Let's Talk Communication with Telana Simpson | Conversations that Count

Ian Fuhr and Telana Simpson delve into the vital realm of racial healing, exploring why courageous conversations about race, diversity, and inclusion are crucial in the workplace. Ian, a seasoned advocate for transformative leadership, shares insights into the significance of fostering workplace cultures that embrace diversity. They discuss how creating a sense of belonging not only enhances productivity but also plays a key role in healing societal divides. The conversation navigates the emotional complexities and unconscious biases surrounding discussions on race. And they demystify common terminology used in discussions about racial relations, empowering listeners with the language necessary for respectful conversations. Join them for an enlightening dialogue that explores the transformative power of courageous conversations in the workplace, contributing to both organizational culture and the broader mission of healing our country. For more info see https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/racial-healing/

In what way is courage involved in listening, and how does it contribute to an improvement in our quality of thinking?  What is involved in the experience of courageous thinking? Trisha Lord shares with Telana how important listening is, and the effects of interrupting on the people involved, and on the quality of the conversation.  Together they explore some tips and the conditions needed that create a type of attention and quality of listening that helps us to not only improve our thinking, but our communication as well. For more info see: https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/listening-without-interrupting/

Telana shares an article as a starting point to discuss what emotions are, and why they are so useful for teams to resolve conflicts.  A boardroom that embraces healthy expressions of emotions, is a boardroom - and team - that thrives. What do you think?

In this candid conversation, join Telana as she dives deep into the realms of mojo, courage, authenticity, and storytelling with the remarkable Simon Ekin, otherwise known as Si. Discover the secrets behind unlocking your inner mojo, understanding its relationship with courage, and rediscovering the power of being true to yourself.

Join Telana in a captivating podcast interview with Vezi, an esteemed expert in cognition and thinking, as they explore the profound impact of our thoughts on courage, communication effectiveness, and living our best lives. Vezi shares the origins of his fascination with the human mind and its influence on cognition, leading to his expertise in the field. Vezi provides insights into the complexities of our thinking processes and highlights how cognitive heuristics can both assist and hinder our decision-making. Drawing from real-life scenarios, he unveils the negative effects of cognitive biases on relationships. Telana and Vezi then delve into strategies for making more thoughtful decisions, steering away from impulsive choices. The conversation takes a personal turn as Vezi explains how our thinking patterns shape our courage in challenging situations and impact our communication effectiveness. He offers guidance on fostering open-mindedness and embracing diverse perspectives. Lastly, Vezi shares a transformative example of courageous communication and emphasizes the importance of such conversations in making a positive difference in the world.

Telana explores the courage part of courageous communication, by sharing some thoughts from Nelson Goud, Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow and Aristotle. They all speak about how our basic needs for safety and for growth play a role in activating our courage. Courage is the spark that gives us the inner strength to choose growth over safety.

What does it mean to be authentic? And to authentically show up and speak up, especially in the boardroom as a leader?  Dion shares her story and views on why it is so important for leaders to find their authentic voices, how to find them, and to then use them in this revolution that the world is desperately waiting for, where we use our authenticity and voice to make a difference. For more info see: https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/authentic-leadership-voice/

In this episode Telana is a guest on “The Personal Brand Era” podcast show, hosted by Ella Ray! “Interviewing Telana Simpson – a transformational Courage Coach from South Africa – has been eye-opening in understanding what courage and authenticity are, what the #1 reason is why people struggle with confidence so much, and how we can have more courageous conversations that matter.” – Ella Ray

Telana talks with Andrew Bryant on the topic of Self Leadership, and how it helps us live and communicate more courageously.

The key to talking about money, especially with a partner in life or business, is to remember the importance of the topic, and that it is a journey. Nigel Willmott shares from his decades of experience as a financial planner, and more recently as a money coach, some exercises and ways to have crucial conversations around money with those close to us, including our children. He also unpacks the emotions around money, our money DNA, money memories and the benefits of having money talks. For more details see the show notes here: https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/money-talks-with-nigel-willmott

John Niland knew intellectually the distinctions between self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence, yet he only started living this fundamental discovery after a significantly emotional event. John shares with Telana what he has learn on this journey, and how he discovered his true self-worth, and the benefits from this. He also relates how unconditional self-worth is the foundation for courageous conversations. Topics explored in this important episode include: Discovering self-worth; How self-worth differs to self-esteem; Relevance of self-worth in our current uncertain times, especially to the times of Covid-19; The business case for self-worth; The importance of listening; Courageous conversations.

