Podcasts about difficult conversations

 Master the "tone, intent, outcome" framework and build trust through vulnerability to navigate your most difficult conversations at work and become a better leader. You've mastered the fundamentals of negotiation in Women's Leadership Success 153 ( part I). Now it's time to tackle the conversations that keep you up at night: the confrontation with an angry stakeholder, the politically charged discussion dividing your team, the compensation negotiation where everything is on the line, or the feedback conversation that could make or break a critical relationship. This discussion former Scotland Yard negotiator Scott Walker  reveals advanced strategies that separate good leaders from exceptional ones. These are the frameworks used when hostages' lives hung in the balance‚ adapted specifically for the high-stakes leadership challenges women executives face every day. Building on the Foundation Effective difficult conversations at work require mastering several core principles: reframing negotiation as a conversation with purpose, managing emotional hijacking through behavioral change indicators, listening at deeper levels to understand emotion and perspective, asking questions rather than making statements, preparing thoroughly using systematic frameworks, and seeking practice opportunities with challenging people. Now we build on that foundation with advanced strategies for the conversations that truly test your leadership capacity. Understanding Their World: The Foundation of Influence You Cannot Influence Someone You Don't Understand A principle that transforms how women leaders approach difficult conversations at work: You can't influence somebody unless you already know what influences them. You're wasting your time. It's the height of arrogance, and you're not really going to succeed long-term anyway. This isn't about manipulation‚ it's about genuine understanding. To truly influence someone, you must understand their beliefs and values, decision-making rules and criteria, primary emotional drivers, how they see the world and their place in it, and what human needs they're trying to meet. The Only Path to This Understanding: Deep Listening Most people think they're excellent listeners, yet often go through the motions without truly engaging. Being on the receiving end when someone is thinking about a million other things feels infuriating and dismissive. The Critical Truth About Listening in Difficult Conversations No one has ever listened themselves out of a job or a relationship. This simple truth carries profound implications for women leaders navigating difficult conversations at work. Deep listening doesn't diminish respect, authority, or influence‚ it amplifies all three. The 5 Levels of Listening for Difficult Conversations Levels 1-3: Surface Listening (Where Most Leaders Get Stuck) Level 1: Distracted Listening Nodding while mentally planning your rebuttal or thinking about other priorities. The other person immediately senses your lack of genuine engagement, trust erodes, resistance increases, and resolution becomes impossible. Level 2: Rebuttal Listening Waiting for them to finish so you can explain why they're wrong. You're not actually processing their perspective, just defending your own. Both parties dig into entrenched positions and the conversation becomes adversarial. Level 3: Logic-Only Listening Focusing solely on facts, data, and logical arguments while ignoring emotions. Most difficult conversations at work are driven by emotional needs, not logical disagreements. You address surface issues while core concerns remain unresolved. Levels 4-5: Transformational Listening Level 4: Listening for Emotion What emotions are driving this person's position? Fear? Frustration? Feeling undervalued? Anxiety about change? Notice emotional shifts and acknowledge them without judgment. Saying "It sounds like this situation is really frustrating for you..." creates connection. Level 5: Listening for Point of View Ask yourself: "Why is this person telling me these specific words RIGHT NOW?" Seek the underlying human needs and deeper motivations beneath the surface position. The presenting issue is rarely the real issue it's usually two to six levels deeper. The Real Issue is Never the Presenting Issue When dealing with kidnappers, they wanted money‚Äîbut it wasn't just about the money. They wanted to save face, to feel like they were in control, to feel significant. If negotiators had only focused on money while ignoring these deeper needs, hostages would have died. In corporate environments, 80% of time on kidnapping cases was spent dealing with internal politics‚Äîwhat's called "the crisis within the crisis." In difficult conversations at work, competing egos and siloed thinking often create more obstacles than the actual business challenge. When your team member asks for a raise, the real issue might be feeling undervalued compared to peers, concern about supporting their family, fear of falling behind in their career, desire for recognition of contributions, or worry that you don't see their potential. The Breakthrough Question: "Why is this person telling me this specific message right now? What underlying human need are they trying to meet?" This transforms you from a transactional negotiator into a strategic influencer. The "Tone, Intent, Outcome" Framework for Preparation Systematic Approach to Difficult Conversations Before any high-stakes conversation, explicitly define three elements. This framework transforms anxiety-inducing difficult conversations at work into strategic opportunities. Component 1: TONE What emotional atmosphere do you want to create? Your tone choice sets the entire trajectory. Consider whether you want collaborative versus confrontational, curious versus defensive, respectful versus dismissive, or calm versus urgent energy. Example scenarios: - Feedback conversation: Supportive, direct, developmental - Conflict resolution: Calm, curious, non-judgmental - Negotiation: Collaborative, firm, professional - Political discussion: Open, respectful, genuinely curious Component 2: INTENT What is your genuine purpose for this conversation? This must be your authentic intent, not a manipulative cover story. Genuine intent includes understanding their perspective fully before sharing yours, finding a solution that works for both parties, repairing a relationship while addressing the issue, setting clear boundaries while maintaining respect, or advocating for your needs without damaging connection. Research from Darden Business School shows that women who approach negotiations with clear, authentic intent focused on mutual benefit achieve better outcomes than those using aggressive tactics. Your genuine intent will show up in your words, tone, and body language. Component 3: OUTCOME What does success look like? Be specific about what needs to be different after this conversation, what specific agreements or commitments you need, what would represent a win-win scenario, and what's your walk-away point. The Power of This Framework: When you explicitly define Tone, Intent, and Outcome before difficult conversations at work, you reduce anxiety through clarity, avoid emotional hijacking by anchoring to your intention, recognize when you're off-track and can self-correct, and can evaluate afterward whether you achieved your goals. Practical Exercise Think about a challenging conversation you need to have this week. Write down your desired tone, authentic intent, and successful outcome. Evaluate whether your intended tone aligns with your authentic intent and whether your desired outcome reflects a win-win possibility. Building Trust Through Tactical Empathy The Paradox of Vulnerability in Leadership One of the most powerful techniques for difficult conversations at work seems counterintuitive: demonstrating vulnerability and acknowledging the other person's perspective even when you completely disagree. The Technique: Emotional Labeling + Paraphrasing This specific formula includes three steps: label the emotion you're observing using phrases like "It looks like..." "It sounds like..." "It feels like...", paraphrase their complete perspective as if the words were coming from their mouth, including their emotional state, concerns, and interpretation, then pause and wait for confirmation or correction. Example Application: "You seem really angry with my behavior in this deal. This is taking a long time, you feel like I haven't really delivered on what I said I was gonna do, you feel as if I'm just taking you for granted and your goodwill for granted here, and actually you probably don't have much trust left in me being able to follow through and completing this on time." Notice what's happening here: demonstrating complete understanding of their perspective without defending, justifying, or explaining, making their emotional experience visible and valid, and waiting for their response before proceeding. Why This Transforms Difficult Conversations at Work You might think they're completely wrong and seeing things from a misguided viewpoint. That doesn't matter at this point. When you accurately reflect someone's perspective, one of two responses occurs: Response A: "Yes! You've hit the nail on the head. That's exactly it." They feel seen and heard, defensive walls come down, and real conversation can begin. Response B: "No, no, no, that's not it. It's actually this..." You're getting better data about what's really going on, moving closer to the real issue. Either way, you're gaining valuable information while the other person feels understood. The Neuroscience Behind This Technique When someone feels genuinely understood, their amygdala (threat detection system) calms down, allowing the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking) to engage.

