Podcasts about critical conversations

Co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall continue the Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning series with a conversation that challenges transportation planners to reckon with a new kind of infrastructure: the data center. Recorded at the 2026 National Planning Conference in Detroit, this episode features Manny Patole, Industry Assistant Professor at NYU's Center for Urban Science + Progress (CUSP), whose work sits at the intersection of community data science, environmental justice, and AI's hidden physical footprint. Episode URL: https://www.planning.org/podcast/from-data-centers-to-city-streets-rethinking-infrastructure-in-a-digital-age/

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode of the Family Time segment*, I sit down with our Family Care Director, Norma Q-Brown, to explore the fifth of six critical conversations parents should have with their kids about sexuality. After recapping the first four conversations, we dive into what to do when your child is exposed to sexual content. Norma shares practical tools like code words, open-ended questions, and age-appropriate communication to help parents respond calmly rather than react. She also highlights valuable resources, including courses we provide on Pure Life Academy and recommended books, to help parents confidently guide their children through these inevitable challenges.To enroll in our free Critical Conversations online course, visit PureLifeAcademy.org. For all of our Family resources, including our free Critical Conversations online course, visit Bebroken.org/family.*Family Time episodes are short, practical conversations to help parents feel more confident and competent in raising kids according to God's design, even in a sex-saturated culture.Topics Covered in this Episode: Importance of equipping children to navigate a sexualized culture from birth to 18 years old.Overview of the first four critical conversations parents should have with their children regarding sexuality.Discussion on the significance of conversation five: addressing exposure to sexual content or situations.Strategies for parents to create a safe environment for discussing sexual content.The necessity of maintaining a calm and non-reactive demeanor during conversations about exposure.Age-appropriate communication techniques for discussing sexual topics with children of different ages.Emphasis on modeling self-control and vulnerability as a parent during discussions.Practical tools and strategies for facilitating ongoing conversations about sexuality and exposure.Resources available for parents to deepen their understanding and approach to these conversations.Encouragement for parents to engage in difficult conversations despite feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.Resources for Next Steps:Critical Conversation Online Course (free)Processing Exposure: Ages 8-12Processing Exposure with TeensFor more parenting podcasts, go to Bebroken.org/tp-pods and scroll to Family Bundles.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and SpotifyFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

What happens when the people meant to protect… become the ones you have to investigate? In this episode, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Sean Buckley—former New Zealand detective and United Nations investigator—whose career has taken him from local policing to some of the most complex, high-risk investigations across the globe. We get into what it's really like to build trust in environments where no one wants you there… interviewing victims, suspects, and even terrorists across more than 90 countries… and navigating cases involving child abuse, war zones, and political assassinations. But the biggest takeaway? Whether you're in a patrol car, a boardroom, or a conflict zone—your most powerful tool isn't force… it's communication. Sean breaks down why rapport isn't a “soft skill”—it's the skill—and how the ability to connect, adapt, and listen under pressure is what separates good from great in any high-stakes conversation. If your job—or your life—depends on getting the truth from people, this one's worth your time. Learn more about OSACO Group! Sean mentioned EchoMind on the episode - here's a link to learn more. Follow Truth Be Told on Instagram! Truths: Rapport is the foundation of everything. No matter the country, case, or subject—if you can't build trust, you won't get the truth. Communication is the most undertrained—but most critical—skill. Officers train constantly for force, but rarely for conversation… even though it's what they use every day. Real-world situations don't follow your training script. The best interviewers aren't the most prepared—they're the most adaptable when things go sideways. High-stakes environments amplify everything. Whether it's a war zone or a patrol call, pressure exposes gaps in training, mindset, and communication. The goal is to get others talking—not to control the conversation. The more they speak, the more information you gather—and the better your outcomes. Cultural awareness isn't optional—it's operational. Understanding people's backgrounds, values, and fears is often the difference between resistance and cooperation. Preparation and creativity separate average from elite investigators. The best outcomes don't come from luck—they come from intentional planning and tailored approaches. Respect and authenticity travel across every environment. From local communities to international conflict zones, how you treat people determines what they give back.

In this special four-state panel discussion, Rob Harter brings together nonprofit leaders from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado to discuss the biggest trends impacting nonprofit leadership today. Guests Jill Bennett of the Utah Nonprofits Association, Kevin Bailey of the Idaho Community Foundation and Idaho Nonprofit Center, Jodi Shields of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, and Lloyd Lewis of arc Thrift Stores share practical insights on financial sustainability, fundraising challenges, staff burnout, AI, board governance, collaboration, and social enterprise. Together, the panel explores how nonprofit organizations can continue to serve rising community needs while facing funding uncertainty, workforce pressure, and rapid technological change. This conversation offers honest encouragement and practical strategies for executive directors, board members, fundraisers, and nonprofit staff who are navigating today's complex nonprofit landscape. Key Topics Include: How nonprofit leaders are responding to financial uncertainty, changing donor behavior, and reduced grant funding The growing challenge of nonprofit staff burnout and how organizations can better support and retain employees Why mission alignment, flexible work, clear expectations, and healthy workplace culture matter for nonprofit retention Practical ways nonprofits are using AI and technology to save time, improve communication, and strengthen operations Board governance best practices, including the role of the board, ideal board size, and when to use advisory boards How nonprofit collaboration, mergers, shared services, and collective impact models can increase effectiveness The importance of joining state nonprofit associations and building a stronger collective voice for the sector Mentioned in This Episode: Utah Nonprofits Association UTAHGIVES Idaho Community Foundation Idaho Nonprofit Center Idaho Gives Wyoming Nonprofit Network WyoGives arc Thrift Stores arc Thrift Stores Gala This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob's website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode of Family Time, I sit down with Norma Q-Brown, our Family Care Director, to discuss the fourth of our six “Critical Conversations” for parents: Dealing with Temptation. We explore how to help kids recognize and respond to temptation without shame, emphasizing grace, honesty, and open communication. Norma shares practical tips for building trust, normalizing temptation as a human experience, and equipping children with lifelong skills for integrity. We also talk about common barriers parents face and offer resources to support families on this journey. It's all about progress, not perfection!For all of our Family resources, including our free Critical Conversations online course, visit Bebroken.org/family.Topics Covered in this Episode:Importance of discussing sex and sexuality with children in a sexualized culture.Overview of the "Critical Conversations" series for parents.Focus on "Dealing with Temptation" as a key conversation topic.Understanding temptation as a universal human experience.Strategies for parents to help children recognize and resist temptation.The significance of approaching conversations with grace rather than shame.Common barriers parents face in discussing temptation with their children.The role of parental honesty and sharing personal experiences in building trust.Practical exercises for parents to engage children in conversations about temptation.Resources available for parents to further support these discussions.Resources for Next Steps:Critical Conversation Online Course (free)Father-Son Accountability* by John FortGirl Talk by Ashley JamesonFor more parenting podcasts, go to Bebroken.org/tp-pods and scroll to Family Bundles.*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

The conversation delves into the world of leadership and communication, exploring the challenges and strategies for effective communication and engagement. Mike Khan shares insights on communication mistakes, nonverbal cues, transparency, adaptability, and leadership decision-making. The conversation delves into the critical aspects of employee retention, appreciation, recognition, leadership, and hiring best practices. It emphasizes the importance of understanding employee expectations, the power of empathy, and the impact of individuality in leadership. The discussion also highlights the significance of tying behavior to outcomes and the most powerful word in the English language.TakeawaysEffective communication requires clarity and confirmation of understanding.Nonverbal cues and transparency play a crucial role in engagement and leadership. Recognition and appreciation are key to employee retention.Balanced feedback and catching employees doing the right things are essential for effective leadership.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Communication06:33 Effective Communication and Engagement12:17 Body Language Cues and Engagement17:37 Transparency and Communication24:37 Leadership Decision-Making and Reflection30:13 Catching Employees Doing the Right Things36:01 The Most Powerful Word41:28 Critical Conversations in LeadershipConnect with Mike:WebsiteLinkedINInstagram