How do we discuss something like a corporate culture? And in particular, in a way that we can improve that culture? Steve Simpson explains his concept of 'Unwritten Ground Rules' and how it gives leaders the language to develop the culture of their business, so that staff become more productive. Steve and Telana cover in particular how we have conversations that hold people accountable to improve their behaviour, and how to uncover the unwritten ground rules that govern that behaviour. For more info see: https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/communicating-unwritten-ground-rules-steve-simpson

Naomi Estment, personal branding photographer and videographer, shares with Telana what she has learnt from being on both sides of the camera. They especially focus on overcoming the fear of rejection and being seen. She helps mainly women become comfortable in front of the camera, so that they can develop their brands and shine in their lives. Naomi also shares what she has learnt about getting your message across and having difficult conversations with those close to you. And she has a gift for all listeners and viewers. For more info see: https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/camera-fear-of-rejection-naomi-estment

Some critical skills needed for today’s world include people management, communication and emotional intelligence, as well as critical thinking and decision making. How does brain flexibility help us improve our communication skills? Dr André Vermeulen has been studying the brain for many years, and will help us answer that question, explaining the concepts of: brain flexibility and agility; cognitive flexibility; emotional intelligence; communication vs. talking; and listening. For more info see: https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/brain-flexibility-for-effective-communication-dr-vermeulen

In this episode of Let's Talk Communication, Daria Tsvenger, a mindset expert, shared with Telana Simpson what mental strength is, and how to develop it, especially in a time of crisis, like we find ourselves in today dealing with Covid-19. She covers aspects of ourselves like the flight/fight mode of our brains, procrastination, depression and self awareness. She also explains the difference between inspiration and motivation, and tackles how to have conversations that count, shedding some light on the topic from the neuro-science perspective. For more information see: https://www.innercoaching.co.za/talkcommunication/how-to-be-mentally-strong-in-a-crisis-with-daria-tsvenger/

How do we develop the the faculty of discernment and the ability to communicate consciously? Telana had a conversation that counts with Noy Pullen sitting alongside her fireplace in Cape Town. They talk about the written word and media, including newspapers and magazines, and how we can notice the force behind the media we consume, and how it may trigger us and allow us to go within to develop our inner resources and take responsibility for our growth. They also cover consciousness and creativity in this discussion around self reflection and self expression. Noy also shares a very practical self-coaching process and the usefulness of journaling. For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/conscious-media/

How do men and women communicate differently? And what’s happening in the world of dating today? Bonita Grobbelaar, Love Coach, shares with Telana her tips on how to handle first dates, and to understand the differently communication styles that show themselves when we are attracted to someone, and wanting to make a good impression. They cover how to know if the person is into you, the roles men and women play, the dance of masculine and feminine energy, and some tips, especially for women, on getting the most out of your first date. For more info about Bonita and this show, go to: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/tips-for-first-date/ ‎

One of our coping strategies to attempt to deal with conflict, is to engage in triangulating in our relationships. This is where we play the role of usually victim or villain, and bring a third party into the dynamic (the rescuer), and avoid the conflict and confronting the actual person we should be talking to. Hazel Kurian, Counselling Psychologist shares more about triangles in relationships, and how they work from us being the person doing the triangulating, and from when we find ourselves being triangled into someone else's conflict. We also cover more effective ways, than this dynamic, to deal with the issue. For more info about Hazel or the show, see:http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/triangles-victim-villain-rescuer-relationships

Denis Fourie has negotiation skills that range from hostage situations, to billion dollar deals, to with his young daughter.  He also has a knack for networking and taking a business idea from conception to market, and has built and sold many companies successfully.  We discuss the skills involved in relationship building and networking, and in dealing with conflict and negotiating. For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/denis-fourie-networking-negotiation

Nick Christelis, with over 30 years of global consulting experience and many lessons in leadership, talks about his book, "The Art of the Arrow: How Leaders Fly", and shares his knowledge on leadership and communication skills with Telana. They cover topics like:* the distinction between Management and Leadership* communication and story telling* feedback skills* conflict management skills* rapport* listening* dialogue circles, master minding and conversation cafe* case study examples like Nando's, the Robyn Island Prison system, Government discussions and his own life. For more info see:http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/nick-christelis-leadership-communication-skills/