In this episode on The Coaching Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Eve Meceda — a woman who truly lives and breathes “Educate. Inspire. Enable.” We dive into her powerhouse trio of focus areas: Growth Mindset, Habits, and Difficult Conversations. With 25+ years of global impact, over 1,800 talks, and a reputation for transforming how leaders think and behave, Eve brings the kind of wisdom that sparks real change. This convo is all about helping you stretch, elevate your daily habits, and lean into the tough moments that make you better. Enjoy, team — this one's gold. About Dr Eve Meceda Dr. Eve Meceda has spent the past 25+ years helping organizations around the world significantly improve both individual and organizational performance. Much of Dr. Meceda's current work with clients focuses on the development of a growth mindset, unlocking the power of sustainable habit change, and mastering difficult conversations. She has also partnered with Fortune 500 and Global 1000 organizations on issues such as leadership development, performance management, employee engagement, and the attraction and retention of high-potential employees. Dr. Meceda has received both the Vistage Speaker of the Year award and the Vistage Lifetime Achievement award. In the course of delivering more than 1,800 speaking engagements over the years, she has had the pleasure of working in eighteen countries on six continents … or seven if you include a recent chat with penguins in Antarctica. When she's not on the road working with clients, Dr. Meceda lives and works in the beautiful Boulder, Colorado area. Connect with Eve:Website: https://www.evemeceda.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-eve-meceda-7a72958

Welcome back to The ADHDvent Calendar, Sam and Katie's twelve episode Christmas countdown designed to make the season easier for ADHD brains. Every episode opens a new “door” with one practical tip to cut through overwhelm, lower the pressure and bring a bit of calm to the most memory heavy, admin filled month of the year.It's door number two and we're not putting it off any longer... we're having THAT conversation early.

