Shows
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzA Little About Me From the People Who Know MeA podcast about my work experience and history.Key themes emerging from the recommendations include:Leadership and People Management: Evan is repeatedly described as an empathetic, humble, and supportive leader who prioritizes team growth, fosters psychological safety, encourages collaboration, and promotes professional development. Reviewers highlight his ability to rebuild teams during challenging periods, navigate interpersonal dynamics with emotional intelligence, and empower individuals to excel while maintaining calm under pressure.Project Management and Agile Expertise: He is praised for effectively implementing Agile methodologies, adapting processes to organizational needs, explaining complex technical concepts clearly to...
2025-12-1611 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzThe Myth of the EmergencyI worked at a large organization some time back, and when I started, I asked what the existing issue resolution plans were. I got a lot of blank stares. “What do you mean?” said one employee. I explained, “What do you do when there is a problem or critical issue?” “Well, you mean other than leadership running around with their hair on fire?” “Yes, other than that.” “Oh well, then nothing.” This got a good chuckle out of the other team members around the conference table.“Yikes. Okay, well, I think we can improve that.”The first problem in iss...
2025-11-0610 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzThe Myth of Managing Up I’ve got another myth in mind today. Big Foot? Aliens? The Bermuda Triangle? And by the way, whatever happened to the Bermuda Triangle? When I was a kid, it seemed like every show had some kind of reference to it. Now, no one ever talks about it anymore.I think some of you won’t agree with my characterization of this as a myth. You will say, “Oh, but Evan, it is very real.” Well, yes, it is real, in the sense that there are many leaders who believe in this; in fact, some might think it is th...
2025-10-2907 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzThe Progression of the WorkplaceEvan interviews guest Jay Brummett.They explored the evolution of the workforce and the impact of AI on knowledge workers, examining how AI can complement human skills while highlighting its limitations. The conversation concluded with discussions about team management challenges, the importance of creating safe work environments, and the significant costs associated with poor management practices and employee turnover.Leadership and Employee VoiceEvan and Jay discussed the challenges of creating a safe environment for employees to speak up and the importance of leaders demonstrating humility and openness to feedback. They highlighted how...
2025-10-2258 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz3 Very Important WordsI’ve got 3 very important words for you today.In America, you have probably heard the popular saying, “The customer is always right.” It is supposed to reflect our culture of customer satisfaction and experience. In Germany, there is a twist on that saying which pokes fun at Germany’s own perceived approach to customer service. The saying goes, “In Germany, the customer is King…and he shall be punished for his arrogance.” Ha!Sometimes words go along with philosophy in how you view or treat people. Sometimes those words are accurate and meaningful, other times they are...
2025-10-1505 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzThe Myth of the Player-CoachPlayer-Coach Concept in SportsEvan opened by discussing Pete Rose, who was the last player-coach in major American sports from 1984 to 1986 with the Cincinnati Reds. He noted that:There have been no player-coaches in professional sports in the last 40 yearsThe last player-coach in the NBA was over 50 years agoThere has never been a player-coach in the modern era of football or hockeyMost player-coaches in professional sports were failures in terms of winning percentageVirtually all player-coaches had sub-.500 records and short-lived dual careers
2025-10-0807 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzIs That a Capital A?Evan Baltz, a marketing technology leader, discussed the distinction between lowercase "agile" and uppercase "Agile" in the context of business processes. He explained that lowercase agile refers to quick adaptability, while uppercase Agile is a structured project management approach emphasizing iterative processes, collaboration, and flexibility. Evan highlighted that many organizations confuse the two, leading to chaos and inefficiency. He also addressed common misconceptions about Agile, such as its perceived inflexibility, and outlined its benefits, including increased adaptability, enhanced collaboration, and faster delivery of high-quality work. Evan encouraged listeners to clarify the use of the term "agile" when they encounter...
2025-10-0108 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzThe Transactional vs. Relational ManagerThe Transactional vs. Relational ManagerWelcome to season 2 of The Manager’s Desk. I’m Evan Baltz, a Marketing Technology expert and a team builder, and…a bit of an author.In May, I was pleased to publish my book “The Art of Leadership without Losing Your Soul” which is available on Amazon in 4 different formats: paperback, hardcover, Audible, and Kindle.In one of the chapters in the book, and on a previous podcast, I discussed The Art of the 1:1. But I wanted to dig into that topic a little more by talking about the...
