HR Truth Bombs for Managers with Ashley Herd

In this episode, John sits down with Ashley Herd, a former General Counsel and HR executive turned founder of Manager Method — a movement and book that gives managers the real-world tools no one else teaches. She’s also a LinkedIn Learning instructor, podcast host, and a powerful advocate for human-first leadership.

Ashley brings a sharp legal and HR background from brands like KFC and McKinsey, and shares how those experiences opened her eyes to a problem most companies ignore: we don’t train our managers.

This conversation dives into:

1. Why most managers are set up to fail
2. Her signature framework: Pause. Consider. Act.
3. How to shift from micromanagement to trust
4. The three leadership styles: Tight Jeans, Sweatpants, and Cozy Joggers
5. What KFC taught her about recognition and culture
6. How to support employees during grief, loss, and hard times

If you’re a frontline manager, a senior leader, or someone trying to improve your org’s leadership culture, this episode is packed with honest insight, practical frameworks, and real empathy for the people doing the hardest job in business: managing other people.

Are you interested in leveling up your sales skills and staying relevant in today’s AI-driven landscape? Visit www.jbarrows.com and let’s Make It Happen together!

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Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/

Check out Ashley's Website: https://www.managermethod.com/

Get Ashley's Book "The Manager Method" Here: https://www.amazon.com/Manager-Method-Practical-Framework-Support/dp/B0F88XQ919/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OXJB8FFOLV4P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gCPkw0XjqseVzVOGs73g3eB07oBsCIPccO7Bg_F6_pJUk_7hYRf_o4C7UEKTRNAKfZZubHS4muiYeQwrCl2bTruXHFHdVzSIcOgY2Ro0vyR55Lg6emhKDYAInm1NlGQq4aRtfUIBaphOf1El-r00xw.zVw99DEqK3s5Fks8X-BIFrh6_YByNw6CA-exZYjmUhw&dib_tag=se&keywords=ashley+herd&qid=1770643943&sprefix=Ashley+Herd%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1