It could be that the original poster was literal, but more likely it is that the person has 50 people total under them. So there are 8 teams of 5 people, each w

It could be that the original poster was literal, but more likely it is that the person has 50 people total under them. So there are 8 teams of 5 people, each with their own manager, and while the managers are direct reports, likely all of them are considered to be managed by the original poster. A good higher-level manager likes to maintain contact and stay involved with everyone underneath them, probably weighted by the seniority of the individuals.