2025-09-2305 min
Listen To This Spellbinding Full Audiobook — Perfect On The Go.Learning to Stand Fast in True Grace by Evan D. BaltzPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/182164to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Learning to Stand Fast in True Grace
Author: Evan D. Baltz
Format: mp3
Length: 13 hrs and 40 mins
Release date: 05-23-25
Ratings: Not rated yet
Genres: Theology
Publisher's Summary:
2025-05-231h 40
Don’t Miss An Best-Selling Full Audiobook And Elevate Your Mindset.Hindsight: A GenX Life by Evan D. BaltzPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/16009to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Hindsight: A GenX Life
Author: Evan D. Baltz
Narrator: Virtual Voice
Format: mp3
Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins
Release date: 04-06-25
Ratings: Not rated yet
Genres: Performing Arts
Publisher's Summary:
2025-04-065h 36
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzLeading Business-Minded Thinking Technology TeamsAs a manager in Marketing or IT technology, it’s important to not only develop your team members understanding of technology and performance, it is also important to coach them how to be business-minded technologists.To be truly successful within a business organization, every contributor needs to understand the business. However, this is often lost on your individual contributors, especially within technology fields. And that, I believe, is the manager/directors responsibility. For instance, within the field of web development, each developer or designer or programmer, should think first about the business needs. What are the key drivers for my...
2025-03-0403 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzThe Art of the 1:1An important part of being a manager is communicating regularly with your direct reports.
This can be a valuable time to connect with your team members. But for many it ends up being a lost opportunity or a checking-the-box experience.
Here are some helpful tips on how to get the most out of your 1:1s:
1. Have a meeting agenda for the appointment.
2. Ask open-ended questions.
3. Seek feedback - Anything we as a team should be paying for attention to?
4. Share your own thoughts to make it okay for them to as well.
5. Listen.
6. Tell them you appreciate their thoughts...
2025-02-0717 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzManager as CoachManager as coach tips:
Demonstrate through examples - show them how you do it and talk about why it works
Provide feedback on performance - meaningful, not participation ribbon type positive feedback and not overtly harsh or destructive
Give opportunities for growth/advancement
Create gameplans/strategies to make them successful - play to their strengths
Reward them for outstanding performance
#coach #coaching #manager #leadership #podcast #leaders
2025-01-2910 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzHow to Build a Team - an interview with Jerry BlackIn this episode of The Manager's Desk, Evan discusses all things managers with Jerry Black. Jerry has 20+ years of experience in leadership, project management, team building, and coaching, as well as being a stand-up comedian.
They discuss topics like:
What makes a great manager?
What makes a bad manager?
What are some of the most important things you can do to ensure you are the former?
What do you look for when recruiting team members?
How do you spot a bad apple?
...
2025-01-091h 15
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzAgile Ceremonies - an interview with Jay BrummettOn this episode of The Manager's Desk, Evan interviews
Jay Brummett, CSPO, CSM, CSP-SM, CAL, (PMP) about Agile Ceremonies. They discuss:
The basic agile “ceremonies”/meetings. What purpose do they serve, and who is involved
What the role of the manager is in relationship to the ceremonies and the product owner and SCRUM master
Recommendations for new year’s resolutions for Agile teams
#agile #scrum #managers #leadership #podcast #meetings #resolutions #newyears
2025-01-081h 11
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz5 New Year's Resolutions for Executive LeadersIn previous podcasts, I offered recommendations for New Year’s Resolutions for managers and for employees. In today's episode, I am going to recommend resolutions for executive leaders. So here they are for 2025:
1. Solicit feedback
2. Encourage debate and dissenting opinions
3. Be generous with time off
4. Don’t let AI make hiring decisions for you
And finally,
5. Be accountable and hold all leaders accountable
There you have it! 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Executive Leaders. What do you think? Too controversial? Too difficult? I’ll practice what I preach and encourage your feedback in the comments. Did I get some wrong? D...
2025-01-0718 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz6 New Year's Resolutions for EmployeesOn a recent podcast, I shared 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Managers. Today, I am recommending 6 New Year’s Resolutions for Employees.
