What Founders Need to Know About Feedback and Culture 7 | 33
Startup founders have a lot on their plates—but one of the most important things they can’t afford to neglect is how they build and lead their early team. Kim talks with executive coach and author Julia Austin about one of the most overlooked—but most important—skills for founders: setting clear expectations and giving helpful feedback early and often. Drawing from Julia’s book After the Idea, they cover how early hires shape company culture, why feedback systems matter from day one, and how to align as a team to create realistic, shared goals. Founders, joiners, and anyone curious about startup life will find valuable advice on leading with clarity, empathy, and purpose—because building a business starts with building relationships.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim Scott introduces guest Julia Austin, who shares the inspiration behind her book After the Idea.
(00:02:36) Why Early Hires Matter
How the first 10–15 employees shape startup culture.
(00:04:08) Building Good Systems
The importance of healthy incentives and checks on power.
(00:06:26) Growing Without Losing Trust
The evolution of startups as they scale and the growing pains that follow.
(00:08:14) Preparing for Growth and Change
Managing team expectations as the company shifts and scales.
(00:10:39) Layering Without Losing Trust
Hiring early senior employees with transparency and respect.
(00:14:51) Expectation Setting as a Leadership Tool
Why clearly defined roles and goals are the most underused tools.
(00:17:52) Co-Creating Goals in Startups
Tips on using 30/60/90-day plans and bottoms-up goal setting.
(00:19:53) What to Do When It’s Not Working
Signs of misalignment and navigating tough conversations with care.
(00:22:14) The Value of Contrarians
Why different working styles and perspectives can be strengths.
(00:23:49) Communicating What Success Looks Like
Setting clear goals to reduce ambiguity and guide decision-making.
(00:25:44) Aligning on Growth Strategy
Why co-founders need to agree on the speed and path of scale.
(00:28:10) Building a Culture of Feedback
Small changes that create clarity, reduce fear, and invite real conversations.
(00:29:50) Working With Visionary Founders
Addressing unrealistic expectations while honoring the big picture.
(00:32:02) Staying Connected as You Scale
How founders can stay approachable and in touch as the company grows.
(00:34:55) The Power of In-Person Moments
Why off-Zoom time and shared experiences matter for team trust.
(00:36:20) Common Mistakes Founders Make
Avoiding common traps like bottlenecking, gossip loops, and unclear roles.
(00:38:55) Conclusion
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41:43
Managing Managers: How to Navigate the Jump from Manager to Director 7 | 32
Kim, Jason, and Amy respond to a real-life leadership curveball: what happens when you accept a new role—only to find out mid-interview that it’s actually a director position? Inspired by a question from Reddit, they share practical advice for anyone navigating the leap from managing individuals to managing managers. Learn how to build trust early, create a strong feedback culture, and recognize when to listen and when to take action. Whether you’re new to leadership or just feeling a little unprepared, remember: you don’t have to have all the answers. Leading with Radical Candor means you care personally, challenge directly, and stay curious. Your job isn’t to fix everything—it’s to help your team grow.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Accidentally Landed A Director Role | Reddit
What Do Managers of Managers Do? (The Crank Call From Kim) 4 | 16
Five Principles For Successfully Managing Managers
Are You a Manager of Managers? Here's How Speak-Truth-To-Power Meetings Can Make Your Workplace More Equitable
Leading Large Teams: How to Manage 50+ Direct Reports In an Open Office or Factory Setting
Context Matters — Share Your Radical Candor Stories 3 | 2
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim, Amy, and Jason introduce a Reddit question about becoming a first time company director.
(00:01:12) Core Management Principles
Why the fundamentals of good leadership apply at every level.
(00:03:18) Scaling Leadership Skills
Learning to coach managers instead of solving problems directly.
(00:05:35) Speak Truth to Power Meetings
Creating space for honest feedback across company hierarchies.
(00:07:39) Building Trust
Why listening first matters—especially in a new role.
(00:11:52) Handling Dysfunctional Teams
Avoiding harm by understanding the root of the issues.
(00:13:19) Navigating Pressure from Above
How to explain why slowing down builds a strong foundation.
(00:14:46) When to Step in Immediately
Stories of handling toxic behavior and disrespect as managers.
(00:17:37) Spotting Issues in Remote Teams
Picking up subtle cues and helping team members course-correct.
(00:19:03) When Moving Too Slowly Backfires
Lessons from when hesitation allowed issues to grow.
(00:23:52) Leading Through Identity
How personal identity shapes experience and response in leadership.
