Sabina Nawaz: Becoming the Manager Others Need

Episode Recap:

In this episode, we dive into Sabina Nawaz's new book You’re the Boss: Becoming the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need), which offers fresh insights for managers looking to thrive in today’s high-pressure world. Nawaz, a global C-suite coach, shares her 20+ years of experience coaching top executives at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and the United Nations. With proven strategies backed by thousands of 360° reviews, Nawaz reveals how pressure and power can derail even the most well-meaning managers. She explores key topics like managing yourself first, overcoming pressure pitfalls, the power of "Blank Space" for creativity, and why self-care is crucial for success. Tune in for actionable advice on how to be a more effective, balanced, and impactful leader.

Guest Bio:

Sabina Nawaz is the author of You’re the Boss: Becoming the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need). She’s an elite executive coach who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. Sabina teaches faculty at Northeastern and Drexel Universities. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company’s executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly. She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, among others.

Quotes:

• "It is not power but pressure that corrupts—where we act out, raise our voice, yell, and scream under pressure."
• "I am sufficient. Not all the garnishes and varnishes. Just show up with the mindset that you are sufficient, and it will work."

Key Takeaways:

• Micro-habits matter: Start small—one push-up, one minute of meditation, 0.1 miles of running—to build consistency.
• Invite perspective first: Ask “How do you think things are going?” before offering feedback.
• Talk less, listen more: Be the third or fourth person to speak in meetings to allow space for other voices.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement

01:20 The Role of Managers in Today's Economy

05:17 Sabina's Origin Story

08:09 The Inspiration Behind 'You’re the Boss'

11:51 New Rules for Modern Managers

17:02 The Toxic Boss Myth

21:11 The Power of Micro Habits

24:58 The Danger of the Singular Story

26:32 Pressure and Power in Leadership

30:07 The Importance of Multiple Perspectives

31:11 Effective Communication and Feedback

37:12 The Shut Up Muscle

38:55 Handling Pressure with Blank Space

39:34 Speed Round: Personal Insights

Conclusion:

Modern leadership is less about control and more about clarity, care, and courage. Sabina Nawaz shows that managing well under pressure starts with knowing yourself, creating room for others to be heard, and leading with presence and empathy. The strongest teams are built on daily habits, honest conversations, and a leader who shows up with both confidence and humility.

Resources & Links:

📘 Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Youre-the-Boss/Sabina-Nawaz/9781668023181
🌐 Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/
📰 Newsletter: https://growthroughpressure.substack.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinanawaz

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