The Brutal Truth You Need to Hear - Manager vs Leader | S1 E37
Download MP3In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, we dive deep into the critical differences between managers and leaders. Our guests explore how authentic leadership is about influence, empathy, and empowering people, while management often focuses on processes, outcomes, and tasks. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, running a team, or building your own organization, this conversation will help you reflect on your leadership style and understand the impact you have on those around you.
Key Topics Covered:
- Defining the difference between a manager and a leader.
- The role of empathy and emotional intelligence in effective leadership.
- How to foster followers vs employees in your team.
- Stories of leadership lessons learned from both mentors and challenging managers.
- The concept of the "shamager" vs. the unicorn leader and their impact on work-life balance.
- Practical insights into servant leadership and inspiring your team.
- Understanding the vision vs execution continuum in organizational leadership.
- Why leadership is more than positional authority—it's about influence, trust, and guiding growth.
Watch the full interviews from this episode
- Bud Moeller: https://youtu.be/DMA1L2B5xsM?si=sYLW-5a85Iha8bV-
- Daniel Steere: https://youtu.be/3ony669Dmy4?si=1i7Nye651ZFqbW2U
- Eric Doherty: https://youtu.be/mMCg-aW8eoQ?si=A-iM2-9PkC_xNxM3
- Jacob Karnes: https://youtu.be/C3mpwikZWXw?si=rQiGE_-ItM46uuVn
- Karen Valencic: https://youtu.be/Q8X2S2-8vQI?si=xfu62KSJSaX0HAL4
- Dr. Kofi Smith: https://youtu.be/5CKPG7nfwww?si=ImnBcZ9eGZQcC0lJ
- Kristi Straw: https://youtu.be/_beumKc6pDI?si=8Fac4UdthyC_hyLa
- Mark Williams: https://youtu.be/RVhQK9FT0hI?si=8KE2Lkd8Cxn1RdHq
- Sherry Farrugia: https://youtu.be/lrFVN8oN0g0?si=3ErXgYAlL5YUw83W
- Sophie Badré: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eK8eBtQMtM&t=8s
- Steve Garraty: https://youtu.be/wXy99x8eDBA?si=NQ3eTEtdmUcY8qo4
About Angela: Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer in the creation of exceptional companies and teams. She serves as the Director of Biolocity and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of both The AGN Group and the Recovery Advocate Network. Previously, she held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Angela has a proven track record of successfully navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, prioritizing the needs of customers and patients, and building exceptional companies.
Angela shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.
About The AGN Group: At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at hello@TheAGNGroup.com to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.
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Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.
Creators and Guests
Host
Angela Gill Nelms
Angela Gill Nelms is a founder, board leader, podcaster, and award-winning entrepreneur with a career spanning SaaS, medical devices, biotech, and clinical research. She builds high-impact teams and organizations rooted in culture, resilience, and strategic execution—helping innovators move ideas from lab to market and leaders grow with intention. She hosts three podcasts that reflect her mission to elevate leadership and accelerate biomedical innovation: Badass Leaders Podcast, Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, and Recovery Advocate Network: Coffee & Conversation. Across each show, Angela creates space for honest conversations that drive impact, reduce stigma, and shape the future of leadership and health. A Georgia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni honoree and INC 500 award recipient, Angela serves on multiple boards across innovation and mental health ecosystems. Outside of work, she’s beekeeping, blacksmithing, turning wood, or training—6× IRONMAN and lifelong advocate for humans being human.
Producer
Katie Hart
Katie Hart is the Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group, where she leads podcast production, brand strategy, and client experience from concept to launch. Equal parts creative and operational powerhouse, she guides clients through branding, recording, and distribution while ensuring every detail runs seamlessly. Known as a customer experience magician, Katie is passionate about making every client and guest feel seen, supported, and celebrated—delivering a five-star experience that amplifies bold stories and builds meaningful impact.