Ex-Secret Service interrogator DESMOND O'NEILL reveals the 4-step formula for difficult conversations, how to decode narcissism, the secret to communication and real connection - AND debunks the biggest myths about interrogation! Desmond O'Neill is a former special agent for the US Secret Service with over 30 years of experience in negotiation and interrogation. He has worked for the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG) training and conducting research on interrogation, and is a co-instructor for the online platform ‘Beyond Bulletproof', covering influence, communication, and confidence. He explains: ◼️Why you should never label someone a narcissist ◼️The No.1 habit silently ruining your communication ◼️Why “me me me” syndrome is sabotaging your relationships ◼️How gaslighting really works, and how to shut it down fast ◼️Why your brain lies to you when emotions take over 00:00 Intro 04:48 What Are Your Experiences? 06:23 Experience With Violent Interrogation 08:34 How Do I Have a Difficult Conversation? 09:58 How to Spot When Someone Is Gaslighting You 11:19 PLAN Framework 14:58 The Hardest Conversations You've Had to Navigate 19:40 If They Do This, They're Lying 21:52 Be a Better Listener 24:08 Controlling Comes From Listening, Not Talking 24:33 Asking Questions 28:38 Obvious Body Language to Look Out For 31:28 Finding Resolution With People 33:38 What if They Start Insulting You 35:31 How to Keep Your Emotions in Check 37:07 How to Stay in Control 40:11 Me Me Me Syndrome 43:06 Ads 44:08 How to Get Someone to Open Up 46:30 The Difference Between Manipulation and Influence 48:49 Influencing People 51:27 How to Build Trust 55:03 How Do You Get Trust Back? 55:27 How to Be a Great Leader 56:36 Making Decisions 1:01:02 Own Your Decisions 1:05:29 Ads 1:07:39 Building Rapport 1:11:47 Main Takeaways 1:13:33 Don't Tell People You Understand 1:17:14 What Decision Do You Most Regret? You can learn more about ‘Beyond Bulletproof', here: https://bit.ly/43SKyMW  The Diary Of A CEO: ◼️Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/  ◼️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook  ◼️The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt  ◼️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb  ◼️Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt  ◼️Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb  Sponsors: Adobe - https://Adobe.Ly/OneBetter   Rubrik: To learn more, head to https://rubrik.com  Function Health: https://Functionhealth.com/DOAC to sign up for $365 a year. One dollar a day for your health.

Madman breaks down the UCLA Bruins' stunning loss to Cal and what this means about the 2025-2026 season trajectory and the health of the UCLA Basketball program's bigger picture. Tune in and make sure to like and subscribe to the UCLA LAFB YouTube Channel! Use promo code UCLALAFB on Sleeper and get 100% match up to $100! https://Sleeper.com/promo/UCLALAFB. Terms and conditions apply. #Sleeper Become an LAFB Lifer and get special perks by joining our Exclusive UCLA Bruins Community: https://www.lafbnetwork.com/plans/join/ Become a YouTube member here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCLALAFB/membership Check out our FREE UCLA Message Board here: https://www.lafbnetwork.com/forums/forum/ucla-bruins/ Listen to our UCLA Football Bruins Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bruin-bible-a-ucla-football-podcast/id1575789951 Check out our UCLA Bruins Merch: https://lafbnetwork.myshopify.com/ Go to www.LAFBNetwork.com for FREE full access to all of our podcasts and join the community! Social Media: @UCLA_LAFB | @LAFBNetwork | @WillLAFBNetwork | @LAFBJamz Tim Skipper is the interim head coach of the UCLA Bruins Football team after taking over for DeShaun Foster. After transferring from Tennessee, QB Nico Iamaleava has rebounded and has the Bruins playing good football! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Chris Wong about how nonprofit leaders can engage and develop employees , despite a lack of resources. Chris Wong is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and co-host of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations—a podcast for people who want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and courage... by leaning into the hard conversations.  With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and healthcare sectors, Chris specializes in helping purpose-driven leaders navigate messy transitions, fix dysfunctional teams, and lead culture change that actually sticks. He's worked as a therapist, built leadership programs from scratch, and coached hundreds of leaders who were brought in to “turn things around” under pressure. Chris lives outside Boston with his wife and two kids, serves on multiple nonprofit boards, and runs Leadership Potential, where he coaches new nonprofit executives to lead through chaos and build high-performing, values-aligned teams. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

Dina Gilio-Whitaker discusses her new book Who Gets to Be Indian? Ethnic Fraud and Other Difficult Conversations about Native American Identity. 

