listen What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there anything else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you!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!
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EP 114. How Young Managers Can Become Strong Leaders with Dylan Wallace
Becoming a manager early in your career can feel overwhelming - but it can also be a powerful advantage if you focus on the right skills and mindset.In this episode, I chat with Dylan Wallace, who shares his journey of becoming a manager at 22 and the lessons he’s learned helping young leaders step into their potential.In this episode, we talk about: - The biggest challenges young managers face (from imposter thoughts to leading older staff)- How to build respect and influence without decades of experience- Why inexperience can actually be a leadership advantage- The three core responsibilities every manager must master- Practical ways to set expectations, supervise effectively, and give feedbackThis conversation is full of insight, honesty, and practical tools for young or aspiring managers who want to grow into strong, capable leaders.What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there something else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you.Connect with Dylan:https://www.instagram.com/leadwithdylanwww.leadwithdylan.comAre 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!
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EP 113. The Right (and Wrong) Ways for Managers to Use AI
AI is everywhere - but for managers, it’s not about learning prompts, it’s about learning principles. Used well, AI can help you think smarter, save time, and create space for more human leadership. Used terribly, it can strip out trust, connection, and authenticity.In this episode, you’ll learn: - The “line” every manager needs to know when using AI- Two big mistakes managers make when overusing AI- Why AI should never replace human connection or responsibility- Practical ways to use AI to challenge your thinking and improve conversations- How to free up your time with AI so you can focus on strategy, people, and performanceAI won’t make you a better leader - but how you use it can.This episode shows you how to leverage AI in ways that make managing easier, without losing the humanity that makes leadership work.If you are new to leadership and wondering how to “get it right”, have a listen What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there anything else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you!Links and Resources Mentioned:V.I.P Leaders leadership program Interest List - the signature program that helps you strengthen your leadership identity, build trusted influence, and level up your emotional intelligence to become a leader people actually want to follow. The next round starts in March 2026. Join the interest list here. 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!
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EP 112. The Skills of Happiness: How to Build a Happier Team and Lead Better with Declan Edwards
Happiness isn’t just an outcome - it’s a skillset you can practice, improve, and carry into every area of life.In this episode, I talk with Declan Edwards, happiness researcher, coach, author, and founder of BU Happiness College. Declan shares how he turned his own struggles into a global mission to teach the science of happiness and why these skills are essential for leaders today.In this episode, we talk about: - Why happiness is a skill, not an outcome- The 5 core skills every emerging leader needs to develop- How happiness at work drives productivity, performance, and retention- Practical ways to practice happiness skills daily that benefit your work and life- The ripple effect leaders have on their teams (and how to make it positive)If you’ve ever felt like happiness was just out of reach, or you’ve questioned how to balance being human with being a leader, this episode will give you the tools and the hope to start shifting things today.What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there something else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you.Links and Resources Mentioned:How to be Happy Podcast (on Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-to-be-happy/id1361238593 How to be Happy Podcast (on Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/0zriwga04Rl0pbjFuDF6Hl?si=efa565f0d4704460 Personal Happiness Scorecard: https://buhappinesscollege.com/scorecard/Workplace Happiness Self Diagnostic: https://buhappinesscollege.com/workplace-happiness-self-diagnostic/Waitlist for Declan’s Book: https://s.pointerpro.com/bookwaitlistConnect with Declan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu 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