In this episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning, co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall spoke with Luke Van Denend, Outreach Coordinator at AECOM, and Zoe Miller, MPH, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Moving Maine Network, for a wide-ranging discussion focused on rural Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and mobility access. The conversation explores how rural communities require fundamentally different approaches to TDM than their urban counterparts, from coalition building and community-driven solutions to rethinking the metrics we use to measure success. Luke and Zoe challenge the assumption that technology alone can solve rural transportation barriers, emphasizing instead that trust, local knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration are the real drivers of change. The conversation digs into what it actually takes to bring community members with lived experience into formal transportation decision-making, and why simply inviting people to the table isn't enough. Luke and Zoe also reflect on what's giving them hope: a growing willingness among rural employers to engage in transportation conversations, and a generational resurgence of interest in mutual aid as a foundation for mobility solutions. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/connecting-communities-rural-solutions-for-transportation-challenges/

In this conversation, I am joined by Andrew 'Bernie' Bernard to explore the complexities of masculinity beyond the 'man box' and address the crisis of violence against women and girls. Bernie has spent the past decades educating teens about gendered inequality and coercive control recognising the importance of education in shaping healthier relationships. Together, we discuss the societal pressures on young men, the role of social and mainstream media in influencing perceptions and the stumbling blocks - centred around what Bernie describes as manufactured male victimhood - that often derail these crucial conversations. Bernie shares personal experiences and insights on how to empower the next generation to challenge harmful narratives and embrace empathy and understanding. This is an essential listen and a complementary episode to Lewis Wedlock on Feminism, Embracing Discomfort and Fostering Brave Spaces.About Bernie:Andrew `Bernie` Bernard is an entrepreneur, a TEDx Speaker, and facilitator who over the past couple of decades has worked with schools, businesses, charities, universities and colleges. He runs signature workshops including 'What Makes a Man/(Hu)Man', 'Sarah's Legacy / Domestic Violence', 'Look What you Made Me Do: Coercive Control Insights' and 'Life by the Balls'. As of December 2025, Bernie has spoken to over 70,000 young people about masculinity, coercive control and domestic abuse.W:  innovativeenterprise.co.ukV:  https://vimeo.com/156256349 Tw / X / IG:  @_WhatMakesAMan_References:Liz Plank - For the Love of MenFlorence Knapp - The NamesMelanie Brown - Brutally HonestAndrew Bernard - The Ladder: Supporting students towards successful futures and confident career choicesBernie is currently editing his forthcoming book 'Masculinity, Relationships and Respect in Schools' a guide to discussing sexism, misogyny and 'toxic' / dominance-based masculinity in educational settings.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Connection03:15 Understanding Masculinity and the Man Box04:44 The Impact of Hyper-Masculinity07:25 The Role of Men in Addressing Violence Against Women08:39 Personal Experiences and Their Influence on Advocacy10:00 The Importance of Education in Relationships12:07 Coercive Control and Its Effects on Young People14:30 The Need for Critical Conversations in Schools17:15 Challenging Misconceptions About Feminism19:49 Empathy and Understanding in Education22:14 Empathy and Gendered Experiences in Public Spaces24:00 The Normalization of Women's Safety Concerns26:10 The Role of Social Media in Gender Dynamics28:20 Media Representation of Violence Against Women31:50 Understanding Violence as a Men's Issue34:18 The Complexity of Coercive Control39:01 Personal Impact of Violence and Societal Awareness39:27 Understanding Coercive Control43:16 The Ecosystem of Male Victimhood50:43 Navigating Hope and Empowerment54:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery

SHOW #1649 Critical Conversations with Pernid, Katherine, and Glenda

On this New Year's Day episode of Morning Digest, Oluwakayode and Adeniyi Kunnu set the tone for the year with a deep, thoughtful dissection of the issues shaping Nigeria and the world. From the implications of the new tax law to the state of the economy and growing security concerns at home and abroad, the conversation cuts through noise to deliver clarity and context.Insightful, grounded, and timely — this is how the year begins on Morning Digest.

In the final Agent Power Huddle of the year, Ed breaks down the five core conversations that will drive 80% of closings in 2026. He covers re-engaging past clients, setting appointments, navigating price and market reality with sellers, handling hesitant buyers, and confidently asking for referrals. The focus is on mastering conversations—not chasing tools or leads—with practical scripts, option-based strategies, and real-world pricing guidance to help agents increase income through clarity and confidence.

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Jeff Hancher is a leadership advisor, keynote speaker, and host of The Champion Forum Podcast. After serving in the U.S. Army, Jeff entered a Fortune 500 organization as a blue-collar worker and was promoted ten times, ultimately leading at advanced levels before launching his own firm. Jeff also recently published a new book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World: How to Build a Winning Culture with Critical Conversations. Jeff joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to discuss the importance of telling people what they need to hear, how he climbed the leadership ladder, and much more. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Mizzen & Main: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mizzenandmain.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Promo Code: elevate20) Shopify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Indeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠indeed.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠masterclass.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Northwest Registered Agent: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠northwestregisteredagent.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠ Homeserve: ⁠⁠⁠⁠homeserve.com⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/ZSR865. CME/AAPA credit will be available until October 29, 2026.To Glycemia and Beyond: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using Incretin-Based Therapies In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/ZSR865. CME/AAPA credit will be available until October 29, 2026.To Glycemia and Beyond: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using Incretin-Based Therapies In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/ZSR865. CME/AAPA credit will be available until October 29, 2026.To Glycemia and Beyond: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using Incretin-Based Therapies In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/ZSR865. CME/AAPA credit will be available until October 29, 2026.To Glycemia and Beyond: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using Incretin-Based Therapies In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/ZSR865. CME/AAPA credit will be available until October 29, 2026.To Glycemia and Beyond: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using Incretin-Based Therapies In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/ZSR865. CME/AAPA credit will be available until October 29, 2026.To Glycemia and Beyond: Managing Cardiovascular Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes Using Incretin-Based Therapies In support of improving patient care, PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported by an educational grant from Lilly.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

We've all heard it — “Judge not, lest you be judged.” But what did Jesus really mean by that? Is it ever right to confront another believer about sin or unhealthy behavior? And if so, how do we do that without becoming hypocritical, self-righteous, or unloving? In this episode, we're diving into one of the hardest parts of Christian community — holding one another accountable in a way that actually honors God. How do you approach a friend who's drifting spiritually? What do you do when someone “calls you out” in a way that hurts more than it helps? And what does it look like to stand for truth among non-believers without being judgmental or defensive? At what point does something like Church Discipline get involved in the process?  These are the kinds of critical conversations we can't afford to avoid — and today, we're talking about how to have them with grace, truth, and courage.