This time of year brings a lot of togetherness… and with it, a lot of unspoken tension. Difficult conversations are the ones you rehearse in your mind or hold back during holiday dinners, worried that saying the wrong thing could create a rift you can't repair. That's why I'm re-releasing this episode on how to have difficult conversations in a way that protects your relationship (and often deepens it) instead of pushing you further apart. We'll talk about why we either avoid hard topics until resentment leaks out, or bring them up in a burst of anger and criticism, and how both patterns wear down trust over time. You'll learn what it actually takes to do this differently: managing emotional flooding, getting honest with yourself before you speak, knowing when a conversation is worth having (and when it's time to set a firm boundary), and shifting the goal from “winning” to mutual understanding so you can stay connected even when you don't agree. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations 06:07 Emotional Intelligence & Self-Regulation 17:49 When to Set Boundaries and Walk Away 21:00 Growth Through Discomfort 27:05 Preparing for Hard Conversations 29:53 Seeing Through Others' Eyes 36:08 Handling Polarized Views 42:09 Reciprocity & Healthy Relationships If this episode brings a specific conversation to mind and your stomach flips a little just thinking about it, I have a resource to support you. My Communication That Connects free training takes you deeper into the skills we cover here - practical do's and don'ts for communication that creates understanding, plus real examples you can use with your partner right away. You'll also receive a full workbook with lessons, activities, and homework to help you get to the root of conflict, calm reactive patterns, and build a more emotionally safe connection.  And if you're at the point where you don't want to keep doing this alone, I'd be honored to support you more directly. At Growing Self, you can tell us what's going on in your life and relationships, and we'll help you connect with the right therapist or coach on my team. It's a simple, private way to say, “Here's what I'm struggling with,” and get matched with someone who can walk through it with you. Start that process here: schedule a consultation. You deserve relationships where you can say the hard things, feel truly heard, and still feel loved at the end of the day.

Rachel Lockett is a sought-after executive coach and former HR leader at Stripe and Pinterest who now works with CEOs, founders, and tech leaders on emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership skills. In this episode, Rachel shares powerful frameworks for coaching reports, having difficult conversations, avoiding burnout, and strengthening co-founder relationships. She also demonstrates these techniques through a live coaching session with me.We discuss:* When to coach and when to just tell people what to do [09:00]* The GROW technique for helping people figure out a solution for themselves [18:37]* Techniques for making difficult conversations less difficult [01:20:28]* Avoiding burnout and designing a more energizing career [41:55]* Building and sustaining a healthy co-founder relationship [01:06:50]* Creating a one-page plan that aligns your entire company [01:31:47]* Practical ways AI is transforming executive coaching and leadership development [01:36:50]* Why you should ask, “Would I enthusiastically rehire this person?” to clarify talent decisions [23:55]Also on Spotify and Apple PodcastsBrought to you by:Stripe—Helping companies of all sizes grow revenueVanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security.Persona—A global leader in digital identity verificationWhere to find Rachel Lockett:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhlockett/• Website: https://www.lockettcoaching.comReferenced:• One-page plan template: https://www.lockettcoaching.com/#resources• Lockett Coaching Leadership Toolkit: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/s74a9cn1ka1ebz6pglypf/Leadership-Toolkit_-Coaching-Rachel-Lockett.pdf?rlkey=yg2m9df2ziwy0fa6p0dt4gcfu&st=dgzvnf76&dl=0• Renew Your Co-Founder Vows—and Other Tactics for Strengthening the Most Important Relationship in Your Startup: https://review.firstround.com/five-practices-to-strengthen-your-co-founder-relationship/• First Round Guide to Co-Founder Check-Ins: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yUosmfMuE-8-sAwPrEPDcGqkJLVLWg5dC2_8lcXm7U4/edit?tab=t.0• Coinbase: https://www.coinbase.com• Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey?: https://hbr.org/1999/11/management-time-whos-got-the-monkey• Chuck Palahniuk's quote from Fight Club: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/1338270-people-don-t-listen-they-just-wait-for-their-turn-to• Patrick Collison on X: https://x.com/patrickc• Stripe: https://stripe.com• Remind: https://www.remind.com• Zach Abrams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyabrams• Brex: https://www.brex.com• Bridge: https://www.bridge.xyz• Superhuman's secret to success: Ignoring most customer feedback, manually onboarding every new user, obsessing over every detail, and positioning around a single attribute: speed | Rahul Vohra (CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/superhumans-secret-to-success-rahul-vohra• Zigging vs. zagging: How HubSpot built a $30B company | Dharmesh Shah (co-founder/CTO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/lessons-from-30-years-of-building• The Enneagram Institute: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com• How to build deeper, more robust relationships | Carole Robin (Stanford GSB professor, “Touchy Feely”): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/build-robust-relationships-carole-robin• How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don't want? | Jerry Colonna (CEO of Reboot, executive coach, former VC): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/jerry-colonna• How Netflix builds a culture of excellence | Elizabeth Stone (CTO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-netflix-builds-a-culture-of-excellence• What Is PeopleFirst?: https://alpineinvestors.com/story/what-is-peoplefirst• How to break out of autopilot and create the life you want | Graham Weaver (Stanford GSB professor, founder of Alpine Investors): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-to-break-out-of-autopilot-graham-weaver• Granola: https://www.granola.ai• KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81498621• Loom: https://www.loom.com• Joseph Campbell's quote: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/21396-if-you-can-see-your-path-laid-out-in-front• Wes Anderson's short films (Roald Dahl) on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/wes-anderson-netflix-short-filmsRecommended books:• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships: https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X• The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success: https://www.amazon.com/15-Commitments-Conscious-Leadership-Sustainable/dp/0990976904• Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life: https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Well-Lived-Joyful/dp/1101875321• Roald Dahl books: https://www.amazon.com/Roald-Dahl-Collection-Books-Box/dp/0241377293Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed.My biggest takeaways from this conversation: To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com

