Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Managers in the Middle

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Managers in the Middle

Author: Transformation Talk Radio June 2, 2026 Duration: 0:00
You’re a middle-manager reporting to a senior exec or perhaps a Director. You have four direct reports and several indirect reporting people. And you’ve got your share of peers across the other departments.

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the closed doors of a hiring interview, or what separates a good hire from a truly transformative one? Inside the Mind of Hiring with Dr. Mickey Fineberg pulls back the curtain. Hosted by business psychologist Dr. Mickey Fineberg and presented by Transformation Talk Radio, this podcast explores the nuanced intersection of human behavior and strategic business decisions. Each conversation moves beyond resume bullet points to examine the psychological frameworks and often-overlooked personal traits that predict long-term success and alignment within a team. You’ll hear detailed discussions on how hiring choices ripple out, fundamentally shaping workplace culture, employee well-being, and overall organizational health. The dialogue is grounded in practical reality, offering leaders and managers in business, management, and marketing tangible insights for not only selecting but also properly preparing individuals for leadership roles. It’s a deep, thoughtful look at the human element behind building great companies, making this podcast a valuable resource for anyone responsible for shaping a team. Tune in for candid explorations that equip you to make more informed, psychologically-aware decisions about the people who will drive your organization forward.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 36

Inside the Mind of Hiring with Dr. Mickey Fineberg: Business Psychologists Enabling the Selection and Preparation of Great Leaders
Podcast Episodes
The Futuristic Edge of Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In prior episodes I described “people for all seasons” as the most equipped leaders for 2026 and beyond in a business environment being transformed by AI. In this episode, I’m going to present two AI innovators from diff…
The 2026 Demand for Purpose Driven Leaders. Is it real? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In our last episode, we discussed the profile of the 2026 Executive as defined by a substantial executive search firm. We didn’t get to the last element of the profile: Purpose Driven Leaders: Those that align business r…
Encore: The 2026 Executive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
As a result of Covid and technology shifts, there are three major changes for executive hiring: 1. Rise of Hybrid Leadership 2. Stronger focus on Traits vs Tenure and Experience 3. Growth in Shorter Term Leadership Model…
The 2026 Executive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
As a result of Covid and technology shifts, there are three major changes for executive hiring: 1. Rise of Hybrid Leadership 2. Stronger focus on Traits vs Tenure and Experience 3. Growth in Shorter Term Leadership Model…
Do You Think You are Live-Interview-Worthy for the Job of Your Life? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Do You Think You are Live-Interview-Worthy for the Job of Your Life? Inside the Mind of the Executive Hiring Team! Getting to the live interview has gotten more challenging for many Manager and Executive applicants. The…
After Hire, The Real Challenge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
The hiring team did their job: Ensured qualified candidate sourcing (at least 3); Provided thorough and adept interviews and background reviews; Engaged solid background checks; Incorporated a business psychologist’s per…
Adapting to Skills Based Organizations (SBO’s) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
A skills-based organization (SBO) uses a dynamic system, that includes AI, to continuously map and update people’s skill and role requirements.. SBO’s outperform companies that remain focused on job titles because they c…
The kind of People Companies Want in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This show will focus on the key characteristics that hiring managers are prioritizing for 2026 and likely a good bit beyond. They are being more selective now and are trying to recruit people for all seasons, or truly we…
Organizational Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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I recall attending a seminar where the recruiter-presenter was talking about the importance of cultural fit in hiring the right people. When I asked him to define culture, I got a lot of mumbo jumbo, not a clear enough d…
Encore: The Power and Urgency of Self-Reinvention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
From C-suite executives to solo entrepreneurs, no one can ignore its impact. As Dr. Pat pointed out, even top personal development leaders are rebuilding their platforms with AI at the core. So, how do you adapt? How do…