From Mates to Manager
The Awkward Truth About Leading Your Friends
You've just gone from being the one having a laugh in the kitchen to the one leading the Monday morning meeting, and yeah, it's a bit weird. Suddenly, your friend wants to leave early again and you're the one who has to say no.
This is the tricky part of stepping up, when you're leading people who used to be your peers.
But clarity is your new superpower. When you communicate with confidence, set clear expectations, and stay human in the process, that's when it clicks. It's not about pulling rank or losing your personality.
It's about owning your role, setting the tone, and showing your team what great leadership really looks like.
29 July 2025 at 10am BST
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SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THIS FREE FROM MATES TO MANAGER MASTERCLASS
Learn how to lead your former peers without the awkwardness, overcompensating, or second-guessing every conversation.
When communication is clear, not clumsy, your team feels it.
They respect boundaries. They trust your direction. They rise to meet expectations.
This masterclass is a conversation.
Yes, you'll learn a few tools and techniques to use, but the big thing will be the stories shared that make you think 'oh yeah, that sounds like me!' and 'oh yes, that's just what I need!' - making you feel less alone and more confident in the transition into your leadership role.
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Hear testimonials from our previous masterclasses:
"Fab Masterclass Michaela!! Such an important topic! Great areas of focus with top tips! ♥"
-Christina Lord
"I've just watched your webinar on Engaging & Motivating Teams. I found it really useful. I'm planning on sharing it with a colleague who I think will benefit as well. Thank you for choosing to democratise content like this."
-Lucy Gardiner
"I attended the Difficult Conversations Masterclass last week and found it brilliant, thank you so much!"
-Channon Barlow
From Peer to Leader
We'll dive into the stuff nobody prepares you for:
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That first awkward 1:1 with someone who was your friend just weeks ago, now you need to discuss their objectives or chase them up on something they're behind on.
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Getting crystal clear on boundaries and expectations, and being honest about how you want to work together going forward.
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Why accepting that not everyone will like you all the time is actually part of growing into leadership (especially tough if you're a recovering people pleaser).
This isn't about becoming someone different.
It's about getting clear on how you want to show up as yourself in this new role.
“Leadership is not about being in charge.
It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
- Simon Sinek
This Masterclass Is For You If You…
You’ve made the move from team member to team leader, but the shift still feels a little awkward.
You want to lead with confidence, but you’re stuck between being ‘one of the gang’ and being the boss. This session will help you navigate the transition with clarity and authority.
You’re worried about how to set boundaries without damaging relationships.
You don’t want to come off as cold or controlling, but you also know things can’t stay the same. Learn how to lead with empathy while setting clear expectations.
You’re noticing mixed signals from your team, confusion, pushback, or over-familiarity.
This masterclass will help you spot what’s really going on, and give you the tools to reset dynamics without drama.
You care deeply about your team and want to do right by them.
But you also want to step into your leadership role fully, and lead in a way that’s respected, not just liked. I’ll show you how to strike the balance.
You’re done with the guessing game and second-guessing yourself.
This session will give you practical ways to communicate clearly and confidently, so your team knows where they stand, and you know you’re leading well.
You’re ready to shift from “mate” to manager, with leadership that feels natural, not forced.
I’ll show you how to own your authority, handle tough conversations, and lead with strength and authenticity.
Great culture doesn’t happen by chance.
It’s built in the everyday moments, the conversations you have, the way you show up, and how you make your team feel seen and heard.
Most Teams Don’t Struggle from a Lack of Skills
They Struggle from a Lack of Clear Leadership.
“People don’t leave bad jobs, they leave poor managers.
Leadership isn’t about being liked. It’s about being clear, consistent, and courageous.”
(Source: Dr. Brené Brown)
I’ve seen great managers struggle to lead.
Not because they didn’t care. Not because they lacked skill.
But because they're terrified about how their relationships will change. Will their team judge them for setting expectations now? Are they even cut out for this leadership thing?
There's this deep fear about how people will react when you go from mate to manager. Will your friendships survive? What if they think you've changed?
So they avoid the hard conversations. They dance around real issues. Boundaries get blurry because setting them feels too... bossy?
And slowly, performance and trust start to slip.
The thing is, this transition matters. How you handle it shapes everything that comes next.
Strong teams aren't built on everyone being friends. They're built on people knowing where they stand.
When you step into leadership, everything does shift - but not in the way you think:
✔ Your words suddenly matter more
(even the throwaway comments).
✔ How you give feedback becomes what people talk about.
✔ The boundaries you set? They become the team's boundaries.
You don't have to become a different person though.
You just need to get comfortable being yourself in this new role, even when it feels weird.
It's about figuring out how to have the conversations that matter while still being... well, you.
Because the moment you try to fake being someone else? Everyone sees right through it.
This is exactly why I’m hosting this FREE masterclass.
You’ll walk away with practical tools to help you lead with clarity and confidence, so your team knows where they stand, what’s expected, and how to thrive.
Leadership that doesn't fall apart when things get uncomfortable.
Join me at 10am BST on 29th July 2025 for this FREE Masterclass, From Mates to Manager: The Awkward Truth About Leading Your Friends.
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