Matt sits down with Australian dental hygienist and entrepreneur Tabitha Acret for a conversation that moves from career inspiration to life-saving advocacy. Tabitha shares how she discovered dental hygiene while working as a dental assistant during law school, then built a dynamic career across clinical practice, academia, her own periodontal education company, and co-hosting Disrupting Dentistry Podcast. The conversation shifts as Tabitha opens up about why Domestic Violence Awareness Month carries profound meaning for her. She reveals the powerful position dental hygienists hold spending up to an hour with patients—creating opportunities to recognize warning signs and offer critical support. Tabitha shares practical secondary prevention strategies, from identifying signs and asking sensitive questions to protecting your own mental health when patients disclose trauma.   Guest: Tabitha Acret, RDH, OM, BOH, Grad Cert Public Health, MSc Dental Hygiene Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA   Disrupting Dentistry Podcast (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/disrupting-dentistry-podcast/id1534781785 National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/ Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP): https://www.dvawareness.org/ National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ (1-800-799-7233) Latest on Domestic Violence laws in Australia: https://tinyurl.com/mtm8es8d 

This Critical Conversations Special Event highlights the Academy's upcoming report, Bringing AI to Main Street – Maximizing Artificial Intelligence's Positive Impact on Municipal Economies, a research initiative sponsored by Google to support local and regional leaders in navigating the fast-evolving AI landscape.Episode also features Academy Fellow Marcelo Giugale.Learn more about the report at https://napawash.org/academy-studies/aieconomy Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

This episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning introduces the groundbreaking Disruption Occurrence Index, a tool designed to quantify and predict the community impacts of infrastructure maintenance, utility work, and street improvements. Co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall spoke with Reverend Jessica Abell of Living Waters Community Church in Denver at the 2025 National Planning Conference to explore the innovative concept of street disruption indices and the intersection of faith-based community organizing with transportation planning. Rev. Abell discusses how her unique background combining ministry with city and regional planning provides insights into the multilayered effects of transportation projects on neighborhoods, businesses, and quality of life. The conversation examines how houses of worship serve as anchor institutions and neutral meeting grounds for community planning discussions, while exploring the potential for utility corridors and coordinated infrastructure planning to minimize disruptive impacts. Drawing from successful community organizing examples, including a Denver neighborhood plan that survived political opposition through deep relational work, this episode challenges planners to think beyond traditional transportation metrics and consider the intersectional impacts of infrastructure decisions on community resilience and social justice. This episode was sponsored by Caltrans Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-reverend-jessica-abell/

Strong teams and transformed product practices drive growth. In order to drive outcomes using software and build great product teams, you need to drive speed to value and adapt quickly. The problem is, technology teams and business teams are often disjointed and lack clarity around each other's “why.” Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge. In this first part of a continuing series on the Convergence podcast, Ashok Sivanand and Bailey O'Shea, Head of Product at Integral, explore 9 conversations essential for the success of product teams that are too often forgotten. These conversations are cultivated from the years of experience Ashok and the team at Integral have consulting with some of the best product makers in the world. This discussion is vital for product managers and team leaders, offering an in-depth look at the nuanced dialogues that shape a product's journey from ideation to market execution. Learn about the often-overlooked discussions that can significantly enhance agility, speed up market delivery, and maintain team alignment as your operations scale. Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Access Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge. Inside the episode... Understanding Communication Impact: Ashok and Bailey discuss how insufficient communication can severely affect team dynamics, decelerate processes, and impede agility. Critical Conversations for Product Teams: They highlight the crucial but frequently missed discussions necessary within product teams to prevent bottlenecks and foster a culture of transparency. Methods for Effective Dialogue: They share detailed strategies on facilitating these conversations to ensure comprehensive alignment across roles from engineers to product managers. Practical and Theoretical Insights: The episode offers practical examples and theoretical insights to help listeners understand the application of these conversations in real teams, along with the foundational theories behind their significance. Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.   Follow the Pod Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/ X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence Instagram: @podconvergence

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I welcome my friend and colleague, Dr. Stephen Cervantes, to our cozy new “barn office” studio for a real and raw conversation about breaking old, harmful habits—especially those rooted in childhood. Together, we explore how these habits form as coping mechanisms, the emotional battles involved in letting them go, and the importance of kindness toward our younger selves. We discuss faith, the power of emotional connection, and practical steps for real change. Our desire is to help men grow in integrity and relationships. So, we invite you to join us as we encourage each other to pursue healthier, more loving ways of living.For daily thoughts from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org. Topics Covered in this Episode:Discussion of old and potentially harmful habits developed from childhood experiences.Exploration of habits as coping mechanisms for emotional and relational challenges.The emotional impact of habits on personal growth and relationships.The importance of self-compassion and kindness towards one's younger self.The struggle involved in breaking free from ingrained habits.The role of fear and survival in the formation of bad habits.The necessity of replacing bad habits with healthier alternatives.The significance of emotional connection and reciprocity in relationships.The influence of community and shared experiences in overcoming bad habits.Resources for personal growth and emotional development, particularly for men.More Resources:Men's Integrity Webinar (free)Critical Conversations online course (free)40 Days of Purity for MenRelated Podcasts:Breaking Free from Your Secret HabitReplacing Escaping and Hiding with Healthy Thoughts and BehaviorsBreaking Free with Russell Willingham----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple PodcastsFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

SHOW #1552 Critical Conversations with Pernid, Katherine, and Glenda

Jill Locantore, Executive Director of the Denver Streets Partnership (DSP), joined co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall at the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver to discuss how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) can be a key tool for achieving Denver's Vision Zero goals. This Critical Conversation in Transportation Planning dives deep into the political, cultural, and social challenges inherent to transforming corridors from car-centric to bike and pedestrian-friendly. From traffic calming and street design to Denver's bold efforts to prioritize buses and pedestrian safety, Jill unpacks how a truly safe city starts with valuing people over cars. Under Jill's leadership, DSP has helped to advocate for and implement policies that promote a transit-centered approach to improving traffic safety. The organization has been instrumental in convening multiple community stakeholders with a common goal of transforming Colfax Avenue, the “longest, wickedest street in America,” into a major arterial that supports the city's ambitious Vision Zero goals of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. Relevant Links Denver Streets Partnership Guiding Principles for Colfax BRT A Vision for Transit in the Denver Region A new vision for Speer Boulevard: Cut down the cars in favor of pedestrians, parks and buses Episode URL: https://www.planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-jill-locantore/

You say you give feedback. But is it honest, or is it emotionally filtered so you won't feel the sting of someone else's discomfort? In Part 2 of this unfiltered conversation, Jeff Hancher, author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, returns to The Dov Baron Show to unpack the most critical skill a leader must master… and almost none do: How to deliver feedback that transforms performance, without fear, fluff, or ego. . Jeff doesn't speak from theory. He speaks from experience, having been in the military, as well as the corporate, and personal sectors. He has seen firsthand how conflict-avoidant cultures, people-pleasing leadership, and performative vulnerability can sabotage organizations from within. . This is not another “lead with kindness” episode. This is about telling the fcuking truth, with profound compassion, clarity, and consistency.  

Send us a textIn this episode, we take a journey from the Prime Meridian to the emotional equator, where gratitude, fragility, and fierce compassion intersect. Drawing inspiration from Emile Durkheim, Jonathan Haidt, Marshall Rosenberg and Dr. Bernie Siegel, we explore how to stay grounded and emotionally regulated in high-stakes conversations without losing yourself, or the other person.We dive into the psychology behind emotional contagion and vicarious trauma, and how your presence, not your prescription, is often the most powerful gift you can offer. You'll learn why advice often fails, how to recognize when you're stealing someone's power instead of supporting them, and what "naming it to tame it" really looks like in a real conversation.We'll unpack the difference between sympathy and empathy, explore theory of mind, and show how non-violent communication and empathetic reflection can transform not only how we communicate, but how we believe in the people we're speaking to.Because in a world full of noise, the most radical thing you can do… is listen.Visit us at:www.theselfhelpantidote.com

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Joel Penhorwood and Brianna Smith chat with the Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Kristy Shaw. They discuss the county fair season and what the future holds for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) within the state. Then, Joel talks with Kelly Morgan, Director of the OH-Pigs Program where she highlights personal growth of the exhibitors, along with the opportunities the program holds for the future of the swine industry.