So here they are for 2025:
Nail the small stuff - One of the best things you can do to set yourself up for a great year and a great review and possible promotions, is to nail all the small stuff consistently. What is “the small stuff” you ask? Things like promptness, showing up on time to meetings, always creating out of office messages when you are gone, having a backup person when you are gone...
2025-01-0403 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz5 New Year's Resolutions for ManagersWell it is now officially 2025 - we are ¼ of the way into this century already! By the way, whatever happened to Y2K? :-) Maybe a discussion for another time.
Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions? Maybe getting back to the gym, or doing more reading or completing a project around the house?
From a professional standpoint, it might also be a good idea to create New Year’s Resolutions for yourself in your position. I’d like to share 5 suggestions for New Year’s Resolutions for managers.
Be yourself - it’s funny...
2025-01-0205 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzRisk Assessment - an Interview with Jay BrummettEvan discusses with Jay the Agile Pre-Mortem, or risk assessment.
Questions addressed include:
In Agile, what is a “retro” or post-mortem?
What is the major goal of this ceremony?
What is a pre-mortem? Goal? Who attends?
How are risks prioritized?
What are some common risks?
How are risks mitigated?
Who’s responsibility is it?
What are some obstacles to risk assessment?
How do you know if your risk assessment has been valuable/successful?
If you have q...
2024-12-191h 02
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzDo Employees Quit Bad Managers?It's a popular opinion and theory that employees don't quit companies, they quit bad managers.
While there is truth to that thinking, it's missing the bigger picture.
Listen to Evan discuss this issue and some possible solutions.
#badmanager #culture #employee #leadership #manager #review #survey #podcast
2024-12-1818 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzManaging Introverts and ExtrovertsEvan discusses the differences between introverts and extroverts and how it presents challenges to a manager.
The first step is understanding what each personality type is like and what is important to them.
At its most basic, extroverts receive energy from social interactions and introverts lose energy from social interactions.
A smart manager understands both and how to best interact with each personality type.
#introvert #extrovert #managers #leadership #introversion #extraversion #personalitytypes
2024-12-1622 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzHave a Process - an interview with Jay BrummettJoin Evan and his special guest, Jay Brummett - CSPO, CSM, CSP-SM, CAL, (PMP), Agile expert as they discuss some of the following:
How does it differ from other methodologies?
On a scale of 1-10, how hard do you think it is to institute Agile in an organization?
What are some of the key blockers to that (Evan will confirm leadership adoption)
How does Agile help the “doers”?
How does Agile help the managers?
How does Agile help Sr. leadership/executives?
One complaint I’ve heard...
2024-12-121h 09
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzFree Consulting Session!Leave a comment expressing your interest in a free consulting session and I'll put your name into a random drawing. The winner will receive a 1 hour Zoom meeting consultation.
Open to managers or employees.
2024-12-0900 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz6 Ways to Build TrustPerhaps the most critical thing you can do as a manager/leader is to build trust. Here are 6 ways to do that:
Authenticity
Compassion
Honesty
Career Path Support
Support - public and private
Ask for advice and take it
#trust #leadership #managers #podcast #buildtrust
2024-12-0916 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#9 Have a Plan (SOPs)Evan discusses the importance of having SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
These are often misunderstood in their purpose, or sometimes shunned by executives who would rather create panic and "emergencies" to exercise authority and control. Ultimately that is not sustainable.
So what is a good SOP and why should you have them?
#SOPs #leadership #managers
2024-12-0616 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#8 A Good Manager Promotes Team MembersThere are three perspectives for promotions:
1. The employee's perspective
2. The manager's perspective
3. HR/Sr. Leadership perspective
Evan walks through these perspectives and provides tips on how to be successful.
#promotions #managers #leadership
2024-12-0614 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#7 Remote WorkersThe differences in managing remote teams or in-person teams.
I share some tips on how to effectively manage employees remotely.
Please share your thoughts and comments.
2024-12-0214 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. BaltzHandling Performance IssuesI received a follow-up question to a previous podcast about specifically dealing with employees with performance issues.
Here are my thoughts on that subject and some tips.
Please leave me your thoughts or comments.