Are you aware of how much your vision is involved in your ability to communicate?  We take it for granted that part of how we get our messages across to others, is what we gesture and what we communicate through our facial expressions.  Telana speaks with Christopher Venter, who lost his sight in 2014, about what he has learnt from this experience of having lost one of his senses, and specifically his lessons about communication and relating to others.  Topics include being specific with your choice of words, listening, patience, acceptance and trust. To hear more about his adventure and story about his challenges, plus a demonstration of the technology solutions assisting the blind to communicate online, see the Let's Talk Possibility  episode entitled: The Adventures of the Blind Scooter Guy. For more info see:http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/communication-relating-lessons-from-the-blind-scooter-guy 

As an example of a conversation that counts, Telana invited Desray Clark, a women’s leadership development specialist, to talk about the topic of feminism today. They cover how being a feminist has been misconstrued and how the movement has impacted some of the challenges we face today in terms of gender equality. They explore the conversations both men and women need to be having, and how we can have more of these conversations. What are the skills we need, and the mindsets that will help us put the issues on the table, and be more curious to unpack them for change? For more info see:http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/feminism-gender-equality-with-desray-clark/

There are certain meaningful and important conversations that we need to have with children, but often the tricky conversations are not had, as we find them so uncomfortable to explore.  Rod and Kate Power share some ideas on how to talk with children about sensitive topics, like how to protect their private parts, in an attempt to empower children against sexual abuse.  They have created a useful tool to help parents have this uncomfortable conversation in an engaging and empowering way, helping both parents and children.  Among other tips, they talk with Telana about developing trust, giving children permission to talk up when they are violated, the importance of listening to children and tips on how to handle the situation with a child if you suspect abuse.   For more info see: www.myunderpantsrules.com and http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/how-to-have-difficult-conversations-with-children

Brand Pretorius is an accomplished communicator, marketer and leader. Telana joined Brand to discuss what he learnt from his years of leading organisations in the motor industry, specifically about effective communication skills for leading others and as an Executive Director sitting on Boards. They cover feedback skills, dealing with conflict, how to confront others, the value of listening, public speaking and how credibility is a critical component to effective leadership and communication.   For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/communication-skills-for-leaders-with-brand-pretorius/

Wilmarie Janse van Rensburg is a force to be reckoned with in the field of motorsport in South Africa, and is known as the SAspeedqueen.  Using the context of her achievements in motorsport and business, Wilmarie shares her lessons that she learnt from racing on the track, that can be translated into life and business skills, and specifically in how we express ourselves in challenging environments.  She covers with Telana topics like speaking up, focus and passion, assertiveness, finding inner strength and being consistent.   For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/expressing-in-challenging-environments-with-wilmarie

Walter Pike shares about how our confidence in ourselves, together with our sense of self worth (self-esteem) and ability to be non-judgemental relate to our ability to have difficult conversations, using as an example his involvement in Slut Walk and having conversations about victim blaming and rape culture. He also discusses with Telana about group think and how to spread ideas, especially for marketing purposes, using his Directed Activism methodology and social media.   For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/conversations-about-difficult-subjects-offline-using-social-media-with-walter-pike

Marion Scher, award-winning journalist and media trainer, believes that Mmusi Maimane (leader of one of South Africa’s political parties, the Democratic Alliance) is a master of communication. Telana unpacks with her Maimane’s communication skills, and also explores the skills needed to handle speaking in the media - on radio and TV - effectively. They also touch on interviewing skills, and the power of storytelling to get people's attention, especially online. For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/developing-media-communication-skills-with-marion-scher

Emily Vining is part of a diverse team of the social enterprise Lumkani  making a social impact through the development of fire detection technology.  Her role is to talk with the communities who use their technology, and by building relationships with them, ensure that they meet the needs and preferences of the end users of their device.  Telana explores with her the skills, especially listening, that she uses to build these relationships, and the mindset that allows her to be so effective.   For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/how-build-relationships-with-community   For more information about Lumkani, see this Let’s Talk Possibility podcast episode with Emily:   http://talkpossibility.innercoaching.co.za/the-journey-of-a-fire-detection-startup-with-emily-vining-ep-131

What are emotions? And feelings? And why are we so triggered by relationships?  How do we use our emotions and relationships to understand ourselves more, and grow spiritually?  What does it mean to just be who we are, our authentic self?  To say "I am"?  These are the questions Telana poses to Mike George, the author of several books, who also plays the role of spiritual teacher, coach, management tutor, mentor and facilitator.   For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/mike-george-on-emotions-relationships-i-am-ep-10