Episode sponsor: Caltrans Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-mike-pritchard-aicp/ Co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Pritchard, AICP, Assistant Director at York County Planning Commission, at the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver. This episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning explores how human-centered design and empathy interviews can transform transportation planning by prioritizing people's lived experiences over traditional data-driven approaches. The discussion highlights practical strategies for inclusive planning across diverse geographies—from urban centers to rural communities—while emphasizing the importance of storytelling and strong partnerships in securing funding and communicating complex transportation concepts to stakeholders. Relevant Links: ● Community in Motion: The York and Adams Counties Coordinated Human Services Public Transportation Plan ● United for ALICE ● 5 Ways Empathy Can Help You Be a Better Planner About Mike Pritchard, AICP: Mike Pritchard, AICP, is Chief of the York County Planning Commission's (PA) Transportation Planning division, which serves as staff to the York Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Since 2011, he has worked in community and transportation planning at YCPC and the City of

Get your free accountability resources from Jen here: https://trybta.com/DL221 To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP221 Is there someone on your team who is not performing the way you need them to?Someone you know you need to do a better job of holding accountable?Someone you need to have “the talk” with?If you're used to an accountability conversation turning into a finger-pointing exercise that goes nowhere, this episode is for you. In today's conversation with Jen Long, author of Own Up! How to Hold People Accountable Without All the Drama, we're breaking down the six steps to getting someone to own their responsibilities by having one simple conversation. Spoiler alert: this conversation isn't about ruling with an iron fist. It's not even about giving into all your peoples' needs.Danny even did a little role playing with her so you can hear what this sounds like in practice.Episode Highlights:Learn the framework that accountability expert Jen Long has helped hundreds of businesses implement to create a culture of accountability within a team.Understand how to hold an effective accountability conversation with anyone on your team by following six steps.Hear Danny role play this conversation with Jen so you can actually hear what is sounds like in practice.00:00-Intro01:24-About Jen05:04-Accountability misconceptions07:50-What's unique about accountability in construction or contracting?10:49-SOS Conversation Model (6 Steps)11:38-Step 1: Identify Your Issue14:24-Step 2: Analyze the Context18:37-Step 3: Explore Impacts20:08-Step 4: Rehearse25:07-Step 5: Engage in Conversation34:12-Step 6: Build Solutions35:35-Role play

This event is part of Critical Conversations, a new series on the age of misinformation by Intelligence Squared and Sage & Jester, hosted by Sophia Smith Galer. To see other events in this series, click here. Where do we draw the line between free speech and dangerous misinformation? Algorithms not only dictate our data feeds but also reinforce our echo chambers, and the stakes have never been higher – both for our individual perspectives and for society at large. How To Cure Your Algorithm dives headfirst into the pressing issue of digital manipulation. We'll expose how unchecked algorithms can distort reality and question the balance between free speech and censorship. More than a debate, it's a call to action: reclaim your digital narrative. In a series of dynamic sessions, you will receive an unprecedented opportunity to transform the way you interact with digital media, as you get the chance to triage and diagnose the issues in your algorithm before we lead you through some cultural therapies and digital medicinal interventions. We invite you to be at the forefront of this vital conversation – help shape the future of online discourse and empower individuals to take control of their own digital truth. In May 2025 we were live at the Pleasance Theatre with host Sophia Smith Galer and journalist and author Jamie Bartlett for a critical conversation on the age of misinformation and how to take back control. --------  If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event is part of Critical Conversations, a new series on the age of misinformation by Intelligence Squared and Sage & Jester, hosted by Sophia Smith Galer. Have you ever clashed with someone on social media or even a loved one? Conversations can easily escalate in a time where everyone is consuming different media with wildly different messaging. At Truth Hurts: From Conflict to Connection, we tackled the most divisive topics in our day-to-day lives and how we can all become better conversationalists. How can we productively engage with those who have opposing views? How can we de-escalate emotionally-charged conversations? And how can we engage others to create a more ethical, kind and sustainable world? We dove into clever strategies for critical thinking and taught you how to dodge sneaky traps; whether you're scrolling through your newsfeed or navigating tricky conflicts. We also explored techniques for managing emotions and sparking meaningful, empathy-driven conversations that actually get somewhere. Social cohesion researcher Dr Julia Ebner was in conversation with host Sophia Smith Galer live at the Pleasance Theatre in London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event was part of Critical Conversations, a new series on the age of misinformation by Intelligence Squared and Sage & Jester, hosted by Sophia Smith Galer. Sometimes the best way to expose a lie is to laugh at it. Satire is a force to be reckoned with in any democracy and artists are essential in shedding light on the truth. Comedy has long been a way to bring difficult conversations to the fore, and to challenge narratives. At Tricks, Trolls and LOLs, find out how humour and creative expression can serve as a counterbalance to misinformation; how satire can dismantle it, why authoritarian regimes fear comedians, and how art can be a powerful antidote to propaganda. In May 2025, we were joined by host Sophia Smith Galer and comedian Rachel Parris at the Pleasance Theatre in London for the first event in our our Critical Conversations series, in partnership with Sage & Jester. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on In The Growth Space, David welcomes back leadership expert and returning guest Jeff Hancher. From serving in the U.S. Army, to climbing through ten promotions at a Fortune 500 company, Jeff's journey is one of grit, growth, and leadership in action. In this conversation, Jeff also gives us a preview of his upcoming book, which centers on one of the most critical (and often overlooked) leadership skills: giving effective workplace feedback. In this episode, David and Jeff explore: How Jeff's leadership journey began and the pivotal role mentors played in shaping his path. Practical strategies for navigating tough workplace conversations with clarity and confidence. A breakdown of expectations, feedback, and accountability—why most leaders excel at only one or two, and how to strengthen all three. The framework for giving effective feedback, and why tactile, people-focused leadership makes all the difference.   Jeff's book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World: How to Build a Winning Culture with Critical Conversations releases June 17th. Preorder it here!       Get Paul's newest book here! Additional resources found on his website here                         Want more info about Emerging Leader Academy? Email David here - david@davidmcglennen.com        Click here for access to my free ebook Check out https://www.davidmcglennen.com/podcasts/in-the-growth-space-2 for links, transcript, and more details  

In this episode of the NEGOTIATEx Podcast, Chris Wong explores strategies for mastering critical conversations across leadership contexts. He emphasizes understanding communication processing styles to foster trust and avoid miscommunication.  Chris outlines effective mentorship structures, the universality of people challenges, and approaches to handling difficult individuals with empathy and boundaries. He shares techniques for leading organizational change through transparency and active listening.  Chris also discusses giving outcome-focused feedback and framing coaching as supportive guidance. In remote settings, he underscores the value of video calls and emotional intelligence to maintain connection and navigate tough discussions with clarity and presence.  

Episode sponsor: Eastern Washington University Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-wes-marshall-and-trung-vo-aicp/ In this episode, co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall were excited to take the podcast show on the road, recording episodes at the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver. This dispatch of Critical Conversation in Transportation Planning kicks off our safety series and features Wes Marshall, PhD, PE, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, and Trung Vo, AICP, PE, Denver Office Director, Senior Planner, and Owner at Toole Design. Our speakers highlight how many traffic engineering standards are based on flawed assumptions rather than science, specifically pointing to problems with level of service metrics, automatic traffic growth assumptions, and designing for peak hours rather than community needs. They emphasize the need for courage to tackle arterial roads where most fatalities occur, challenging the reactive approach of waiting for crashes to happen instead of proactively designing safer streets for all users. Relevant Links: ● Death by Design: A New Book from a CU Denver Transportation Expert Rethinks the Science Behind Our Roads ● Killed By a Traffic Engineer, Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System ● Denver Moves: Safe and Slow Streets with Bikeways ● No More Five-Lane Roads: An Engineer's Perspective About Wes Marshall: Wes Marshall, PhD, PE, is a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, where he holds a joint appointment in urban planning. He plays a pivotal role as director of the CU Denver Human-Centered Transportation program and the Transportation Research Center at CU Denver. Wes is a licensed Professional Engineer and focuses on transportation teaching and research dedicated to creating safer and more sustainable transportation systems. Wes is the author behind the 2024 book Killed by a Traffic Engineer. He also has more than 80 peer-reviewed journal publications and book chapters to his name and has received millions of dollars in research funding. Wes was the winner of the campus-wide CU Denver Outstanding Faculty in Research Award. He also has a passion for teaching and mentoring students and is the only three-time winner of the CU Denver College of Engineering Outstanding Faculty in Teaching Award. A native of Watertown, Massachusetts, Wes is a graduate of the University of Virginia (BS) and the University of Connecticut (MS and PhD). He is a recipient of the Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship, Australia's Endeavour Fellowship, and the Transportation Research Board's Wootan Award for the outstanding paper in policy and organization. About Trung Vo: Trung serves as a Senior Planner and our Denver Office Director. In his work, he leverages his certification as a planner, licensure as a Professional Engineer, and experience in both the public and private sectors to help communities become safer, more connected, and more resilient. Trung specializes in multimodal planning and design, public engagement, and design guidance. Outside of the office, Trung enjoys photography, bicycling, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife and two sons.