(00:27:16) Respectful Leadership
Examples of respectful leadership communication and collaboration.
(00:30:30) Ask for Help the Right Way
Encouragement for new leaders to share their plans and seek feedback.
(00:33:50) Radical Candor Tips
Tips for helping overwhelmed, hesitant, or siloed leaders.
(00:42:00) Conclusion
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A Framework for Communicating Hard News (That Actually Works) 7 | 31
Candor Coach and executive coach Farrah Mitra joins Amy Sandler to share her 4-step Communicating Change Framework—a practical guide for leaders navigating layoffs, performance conversations, or org changes. Learn how to deliver tough news with kindness, clarity, and confidence, without causing unnecessary harm. A must-listen for anyone leading through change with Radical Candor.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Communicating Change with Clarity and Care—A Framework for Leaders
The Biggest Reason We Run from Challenging Conversations
What's Your Radical Candor Story? Candor Coaches Share The Feedback They're Most Grateful For
Farrah Mitra | LinkedIn
Lead Change Better: A New Way to Communicate What’s Coming
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy introduces Farrah Mitra, Radical Candor coach and creator of the Communicating Change framework.
(00:01:49) Why This Matters
Two stories that highlight the power of how change is communicated.
(00:04:47) Framing Makes the Difference
How message delivery impacts emotional response.
(00:06:28) Goals of the Framework
The overarching goal of the Communicating Change framework.
(00:07:36) Why We Avoid Empathy
Why leaders struggle with human-centered communication during change.
(00:09:54) Structure Creates Confidence
Creating a process that facilitates courage and clarity in conversations.
(00:11:30) Communicating Change Framework
A framework that gives leaders direction during tough conversations.
(00:13:00) Coaching for Mindset Shifts
Coaching to focus on reframing how leaders feel before they speak.
(00:14:20) Reframing from Guilt to Partnership
A real coaching story shows how shifting mindset changes everything.
(00:17:51) Grief, Identity & Communication
Why emotional processing is key before delivering hard news.
(00:21:00) Clarifying the Message
Choosing a narrative that doesn't mix performance and role decisions.
(00:25:13) Focus on the Receiver
Questions to help reverse engineer empathetic communication.
(00:29:02) Helpful Phrasing Tips
Phrasing examples to tailor language to ensure authenticity and clarity.
(00:31:15) Empathy vs. Niceness
Thoughtfully using structure to communicate with clarity and compassion.
(00:35:24) Company-Wide Implementation
How one org made the framework part of their leadership culture.
(00:38:19) Why Empathy Still Wins
Human-centered communication prevents harm—even in tough moments.
(00:39:52) Connect with Farrah
Where to connect with Farrah and find her framework.
(00:41:11) Conclusion
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44:17
Habit or Ritual: What's Driving Your Day? 7 | 30
This week, Amy talks with Harvard Business School professor and author of The Ritual Effect, Michael Norton, about how simple acts—like tapping your lucky pen or that sacred coffee run—can do more than you think. We're talking stress relief, team bonding, and (yes) actually making work feel meaningful. They unpack the difference between rituals and habits, why your team’s goofy lunch routine might be a stealth morale boost, and how even a tiny shared check-in—emoji-style—can reconnect us across the remote void. No kumbaya circles required. Tune in for a surprising, deeply human take on how we find connection, purpose, and a little weird joy in the everyday.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Michael Norton
Behavioral Science Books | Michael Norton
Michael I. Norton | Harvard Business School
Humblebragging: A Distinct—and Ineffective—Self-Presentation Strategy
Matchmaking Promotes Happiness | Social Psychological and Personality Science
Rituals Quiz | What Are Your Rituals? | Michael Norton
The Calming Power of Rituals | WSJ
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Amy Sandler introduces guest Michael Norton and his book The Ritual Effect.
(00:00:55) The Meaning in Small Rituals
A fun and engaging ritual exercise to demonstrate emotional connections.
(00:02:52) From Skeptic to Advocate
Michael’s journey from being a ritual skeptic to writing The Ritual Effect.
(00:05:49) The Meaning of Rituals
How rituals naturally emerge to provide structure and meaning.
(00:07:53) Rituals vs. Habits
The emotional difference between habits and rituals.
(00:10:06) Rituals as Emotion Generators
The dual role of rituals in generating and managing emotions.
(00:12:49) The Power of Collective Rituals
How shared rituals strengthen bonds and emotional resonance.
(00:14:07) Rituals in the Workplace
Examples of team rituals that foster bonding and purpose.