Send us a textIn this episode of At the Bench, Misty Good and David McCulley interview Dr. Bernard Thébaud, a neonatologist and leader in lung and pulmonary vascular developmental biology and regenerative medicine. The conversation explores Dr. Thebaud's journey into research, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of translating research into clinical practice. They discuss the significance of recognizing opportunities, navigating critical feedback, and the promising mechanisms in regenerative medicine that could enhance lung repair in preterm infants. Dr. Thébaud discusses the innovative use of mesenchymal stromal cells in lung therapy for neonatal patients. He shares insights on the unexpected findings from his research, the potential of umbilical cord-derived cells, and the future of neonatal lung regenerative medicine. The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship, resilience in research, and fostering a positive lab environment.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Sponsor Spotlight: digiCOACHSupport for today's episode comes from digiCOACH — the walkthrough and coaching platform designed to simplify data collection, strengthen feedback, and improve instructional clarity. Visit digiCOACH.com, mention Darrin sent you, and ask about special partner pricing.In this solo episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard takes leaders deep into one of the most important—and most avoided—responsibilities of leadership: crucial conversations.Darrin shares a vulnerable story from early in his principalship and unpacks the powerful lesson he learned about how silence, avoidance, and hesitation can erode culture, damage trust, and create uncertainty. From there, he introduces a clear, actionable, eight-step framework rooted in the work of Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler's Crucial Conversations, adapted for leaders in every sector.Listeners will learn how to:Center themselves before delivering hard messagesRemove assumptions and stay grounded in factsCreate psychological safetyDescribe performance gaps clearly and respectfullyInvite honest dialogueCollaboratively build solutionsReinforce alignment through clear commitmentsSustain accountability through effective follow-upDarrin then applies the framework to three real-world leadership scenarios—from education, construction, and healthcare—providing detailed sample dialogue and leadership moves leaders can use immediately.Whether you're leading a school, a team, a department, or an organization, this episode will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and courage to navigate the tough moments that shape culture.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why tough conversations define leadership effectivenessWhat makes a conversation “crucial”The 8-step Crucial Conversations Leadership FrameworkHow to avoid assumptions and approach conversations with purposeHow to balance accountability with empathyHow leaders across industries can apply these steps (with detailed examples)Three Real-World Scenarios Covered:Education — Staff not following safety protocolsConstruction — Crew leader disrespecting team membersHealthcare — Nurse omitting required patient handoff detailsThese examples model exactly what effective leadership conversations sound like.Episode Resources:The AWESOME Leadership Action GuideLeadership keynote information go to https://darrinpeppard.comConnect with Darrin on LinkedIn, Instagram, and social platforms