As part of the Critical Conversations series, the Sanctuary for Independent Media hosted Aaron Mair, Arbor Hill eco-activist and former president of the national Sierra Club, and Benita Law-Diao, former public health nutritionist and first person of color to sit on the board of the Adirondack park Agency to lead a conversation around environmental justice moderated by Eleanor Stein professor and environmental lawyer. This is A'Livija Mullins- Richard and Mary Keating's reflections on the event.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, We have a report from Andrea Cunliffe from last Saturday's Hands Off rally. Then, we talk to Michael Richarson of Third Act Upstate about climate at the federal and state level. Later on, on Armao on the Brink, Rosemary Armao speaks with three students about why they feel young people and people of color are not more active in protesting Trump. After that, we hear from participants in the Sanctuary's workshop on Critical Conversations about journalism and democracy. Our final segment is by Kathleen Beaudoin about Ethnomusicology: the study of music in a cultural context. Co-hosts: Benno Greene & Mark Dunlea. Engineer: Jalaya Reid

Critical Conversations is a series of discussions hosted by The Sanctuary for Independent Media where guest facilitators lead an intimate discussion on a critical issue of the moment. Critical Conversations take place every Thursday in April, from 7-8:30pm, focusing on the issues of journalism and democracy, environmental justice, protecting trans lives, and immigrant justice. Attendees are welcomed to join the conversation in a constructive setting for the exchange of ideas.

Join our Mailing ListCheck out our on-demand workshops for the coffee industry: "Introduction to Regenerative Coffee Farming" | "It's Time to Become a Coffee Consultant"••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••This is the 5th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.Our guest on the podcast in this series is Nick Brown, Editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine. In this series, we're "Connecting the dots" between money and power in the coffee industry.The five episodes in this series are:1. The Power Dynamics in the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/42xkmp18gQM2. Why The Power Hasn't Shifted In Coffee - https://youtu.be/x_BGt0QcTp03. Impact of the C-Market on Specialty Coffee - https://youtu.be/uT8wBfg5rvU4. Exploring Coffee Trends - https://youtu.be/Ui7vPMWD-iY5. Critical Conversations In Coffee - https://youtu.be/EgdM4dcG92UIn this final episode of this five-part series, Lee and Nick discuss the pressing issues within the coffee industry and explore the importance of talking about climate change, labor, and regulation, especially post-COVID. Nick shares his thoughts on why these conversations are crucial and how the industry can address them moving forward. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges the gap between current challenges and future solutions in the coffee world.00:00 Introduction to EUDR and Tropical Deforestation00:35 Exciting News: Regenerative Coffee Farming Workshops01:56 Final Episode with Nick Brown: Connecting the Dots in Coffee03:16 Impact of COVID-19 on Coffee Conversations04:37 Climate Change and Coffee Production05:47 The Role of Regulation in the Coffee Industry10:12 Challenges and Solutions in the Coffee Industry17:32 Transparency in Coffee Media20:54 Closing Remarks and Contact Information22:14 Outro and Call to Action Connect with Nick and Daily Coffee News here:https://dailycoffeenews.comhttps://dailycoffeenews.com/contact/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailinglist

Join our Mailing ListCheck out our on-demand workshops for the coffee industry: "Introduction to Regenerative Coffee Farming" | "It's Time to Become a Coffee Consultant"••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••This is the 5th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.Our guest on the podcast in this series is Nick Brown, Editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine. In this series, we're "Connecting the dots" between money and power in the coffee industry.The five episodes in this series are:1. The Power Dynamics in the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/42xkmp18gQM2. Why The Power Hasn't Shifted In Coffee - https://youtu.be/x_BGt0QcTp03. Impact of the C-Market on Specialty Coffee - https://youtu.be/uT8wBfg5rvU4. Exploring Coffee Trends - https://youtu.be/Ui7vPMWD-iY5. Critical Conversations In Coffee - https://youtu.be/EgdM4dcG92UIn this final episode of this five-part series, Lee and Nick discuss the pressing issues within the coffee industry and explore the importance of talking about climate change, labor, and regulation, especially post-COVID. Nick shares his thoughts on why these conversations are crucial and how the industry can address them moving forward. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges the gap between current challenges and future solutions in the coffee world.00:00 Introduction to EUDR and Tropical Deforestation00:35 Exciting News: Regenerative Coffee Farming Workshops01:56 Final Episode with Nick Brown: Connecting the Dots in Coffee03:16 Impact of COVID-19 on Coffee Conversations04:37 Climate Change and Coffee Production05:47 The Role of Regulation in the Coffee Industry10:12 Challenges and Solutions in the Coffee Industry17:32 Transparency in Coffee Media20:54 Closing Remarks and Contact Information22:14 Outro and Call to Action Connect with Nick and Daily Coffee News here:https://dailycoffeenews.comhttps://dailycoffeenews.com/contact/••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

In this Journal of Accountancy-branded podcast, a senior wealth strategist and managing partner share advice on how to initiate conversations with business clients about transition and succession planning.

Raneem Afifi Journalist Feminist and Activist talks with Hudson Mohawk Magazines Andrea Cunliffe about her 14 years of reporting and covering international feminist resistance and activism. Here in the US she is pursuing a masters degree focusing on 'Gender Apartheid". Raneem is guest speaker at the Sanctuary for Independent's Critical Conversations series on April 3rd to discuss Democracy & Journalism with Rosemary Armao. for further information and to register to attend go to media sanctuary.org further informati

In this episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning, hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall interview Jacky Grimshaw and Nina Idemudia, AICP, from the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) in Chicago. They discuss the evolution of transportation planning, the importance of community engagement, and the emergence of millennial leadership in the planning profession. Jacky shares her extensive experience in advocating for citizen participation in transportation planning, while Nina reflects on her journey from growing up in Detroit to serving as CNT's CEO, and emphasizes the need for planners to address structural inequities. Together, they highlight CNT's innovative approaches and ongoing efforts to create equitable and sustainable urban environments. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-cnt-nina-idamudia-aicp-and-jacky-grimshaw/