Guy Kawasaki is known for his directness, and his success in getting his point across in keynote talks, as an author, and a venture capitalist. Telana asks him to share about the skill of pitching an idea, and why feedback, especially negative criticism, is so important and useful, even if it feels confronting to the other person. Links referred to in the show include: http://guykawasaki.com/ten-easy-ways-to-make-your-pitch-rock/ http://guykawasaki.com/the-only-10-slides-you-need-in-your-pitch/ http://guykawasaki.com/books/the-art-of-the-start/ https://www.udemy.com/entrepreneurship-course-by-guy-kawasaki   For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/guy-kawasaki-on-confronting-others-ep-9

Tony Budden is trailblazing! He is pioneering the Hemp industry, and following on from his chat with Telana and the team at Let’s Talk Possibility about industrial hemp, Telana hears from Tony the latest news about bringing hemp to South Africa, and the world, and also explores the skills he has personally developed to be the trailblazer he is. They cover, amongst other things: * talking from the heart, * listening, * adjusting your message to different audiences, * and being authentic and congruent with your message.   Learn more about Hemp and it’s many wonderful and beneficial uses in Lets Talk Possibility Episode 62: Can we live on the two plants Hemp and Moringa?: https://youtu.be/0bWB1T9JdD8 For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/communication-skills-trailblazer-tony-budden

Mandy Young is an Eco-Psychotherapist who, for the last thirty years, has been taking journeys into the wild, with people of all ages, towards good mental health and great relationships. She shares with Telana some of the personal life insights she has gained from the many years she has been studying the social behavior of different animal species, and how by observing them we can learn the principles of behaving and relating that we might have lost and need to remind ourselves of.  For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/how-wild-animals-help-us-discover-emotional-social-aspects-of-ourselves-ep-7

Telana Simpson shares some useful ideas and beliefs that help make communication, and our ability to get our message across to others, far more effective.  These are based on the presuppositions of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/useful-beliefs-for-effective-communication-skills-with-telana-simpson-ep-6/  

Jimmy Kyriacou unpacks with Telana Simpson the skill of framing a conversation, so that you are less likely to be mis-understood, and more likely to get your message across.  We explore the world of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and Neuro-Semantics, and look at the effective communication skills of: being present, listening, framing, pre-framing, post-framing, and re-framing. For more info see:http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/skill-framing-conversation-ep-5

PART 2 Franklin Esau turned his life around from one of crime, manipulation, and selfishness to his life today of kindness, openness, and understanding. He talks with Telana about his upbringing in gangs in the infamous area known as the Ghetto, or Elsies River, just outside Cape Town, and his time in prison and what led to him to making new choices. They discuss emotions, decision making, values and making good choices.  This is an inspiring 2 part story of change, from gangster to facilitator. For more info and link to Part 1 see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/turn-life-around-franklin-esau-ep-4-part-2

PART 1: Franklin Esau turned his life around from one of crime, manipulation, and selfishness to his life today of kindness, openness, and understanding. He talks with Telana about his upbringing in gangs in the infamous area known as the Ghetto, or Elsies River, just outside Cape Town, and his time in prison and what led to him to making new choices. They discuss emotions, decision making, values and making good choices.  This is an inspiring 2 part story of change, from gangster to facilitator.   For more info and link to Part 2 see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/turn-life-around-franklin-esau-ep-4-part-1

We’re all in some sort of prison. Being curious, non-judgemental, and listening and sharing stories of our lives and struggles, triumphs and challenges, we can be more open to opportunities to grow, and to contribute positively to those around us. Karina Anderson, of The Smiling One, shares how she found more of herself from working with prisoners, and how the inmates are also finding themselves and reintegrating with society, impacting their communities positively. In Karina’s words: “I am exactly where I am meant to be. I embrace myself in all that is dark and limited within me, and the light goes on. Only when I have met myself fully can I meet you fully. I smile as I see me in you, and you in me. We live peacefully.” For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/finding-prison-karina-andersen-ep-3

A conversation with Paul Myburgh, who lived for seven years with the Bushmen, about communication and relationships in the context of spiritual growth.  We explored how the space between us is where we grow, and why we are so challenged from our relationships. What we can learn about relationship, from the nature of conversation amongst the first people, the Bushmen Allowing the wisdom of the world to come into the space between people The art of real listening, that has a spirituality to it. For more info: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/space-us-paul-myburgh-ep-2/

Telana introduces the ‘Let’s Talk Communication’ podcast with her manifesto, sharing what she means by conversations that count, and her hopes about what that these types of conversations will bring about.   For more info see: http://talkcommunication.innercoaching.co.za/conversations-count-telana-simpson-ep1