(00:16:39) Testing Rituals in Experiments
Research showing even made-up rituals increase group cohesion.
(00:20:37) Creating Work Rituals
Advice for leaders to co-create rituals for new work teams.
(00:23:12) Adapting Rituals for Remote Work
How teams have developed virtual rituals to maintain connection online.
(00:25:53) Meaningful Rituals in the Workplace
The significance of rituals in the workplace for individuals and leaders.
(00:29:11) Evaluating the Benefits of Rituals
How rituals contribute positively to mental health and well-being.
(00:32:40) Leaders Supporting Organic Rituals
Encouraging authentic rituals without imposing corporate mandates.
(00:35:40) Aligning Rituals with Team Values
Using rituals to express and reinforce organizational values.
(00:37:20) Discovering Your Rituals
Exploring the rituals in your life through Michael’s Ritual Quiz.
(00:40:52) Conclusion
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43:59
From Complaining to Collaboration: Shifting 1:1 Dynamics 7 | 29
When your one-on-ones start sounding like therapy sessions with zero breakthroughs, it’s time to ask—what’s really going on here? Jason and Amy unpack a Reddit post from a manager caught in a swirl of venting, defiance, and total burnout from their team. They dive into what venting actually signals, why some people shoot down every idea (even the good ones), and how to rebuild trust when the whole vibe is off. Sometimes it’s not about “fixing” people—it’s about listening like you mean it and why “don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions” might be the most toxic advice you never meant to give. It’s a deep dive into messy middle management moments, complete with hard truths, small wins, and the uncomfortable art of getting unstuck—without just slapping on a smile and pretending everything’s fine.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
Episode Links:
Transcript
Effective 1:1s - Tips For One-on-One Meetings With Your Team | Radical Candor
7 Ways To Improve One-on-One Meetings | Radical Candor
Have More Effective 1:1 Meetings | Radical Candor Podcast 2 | 9
Resistant Direct Reports | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 8
The Go-To Question | Radical Candor Podcast 2 | 8
Some direct reports have nothing to say during 1-on-1s | Reddit
Connect:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
LinkedIn
YouTube
Bluesky
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Jason and Amy introduce a Reddit post about managing one-on-ones that turn into venting sessions.
(00:02:35) Complaining vs. Valid Frustration
How to treat repeated venting as a signal, not background noise.
(00:04:00) The Manager’s Middle Role
The challenges of managing from the middle of the org chart.
(00:05:12) Listening as a Strategic Tool
Why reflective listening helps clarify what really matters to your team.
(00:06:33) Soliciting Specific Feedback Effectively
Using targeted questions to gather feedback from frustrated reports.
(00:09:52)Tailoring Feedback Questions
Why not all feedback questions are equal: timing and specificity are key.
(00:10:37) Celebrating Small Wins
How to acknowledge constraints while celebrating progress.
(00:12:17) Shifting from Emotion to Action
Encouraging forward motion by focusing on what can be done now.
(00:14:19) Managing Venting Time
Balancing space to vent with the need to move forward.
(00:17:03) Venting Culture & Peer Influence
How one person’s negativity can shape the entire team dynamic.
(00:19:01) Manipulative Insincerity & Unmet Needs
Understanding venting as a shortcut to connection and belonging.
(00:20:35) “Don’t Bring Me Problems” – Helpful or Harmful?
Why banning complaints can backfire—and what to do instead.
(00:22:14) The Roleplay: Shooting Down Every Idea
A roleplay showing how to respond when every idea gets shot down.
(00:27:00) Solutions Without Overpromising
How to be honest about constraints without losing trust.
(00:28:54) Radical Candor Tips
Actionable tips to guide productive, empathetic one-on-ones.
(00:31:38) Conclusion
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Ready to love your job, crush your career goals, and become the kind of leader everyone actually wants to work with?
Welcome to the Radical Candor podcast, where you'll learn how to kick ass at work without losing your humanity. Host Amy Sandler and Radical Candor co-founders Kim Scott and Jason Rosoff to break down how you can Care Personally and Challenge Directly — the deceptively simple but powerful formula for building stronger teams, giving (and getting) better feedback, and leading with heart and clarity.
Each episode is packed with real talk, relatable stories, and actionable tips to help you do the best work of your life while building the best relationships of your career. Whether you’re a manager, a team player, or dreaming bigger for your future, this is the podcast that will change how you show up at work — and in life. P.S. Don’t forget to check out Kim Scott’s New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity! Want even more Radical Candor? Join the Radical Candor Community — free forever.
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