Most parents dread “the talk,” but raising confident, informed teens is less about one big conversation and more about a series of open, shame-free discussions.   Dr. Lisa Klein, pediatrician and co-founder of Turning Teen, joins Leslie Randolph to break down what kids really need when it comes to talking about puberty. Is there a right time to start? How do you make it less awkward? What happens if you feel totally unprepared? Dr. Klein shares practical ways to approach these conversations early and often, making sure tweens get accurate, age-appropriate information without fear or shame.   Dr. Klein and Leslie dig into the emotional side of growing up, from body image to social media influences. With so much misinformation online, how can parents become the go-to resource instead? Dr. Klein offers real-world advice to help parents navigate these tricky years with honesty, confidence, and a little humor.   Quotes “The talk, I want everyone to remember, is never just one talk. So don't feel stressed that it has to be the talk. I think that that is a little bit like the old school way of thinking. And unfortunately, it's still how it's kind of presented in school.” (06:16 | Dr. Lisa Klein)  “Shame-free, you know, it's a big word, a big message I like to share. Shame-free, science-based, open and honest.” (11:16 | Dr. Lisa Klein)  “Be the person your tween or teen turns to. Be their resource, because if you're not, the internet will be.” (23:24 | Dr. Lisa Klein) “Communicate, be vulnerable, admit your mistakes, admit your flaws, admit what you're working on. Say, ‘I don't know the answer. I love your question. Let's talk about it more. Let's find someone to help us both.' Communicate because if you don't have that communication and openness, why in the world would they use you as their resource?” (37:47 | Dr. Lisa Klein)   Connect with Dr. Lisa Klein: Learn More About Turning Teen Instagram Facebook   Connect With Leslie: Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence Website Instagram Facebook Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

