In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Steve Heckler, Executive Coach and President of Steve Heckler Associates, as well as the author of So... You Want To Be A Manager: A Roadmap to Becoming a Great Manager.

In this fascinating conversation, Nicole and Steve explore the subtle yet powerful dynamics that shape how professionals connect, communicate, and evolve within their organizations. Steve offers a wealth of executive experience, sharing stories and insights from both high-stakes leadership roles and everyday workplace interactions.

You'll hear about moments in his own career where clarity, courage, and curiosity may have opened—or closed—the door to greater understanding. Through anecdotes and reflective commentary, Steve and Nicole examine what really happens beneath the surface of routine meetings, strategic decisions, and performance reviews.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode delivers thought-provoking takeaways that will stick with you long after the conversation ends.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today! 

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Steve's career transition from IT to executive coaching, his experience as a former CIO, and his decision to pursue coaching due to difficulty finding another CIO job.
• The structure of his coaching business, including one-on-one coaching, team building, and communities of practice for various IT roles.
• The biggest misconceptions about becoming a manager, including the importance of desire and validation from others.
• The importance of creating a space for feedback and how to ask for and receive constructive feedback. 
• The reluctance of employees to provide honest feedback to their supervisors and the need for managers to create an environment where feedback is welcomed.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Steve Heckler is an accomplished Executive Coach and President of Steve Heckler Associates, bringing over 35 years of executive leadership experience to his coaching and consulting practice. He has held key management and CIO roles at major organizations, including IBM, Activision, Bank of America, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Health Net, and has been recognized for Outstanding People Management by IBM. Steve specializes in bridging the gap between IT and business leadership, mentoring senior executives across industries and global markets. His professional service includes leadership roles with the Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, the Southern California Society for Information Management, and Women in Technology International. Steve holds degrees from City College of New York and NYU, and is a Board-Certified Coach with certifications in DISC and Zenger Folkman 360 leadership assessments.

Resources:

Steve's LinkedIn

Steve Heckler Associates

So...You Want to Be a Manager: A Roadmap to Becoming a Great Manager