#workplace #managers #leadership #performance #PIPs
2024-12-0223 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#6 Rewarding the Right ThingsGood companies reward employees. That is not revolutionary thinking. But do good managers reward their employees for "getting the job done"?
Are we doing it right?
Good companies and managers reward employees. GREAT companies and managers reward employees for the right reasons.
#rewards #workplace #managers #leadership #praise
2024-11-2706 min
The Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz3 Ways to Show You are ThankfulIn this special Happy Thanksgiving holiday podcast, Evan shares some personal stories and some messages sent to managers.
3 Ways to tell your team members you are thankful for them:
1. Appreciate them throughout the year.
2. Value who they are as a person, rather than the work they do for you
3. Tell them. Genuinely and authentically tell them, to their face and in writing why you are thankful for them on a personal level.
#thanksgiving #thankful #appreciative #managers #leadership #podcast
2024-11-2711 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz10 Steps to Becoming a Bad Employee10 Steps to Becoming a Bad Employee
By Evan D. Baltz
Always be late
Always blame coworkers
Backstab
Give false praise
Underestimate time to complete projects
Be overly casual
Use unprofessional language
Always complain but offer no solutions
Always make excuses
Stay silent
If you follow all of these tips, you too can become a bad employee!
Thoughts? Did I forget some? Have you ever experienced any of these behaviors? Share your experiences in t...
2024-11-2205 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz10 Steps to Becoming a Bad ManagerYep. You read that right. I’m going to tell you all the steps you can take to become a bad manager.
A number of years ago I was fortunate enough to work for a large company and had a great manager for about a year. In fact, he was the best manager I’ve ever had. But then, as they do, the organization decided to restructure, and as a result, I was placed under another manager – the worst manager I’ve ever had. I learned a lot from that dramatic switch. I learned what it felt like to be under a...
2024-11-2212 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#5 Handling difficult situations#5 Handling Difficult Situations
An effective leader is able to navigate and address difficult situations.
The first four skills I've discussed in previous posts all need to be put into practice when a leader is faced with a difficult situation.
In fact, how you are remembered and/or perceived is often dictated by how you handle difficult situations. Think about world leaders. We remember them primarily by what they said and did in crisis, not by how they handled the day-to-day. Failure in a crisis can undo one's reputation quickly and permanently.
The problems most leaders face aren't global crises...
2024-11-2005 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#4 Leaders must be compassionate#4 Compassion
Strong leaders must be compassionate.
What saddens me is that many might tacitly agree with this but then nullify that with their actions.
Your employees and co-workers are human beings. They aren't perfect. They aren't soulless robots. They have families and pets. They have feelings and concerns. They have good days and bad days. They get sick. They have questions. Some are introverted. Some are extroverted. They come from different backgrounds and different experiences. But all of them are human beings.
As a leader, your responsibility is not to squeeze every last ounce out of them for your...
2024-11-2004 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#3 Leaders must be accountable#3 Accountability
Leaders must be accountable.
Accountability is a huge problem in the workplace. Well, let us be honest, not just in the workplace, it's a huge problem in society.
There is almost nothing more demoralizing or frustrating for employees than when leadership is not accountable for their decisions and actions. Too many leaders and managers hold to the "accountability for thee, not for me" mentality.
So, as a leader, how do you ensure you don't fall into that trap?
First, state your intentions to your team. And do so, without hesitation or equivocation.
"I am accountable"
"It is my...
2024-11-2003 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#2 Leaders must ListenLeaders must listen.
A great leader listens. You've heard it before, two ears, one mouth. Listening is the key to communication, understanding problems, and understanding people.
A manager who isn't a good listener isn't a good manager.
Keys to being a good listener:
• Make it okay for every person to speak their mind - truly. No judging or punishing people for their thoughts and opinions. Tell each person how important their input is and that you need it.
• Be patient. Especially with introverts. Give the conversation time to breathe, allow them time to collect their thoughts and express them. Just...
2024-11-1912 minThe Manager's Desk with Evan D. Baltz#1 Leaders must be authenticLeadership must be authentic.
Have you ever had a manager who, in your one-on-ones (1:1), seems to be reading from a "how to be a manager" script? They ask questions that seem forced, formulaic, or worse, like trick questions. They use catchphrases more than Bart Simpson. They sound like a semi-human version of ChatGPT.