In this episode, Chip and Gini discuss the common challenges agencies face in obtaining timely feedback and necessary information from clients. They explore strategies for improving communication, managing client expectations, and the importance of having difficult conversations to maintain strong client relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for agencies to be proactive in addressing issues and becoming strategic counselors rather than mere order takers. Key takeaways Chip Griffin: “The clients never blame themselves or say, ‘we know this fell apart because of us’. They always point the finger of blame at the agency they’re paying.” Gini Dietrich: “One of the questions you should ask your direct reports in every one-to-one meeting is what obstacles are you facing and how do we help you?” Chip Griffin: “At some point, whoever is the senior person on the client side needs to understand what’s not happening on their side. Because it has an impact on the outcome.” Gini Dietrich: “The good news is there’s a lot of project tracking software today that helps, because the client will get notifications and reminders that don’t have to come from you nagging them. Related Setting expectations for agency clients Why (and how) clients should manage their PR/marketing agencies View Transcript The following is a computer-generated transcript. Please listen to the audio to confirm accuracy. Chip Griffin: Hello and welcome to another episode of the Agency Leadership Podcast. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: And I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: Gini, I think we need to talk about the fact that I’m just not getting enough timely feedback from you and input on topics and research and all of that kind of thing. Gini Dietrich: Okay. I like it. Let’s do that. Do I get to give the feedback now? Chip Griffin: I thought I was going to give you the feedback. Gini Dietrich: Shoot. I thought you were not getting timely feedback from me. Chip Griffin: I wasn’t, but I was going to give you feedback on your lack of feedback. I wasn’t actually. Yeah. Gini Dietrich: Oh, that’s very meta, okay. Chip Griffin: I, I’m afraid, I’m afraid what would happen if you actually started giving me feedback. Gini Dietrich: You should be afraid. Chip Griffin: Yeah, but no, we are going to talk about what happens when agencies are not getting what they need from their clients, whether that is feedback or research or access or approvals or edits or whatever, because this is a common challenge that agencies of all sizes have, but it, it has a particular impact on small agencies because you can’t be successful in most cases. If you are not truly working in partnership with your clients and getting things from them to move the ball forward. And that might be trying to arrange to get an expert on an interview with a reporter or something like that. And so you need to get schedules and can coordinate it. Not every client is good with that. Many clients are really bad about giving you timely feedback on drafts and things like that. So what are some strategies for dealing with it? And how do you avoid getting in a situation where you fail because you didn’t get what you need from the client? Because the clients never blame themselves. I, I’ve yet to see a circumstance where the client’s like, yeah, you know, we know this fell apart because of us. They always point the finger of blame at the agency they’re paying. Gini Dietrich: Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, I mean, this has been a recurring theme throughout my career, of course. And this is, of course, why it’s a topic, because I think it’s a recurring theme for all of us. The good news is, is there’s a lot of software today that helps with that, because they will get notifications and things like that, that don’t have to come from you, but come from the software. So there, there is that option. But even still, like we have one client we’re getting access and information from their subject matter experts continues to be one of our biggest challenges and we have tried everything. And then even when we get the information from the SMAE and we, we will like, I, I tested this just to see because my team gets so frustrated by it. They will take the SMAE’s words verbatim and put them into content and the subject matter expert will be like, Nope, this isn’t right. And you’re like, Oh my gosh, it’s exactly what you said. So there, there are all sorts of challenges to this, but I think one of the biggest advantages we have today and going forward is, is access to software that will help us with some of it. Chip Griffin: And, and so just elaborate on that a little bit. I assume you’re talking about project tracking software that shows what the blockers are and things like that. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. I mean, project management software is one of the biggest things. It’s one of the first questions we ask a new client as we’re onboarding them is what project management system they use. We have one client right now that doesn’t use anything. They just use spreadsheets. And we’re like, yes, that’s not going to work. So in some cases, we will implement or insert ourselves into their project management system, and in some cases, they will be implemented into ours, just depending on how it works. And then, you know, they get the, they get the notifications, they get the emails, they get the reminders that say this is coming up due. And, and we, we use ClickUp, so we can say we send them a reminder when it’s three days due, send them a reminder the day before. And so it does, it does all of that for you, so that you don’t have to be the one for lack of a better term, nagging them. Chip Griffin: Yeah, and I think, I think that is one of the keys is that you have to have some sort of a way of making clear to everybody who owes what when. And software obviously does make that so much easier today. But it may also be that in whatever regular reporting that you’re doing with clients, you need to make clear here are the things that we are still waiting on. Because a lot of times, particularly if you’re dealing with multiple contacts within an organization, the project, the lead on the client side may not be aware of exactly what is not happening on their side. And they can light a fire if they know about it. But a lot of times we on the agency side are afraid to raise those things because, you know, we don’t want to rat out the juniors we’re working with or something like that. We want to feel like we’re the tattletale. But at some point, whoever is the senior person on the client side needs to understand what’s not happening on their side. Because it has an impact on the outcome. And you don’t want to wait till the end to say, well, we never got these seven things. They need to know it when they can still do something about it. And before there has been a failure. Gini Dietrich: Yeah. And I think that’s part of, I think overall agencies can do a better job of onboarding client, new clients and going through that process with them. To say, listen, and, and maybe it’s not onboarding a brand new client. Maybe it’s starting a new project or starting a new campaign to say, okay, do we all agree that this is the end deliverable and the due date then, and then we’ll back it out from there. And. If you, like clients, if you don’t meet these deadlines, then this is what will happen. And then as you’re going through the process to say, okay, this is due in two days. If you don’t get it to us, it’s going to push this, this, and this back. So It’s sort of like the whole, it’s the same kind of conversation that you have when you’re over, when you’re about to over service. We’re happy to do that for you, but here’s how, here’s how it will affect the rest of the budget, the campaign, whatever it happens to be. It’s the same conversation. It’s continuing to have those open and transparent conversations. And it’s not, it’s not bad. It’s not critical. It’s just, hey, listen, this is due in two days. And if we don’t get it, it’s going to going to affect this, this and this. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And I think that’s, that’s a valuable piece of insight that you need to be able to show that there are consequences to, to the actions. And here is what that consequence is. And it’s very common, for example, when you are, doing web development, which is something I did with one of my agencies, years ago. You know, we would have project timelines and when we didn’t get feedback on wireframes, we would say, okay, here’s the updated timeline that now shows where we’re at. So you can, you can literally see in real time the effect of your failure to get consensus on your side or whatever. And you can see these things happening and it then puts it on the client’s plate to figure out, are we okay with that? Or are we going to do something to light that fire and start getting you things more quickly? Gini Dietrich: Right. And I think we see a lot of this too, in, earnings releases. I mean, we do, or we do work with a lot of startups. So when they go to announce a new round of funding, they always want to make changes the morning that you’re announcing it and you’re like, you can’t make changes. It’s already been uploaded to the wire. It’s about, you can’t, we’re done, right? Right. Or they don’t get you stuff the day before they want to announce. And so then it pushes it back because as it turns out, you can’t just go to business wire and upload something and have it released five minutes later. So they have to understand that there are implications and consequences to your point when they don’t do it. And I think it’s, it’s less about wanting to be people pleasers and wanting to, to not tattle and more about, Hey, listen, we all have a job to do and we need you to do, to do your part for like, we’ll manage as much as we can, but you still have to do your part. Chip Griffin: Yeah. And I, and I think it is, it is becoming more complicated. Some, some things are becoming easier because we’ve got software, as you mentioned. But I think it’s becoming more complicated because clients are looking to find ways to reduce the costs that they have with agencies. And so often they will come to the agency and say, well, what if we take on some of this work and you take on some of this work? And so if you’re in a situation where the client, for example, says, okay, well, we’ll, we’ll take on doing the research part of it, we’ll send you the research, and then you’ll just write from that, for example. Versus, you know, maybe five years ago when budgets were a little bit richer, they would have just said, hey, you do the research, you do the writing, we’ll just approve it. And so now they’re, they’re trying to, to find ways to, to do some burden sharing so that they don’t have to put as much money on the table to the agency. But that then makes it more difficult because now we’re into a realm of not really just getting feedback and approvals, which is easy, clear cut. But if you’re not giving me the research that I need, I can’t even start to write. And so then that creates a, another layer of challenge. And, and I’ve seen agencies who say, well, to make this successful, we’re just going to start doing the research anyway. We know we’re not being paid for it, but we got to do it because we don’t want to get fired or get yelled at because we are not moving forward and hitting the deadlines that we have, even though it’s because we didn’t get these things. And so it, it’s a very challenging situation for agencies to figure out how to navigate that because in general, I would tell agencies, don’t do work you’re not being paid to do. Gini Dietrich: Don’t do that. Right. Chip Griffin: At the same time, if you don’t do it. And if you start missing deadlines, it’s a, it’s a challenge sometimes to sell that. And so some things like feedback and approvals, you can’t take on yourself, but when it’s work you can take on yourself, that really, I think is where the big challenge lies for agencies today. Gini Dietrich: Well, and then it becomes an over service piece for you. So say, so then you can go back to the client and say, Hey, listen, we’re having trouble getting this accomplished. We can do the work. Would you like us to adjust the plan? And push budget out so that we’re not going to do A, B, and C later in the year. Would you like to figure out a way to incorporate more budget so that we can get it done for you? Or can we light a fire and get this done? So give them, you know, some options because I think, I think in many cases, not all, but in many cases, the client will say, you know what, let’s just throw some money at it and you guys get it done for us. We’re just, we’re just too busy. We’re going through a reorg, we’re, you know, whatever it happens to be, there’s stuff that happens internally all the time. That nobody can control. So in some cases, they may just throw money at it to have you do it, but don’t over service without having that conversation. Chip Griffin: Right. And I think that that you can’t be afraid to have these difficult conversations with clients. We’ve talked about this before in other areas as well. But you need to be having an open line of communication with your clients so that they understand what challenges exist on your side, on their side, somewhere in the environment, whatever, so that you can address problems earlier, as opposed to waiting until they really come to a head and now it becomes a crisis because the release needs to be out in three days, or the website needs to be launched for an event, or whatever. You need to be, as soon as you start seeing problems, you need to communicate that. And you need to gradually escalate it as needed in order to get the resolution in terms of changed deadlines, increased budget, modified scope, whatever it is that, that needs to be done to fix it. But at some point you may also get to the realization that there’s no way that you can be successful within the bounds of what the client is paying, allowing, doing, etc. And so in those cases you may need to have a very difficult conversation with them and say, if this doesn’t get fixed, we’re going to need to end this relationship and that’s not comfortable. Gini Dietrich: Not comfortable at all. Chip Griffin: But if you know that you’re not going to succeed there’s no reason to keep banging your head against the wall just because you think you might get a couple more months of cash out of it. Because it because you’re going to sour the relationship even more than it may already have been If you do that, so it’s much better to resolve that sooner rather than later. Gini Dietrich: Yeah, I’m one of the things I always say to my friends and my coaching clients is listen, you’ve built an agency where trust is the currency. And you have reputation. And most of us grow our agencies because of referrals and, and word of mouth, right? And our ability to do that is because of our reputation. So why would you avoid having the hard conversations, the critical conversations you need to have to protect your reputation at all costs? That’s what you’re doing. Yeah, it’s hard. Yeah, it’s uncomfortable, but protect your reputation at all costs, because that’s, what’s going to drive your business forward. Every single time. So, you know, if you’re, if you have a hard time with it, there’s a great book called Critical Conversations. Read it, it will help you sort of think that through. And then it helps you change your mindset in terms of, this is less about, this being a challenging, challenging conversation and more about us finding a way to come together and figure this out. And, and that may be that you cut ties, but I tell you what, every single time you lose a client or you fire a client, something bigger and better comes along. Every time. Chip Griffin: Absolutely. And, and, you know, we, we focus mostly here on, on what the agency can do with the client, but there are things that you can do internally as well when you’re in this situation. And I think as owners, the first thing is we need to make sure that we are aware of the problems that may exist. Fair. Yep. And so we need to communicate to our own team members that if they are running into these obstacles, if they are not getting what they need from the client, they need to make us aware of it so that we can help figure out how to knock down those roadblocks. And it’s one of the reasons why I’m such a big believer in the weekly one on one. Because that is typically an opportunity where someone can raise, well, we’re just not getting what we need. They might not send a separate email to you or request a separate meeting with you to, to tell you that they’ve got a problem with the client. But if you’re doing these weekly one on ones, it’s that venue because one of the questions should be, how can I help? What, what obstacles can I get rid of for you? And if one of them is this client isn’t giving me what I need, you can figure out how to address that. So there are internal things that you can be doing as well, in order to address some of that. And, and if you’re not getting timely feedback, or not getting timely research, think about, are there ways that I could get it more easily from the client? In other words, could I reduce their burden? So, for example, if you’re looking for research from a subject matter expert, could you just schedule a call and record it and transcribe it, versus asking them to send you materials? It might be easier just to get 30 minutes on their calendar, have a conversation, and get either all or most of what you need in that, as opposed to waiting for them to write something up, go through their files, whatever. A lot of times it’s just trapped in their head, and if you can have a conversation, that’s good enough. And so, think about how you can reduce the level of friction, and so that’s an internal conversation. You know, what, what do we really need? Are we asking for too much from the client? Are we asking for it too timely? In other words, if we know that the client takes a week to give feedback, don’t build a timeline that, that says that they give feedback in 72 hours. Because you know, it’s not going to happen. It’s one of the reasons why I love paid discovery or initial projects with clients, because you figure out what their cadence is and how timely they are. And do they run around in circles, rethinking things over and over again. Build it into your plan, figure out how you can make it easier for them to do what they need to do. And for you to succeed. As opposed to just saying, well, this is the way we do it. And we’re going to force square peg round hole. Gini Dietrich: Right. Yeah. I love that. And I think it’s really important to be able to have those one on one conversations with your team to make sure that you are getting those answers. And you’re right. One of the questions you should ask in every one to one is what obstacles are you facing and how do we help you? One of the things I’d say, and I think we’re all guilty of this is that we’re moving really fast. We… it’s really easy to jot off an email or to send a Slack message or a Teams message and put it into somebody else’s camp. So, and I’m guilty of this as well. But it’s so much easier in some cases to just pick up the phone and say, Hey, do you have five minutes? Or to send an email and say, I know you’re incredibly busy. Can I get 30 minutes to get this off of your plate? And most of the time, people are going to be really agreeable to that. Gini Dietrich: So I say to my team all the time, pick up the freaking phone. Do not send a Slack message. Do not send an email. Do not text. Pick up the phone and call the client because I promise you, you’re going to save yourself two weeks of frustration if you just do that. Chip Griffin: Yeah, and anytime you’ve got a relationship with a client where you need to get a steady flow of feedback or information from them, it’s really important. Have a regular schedule of meetings with them, just as you do a weekly one on one with your own teams. If you, I mean, and not every client needs a weekly call. So I’m not, I’m not advocating that you just, you know, calendar yourself to death here. But if you’ve got someone where you’re, you have a lot of back and forth, where you have a lot of these things, a lot of times reviewing some of those status things on a conference call or zoom call or whatever, it can be a more comfortable way of doing it as opposed to sending that email that says, here are the things we’re missing. Cause email… it, it, it feels much more accusatory. It feels much more aggressive in many cases. Whereas if we’re just having a conversation, we can say, you know, these are the three things that we’re really waiting on right now. And, then you can have a dialogue back and forth with the client to figure out how are we going to break this down? And so a lot of times you’ll make progress more quickly by having that call. It’s one of the reasons why I think all these folks who say, well, you know, we need to have fewer meetings. No, you just need to have good meetings. That may mean that some of them go away. But it, it really, meetings can be very effective if you’re using them the right way. Gini Dietrich: Yes, and meetings don’t have to be an hour long. They don’t have to be 30 minutes long. They can be 10 minutes. And I think that’s the other trap. Chip Griffin: Very few are. In fairness, very few meetings last 10 minutes. Gini Dietrich: Sure. Sure. But you can do that. You can schedule a 15 minute meeting. So it doesn’t, I think we get in this trap of everything has to be an hour. Everything has to be 30 minutes. And that’s not the case. Correct. At all. Chip Griffin: Correct. But more importantly, you need to go into the meeting and understand what you’re trying to get out of it. Gini Dietrich: That’s right. Chip Griffin: Because too many of these meetings you just, you, you wander into and you just kind of like, you kind of wander around aimlessly and talk about. You need to know what you need to come out of that meeting with and if you’ve got obstacles, if there are things that you need from the client, you need to make sure that you address them early in the conversation and you need to make sure that you keep talking about them until you have resolution on at least what the next step is, not necessarily how you completely solved it, but, but at least make some progress on it so that you come out of it and you don’t end the conversation and go back with your team and say, geez, I feel like we’re right where we started 30 minutes ago. Gini Dietrich: Right, right, right. Yeah. I mean, I have, we have one client who their chief marketing officer and I very much both like to take walks during the middle of the day. And we usually, she and I usually take walks about the same time of the day and we call each other and we have a conversation. We don’t have a quote unquote scheduled meeting. There isn’t a like, oh, we have to get this done. It’s just a chat that we have while we take a walk together and figure out like what’s missing, what needs to be done, what’s on the agenda. I know you met with the CEO today. What’s the, what came down from that? And it helps us help our teams. And it’s informal. It’s not a formal thing. We don’t put it on the calendar. If we miss it, we do, like, it’s not a big deal. We probably do it two or three times a week though. So there are ways that you can get around this sort of, we have to have an hour meeting and it has to be every week and like… find informal ways to be able to get what you need. Chip Griffin: I mean, the, the bottom line here is, you know, anytime that you’re not getting what you need from a client to be successful, you need to address it as soon as you know it’s a problem or think it might be a problem. You need to find a path to resolution. It’s not going to be the same in every single case. You need to make sure that you’re having the internal dialogue so that you’re aware of these problems and you can start helping solve the problems on your end too and not just rely on the client. But ultimately you need to get these things resolved because sitting there and just complaining about them is never going to get you anywhere. Waiting until there’s actual failure is not a good idea. Overservicing is not a good idea. And so you need to be on top of these things because they’re only going to get worse. As client budgets continue to be tight and probably get tighter, it’s going to be something that you need to focus on because they may have fewer resources on their end to even fulfill some of the requests that you have. And, and so you need to be in a position where you’re helping to solve these problems for them and helping them understand what you actually need in order to be successful. And what the consequences of, of not getting that are. Gini Dietrich: That’s right. That’s right. And I think in part, and if you do these things, it puts you in a position of being a strategic counselor and not just an order taker. Chip Griffin: Yes. So with that, Gini Dietrich: Listen to us. Chip Griffin: Listen to us. And, and, Gini, I appreciate all the feedback you’ve given on this topic. Gini Dietrich: You’re welcome. Chip Griffin: Today. With that, that will draw to an end this episode of the Agency Leadership Podcast. I’m Chip Griffin. Gini Dietrich: I’m Gini Dietrich. Chip Griffin: And it depends.

