Improving Manager Wellbeing in High-Pressure Roles - Dan Northover

Too often, organisations react to signs of stress or slipping performance in management by rolling out the usual training. But what if the real issue lies deeper? Dan Northover, CEO at Handcrafted, joined me for a frank conversation about supporting and developing managers in a way that actually addresses what’s needed on the ground. At Handcrafted, they paused before jumping to training and instead created space for managers to reflect on what their roles actually require, how they feel, and what their teams need from them. That process revealed that while staff were thriving, their managers were absorbing most of the stress - an unsustainable situation for any organisation serious about high-performing teams. We explore why collecting real feedback at every level matters and how honest conversations create the conditions for thriving, not just for the team but, critically, for those leading them. Dan is refreshingly open about his own learning curve as a leader and why vulnerability matters at the top. If you want a workplace where managers are equipped to lead and care for themselves, this episode will help you get beneath the surface, ask better questions, and build a culture that supports lasting wellbeing and genuine performance. More about Dan Dan Northover (a qualified Chartered Accountant of 11 years) founded Handcrafted and developed it as a part-time volunteer whilst working a senior finance role in the public sector. He’s since completed an MBA, but says he’s probably learned more from fostering and adopting several children, who have taught him about the immense strength people need to overcome traumatic situations in their lives. Get in touch: https://www.handcrafted.org.uk/contact/ Resources & References Insight to Action Download: Rethinking Manager Development: A Human-Centred Approach: https://itstimeforchange.activehosted... Listen to this episode: https://itstimeforchange.co.uk/captiv... Managers… Just Managing? with Sarah Cockroft: https://itstimeforchange.co.uk/captiv... Employee Engagement Guide For Managers: https://itstimeforchange.co.uk/employ... Rethinking Skills Gaps: https://itstimeforchange.co.uk/rethin... https://www.handcrafted.org.uk/ Contact details for Lisa LinkedIn:   / lisapsychology   Ways to work with me: https://itstimeforchange.co.uk/tailor... Join The Leadership Lens: https://itstimeforchange.co.uk/lets-c... Email me for a friendly chat: [email protected]