Don't get me wrong—management training courses and books can be helpful on some levels, but they often produce inauthentic results as the trainee falls back on the talking points rather than engaging in an authentic conversation that connects with the employee....
2024-11-1908 min
Good Things Are HappeningKirk BaltzSponsored by Surfshark! Get a deal at https://get.surfshark.net/SH3q3 Kirk Baltz is a film, theater and television actor who has worked with such noted film directors as Chantal Akerman, Warren Beatty, Oliver Stone, John Woo, Kevin Costner, Quentin Tarantino, Taylor Hackford and Deniz Gamez Erguven to name a few. Kirk has appeared in such noted films as Reservoir Dogs, Bulworth, Natural Born Killers, Face/Off, and Dances With Wolves. In recent years, he's appeared in Taylor Hackford’s Parker, Deniz Erguven’s Kings, and the critically acclaimed short films The Armoire by Eva...
2024-07-231h 02
Hello From The Magic TavernSeason 2, Ep 79 - Doppelgänger (w/ Tim Baltz)We talk to Dopel the Doppelgänger, who can look like anyone. CreditsArnie: Arnie NiekampChunt: Adal RifaiUsidore: Matt YoungDopel: Tim BaltzMysterious Man: Tim SniffenCraig: Ryan DiGiorgiTricia: Kate JamesProducers: Arnie Niekamp, Ryan DiGiorgi, Evan JacoverEditor: Ryan DiGiorgiTheme Music: Andy PolandMagic Tavern Logo: Allard LabanAudio Assistance: Jason KnoxProduction Assistance: Garrett Schultz
2018-10-0138 min
SPONTANEANATION with Paul F. TompkinsA Comic Book ShopPaul F. Tompkins welcomes all celebrating Independence Day to this weeks episode of Spontaneanation! This week, Pauls special guest is actor and man of a million voices Phil LaMarr! They chat about the last item he donated to charity, the story behind the Hamburglar, and shopping in the women's section of Goodwill for sketch costumes. Paul is then joined by Craig Cackowski, Nyima Funk, and Marc Evan Jackson to improvise a story set in a Comic Book Shop. And as always, Eban (only the best) Schletter scores it all on piano! The next live edition of Spontaneanation happens S...
2016-07-031h 06Hello From The Magic Tavern61 - SheriffIs there a new sheriff in town? No, she’s had this job for a while. But she’s new to me: this week I talk to Gianessa Relkorus, the first female Sheriff of Hogsface.CreditsArnie: Arnie NiekampChunt: Adal RifaiUsidore: Matt YoungGianessa Relkorus, Sheriff of Hogsface: Dana QuercioliJimminent Turlybirther, the Confidential Courier: Tim BaltzKrom the Fingarian: Mark LogsdonOtok Barleyfoot: Nick BaerFlower: Brooke BreitBungaree Chubbins: Tom GottleibCr...
2016-05-0939 minHello From The Magic Tavern60 - Confidential CourierThis week we talk to Jimminent Turlybirther, the Confidential Courier. What's he couriering? We'll see if he'll confide.CreditsArnie: Arnie NiekampChunt: Adal RifaiUsidore: Matt YoungJimminent Turlybirther, the Confidential Courier: Tim BaltzMysterious Man: Tim SniffenCraig: Ryan DiGiorgiProducers: Arnie Niekamp, Evan Jacover, Ryan DiGiorgiEditor: Chris RathjenTheme Music: Andy PolandMagic Tavern Logo: Allard LabanAudio Assistance: Jason Knox
2016-05-0238 min
Food is the New RockOutside Lands 2015 w/ Dan Deacon, Jon Gabrus, Chris Cosentino & MoreEp. 156 - This past weekend Zach went up to S.F. for Outside Lands, and for the third year in a row we recorded a special podcast from the festival. This year we were excited to partner with Chefsfeed who let us hang backstage at their GastroMagic stage, eating drinking and interviewing people all weekend long. First we spoke to Chefs Evan & Sara Rich from the excellent S.F. restaurant Rich Table (right after they threw porcini donuts to the crowd while Pat Mahoney from LCD Soundsystem DJ'd). Then Zach stumbled into former Grateful Dead and Google Chef Charlie Ayers (from...
2015-08-1157 min