In this episode of the Convergence Podcast, Ashok Sivanand and guest Bailey O'Shea, Director of Product of Management at TransImpact, dive into the critical topic of assumption-based planning for product teams. Bailey shares her insights on why challenging assumptions and embracing an iterative, assumption-driven approach can drive product success and increase speed to market. Together, they discuss practical strategies that product managers can use to facilitate open discussions around assumptions, empower team members to contribute insights, and prioritize collaborative planning. They walk through tactical approaches, like sticky-note exercises and visual journey mapping, that can spark meaningful conversations across diverse team roles. By focusing on common assumptions and de-risking high-stakes decisions, Ashok and Bailey demonstrate how product teams can become more agile, resilient, and connected. Listen to learn how bringing assumptions to the forefront fosters a team culture rooted in trust, vulnerability, and faster course correction. Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.   Inside the episode… • The value of assumption-based planning in product development • How to break down big wins and setbacks into micro-moments • Tips for facilitating assumption-generating exercises using sticky notes • Building team trust and communication through shared planning • Using visual journey mapping to spark cross-functional collaboration • Prioritizing assumptions based on potential impact and risk • Stories from the field: testing assumptions in new product launches • Aligning product strategy with lean, agile, and human-centered design principles   Mentioned in this episode • Miro and MURAL for collaborative mapping Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast Learn something? Give us a 5-star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Bailey O'Shea joins host Ashok Sivanand for the 7th of 9 Critical Conversations You've Forgotten to Have With Your Product Team: What are the biggest assumptions we're making?  In this first episode of a two-part examination of this conversation, Ashok and Bailey uncover how unspoken assumptions shape product decisions and drive team behaviors in ways that often go unnoticed. “It's really hard to balance moving forward on assumptions while also being mindful of the risks we're taking,” Bailey notes, highlighting how unchecked assumptions can impact outcomes across teams, from engineering to sales. They dig into the ways assumption mapping, especially with cross-functional input, can help product teams avoid unseen risks and make more confident, strategic decisions. Download all 9 conversations at integral.io/conversations Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge. Inside the episode… • What's an assumption? Bailey explains assumptions as the unseen beliefs that impact every decision. • Navigating risk: How teams can make progress while identifying and managing high-risk assumptions. • Breaking down silos: Why involving sales, marketing, and engineering in assumption mapping leads to stronger solutions. • Case study on automation: Bailey recounts a story about reducing processing time and errors through targeted automation. • Rapid experimentation: Ashok and Bailey discuss how prototypes and technical spikes can de-risk critical assumptions early. • Adapting to changing markets: An automotive case example on evolving car ownership models and shifting consumer behavior. • Trust-building through cross-functional input: The impact of whole-team involvement in assumption validation and prioritization. Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.   Follow the Pod Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/ X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence Instagram: @podconvergence