Whether it's at work, in our relationships, as parents or carers, or in our interaction with our community, life regularly invites us to summon up the courage to have difficult conversations. Today we're chatting about how cultivating an intimacy with our cyclical nature can support us to show up with skillful expression and heart.Our guest today is Sarah Rozenthuler is a world-renowned speaker, chartered psychologist, leadership coach, and the author of many books, including ‘Now We're Talking‘. Sarah first discovered menstrual cycle awareness over two decades ago when she read Alexandra's first book, The Wild Genie about the healing power of menstruation.She shares her journey with irregular menstrual cycles, her experience of running her own business in the world of leadership development as a cyclical being, and how her cycle awareness practice has supported her in some of her recent tough conversations. We explore:How menstrual cycle awareness can help you attune to your inner energetic state, which means you can pick your moment to talk, or stay silent so that conversation flows rather than derails.How the premenstrual phase and menopause helps us to set boundaries effectively in difficult conversations, and the importance of knowing your red lines.Why Sarah feels like she's driving a Ferrari in the premenstrual phase of her cycle, and what this means for her capacity to have big, meaningful conversation. ---Receive our free video training: Love Your Cycle, Discover the Power of Menstrual Cycle Awareness to Revolutionise Your Life - www.redschool.net/love---The Menstruality Podcast is hosted by Red School. We love hearing from you. To contact us, email info@redschool.net---Social media:Red School: @redschool - https://www.instagram.com/red.schoolSophie Jane Hardy: @sophie.jane.hardy - https://www.instagram.com/sophie.jane.hardySarah Rosenthuler: https://sarahrozenthuler.com/

Are you a little worried about holiday conversations with your relatives and family members in this increasingly polarized political climate? You're not alone. Welcome to something new – a live discussion with our guest, Dr. Bill Doherty, co-founder of Braver Angels and a deeply experienced relationship therapist, coaching one of us (Sara) through how to have difficult conversations, not in theory, but with an actual extended family member who has differing political viewpoints from me. Nowadays, politics is personal. So, as much as it's tempting to bury our heads in the sand, these conversations are skills of democratic living - we can't abandon them at a family level and expect our political leaders to do it for us.  You won't want to miss the discomfort, the realizations, the tips and perspectives that can help us ALL have better, more meaningful connections and conversations with the people we love in our lives – even and especially if we don't always agree with them.  What to listen for:  What are the two types of conversation levels, and what you should do when one or both are challenged by something like a provocative question Why it's important to have difficult conversations like these 1-1, versus in a group How we approach these conversations with a "grownup" mindset, despite what we're seeing these days on a more global scale About our guest:   Bill Doherty is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. As a therapist, he focuses on couples on the brink of divorce and on political stress in relationships. He has authored 14 books for professionals and the public. Following the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, he co-founded Braver Angels, a citizen initiative bringing conservatives and liberals together to counteract political polarization and restore the fraying social fabric in American society. Bill is the chief designer of the Braver Angels workshops and has conducted workshops all over the country, including for state legislatures and Members of Congress. Braver Angels now has volunteers working in all 50 states. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family Therapy Academy. Related episodes:  How to have uncomfortable conversations, our primer for holiday seasons How to have compassionate dialogue, with Dr Nancy Dome  

In this episode of Building Better Managers, produced by New Level Work, we dive into one of the most stressful and avoided parts of leadership: the difficult conversation. Whether you're giving tough feedback to a direct report, navigating a peer conflict, or even managing up, these high-stakes dialogs can easily go off the rails. But they don't have to. We break down a practical two-part planning system to help you move from confrontation to collaboration—without losing your cool. You'll learn: ✔️ Why 90% of your success is determined before you say a word ✔️ A 7-step internal audit to manage your emotions and clarify your goals ✔️ How to structure your message using the SBI model (Situation, Behavior, Impact) ✔️ The art of firm, neutral delivery—without judgment or heat ✔️ How to collaborate on real solutions and lock in accountability ✔️ Tips for staying focused when the conversation gets derailed   This isn't just theory—it's a full blueprint for turning high-anxiety moments into high-impact leadership. Learn more For coaching programs, leadership training, or AI-enhanced tools to support your managers, visit newlevelwork.com Like what you hear? Rate and review us at: https://www.newlevelwork.com/review

Have you ever noticed how grief changes the conversations you want to have? Maybe it's with a family member who's disappointed you since your loss. Maybe it's with a friend whose surface-level check-ins no longer feel like enough. Or maybe it's with yourself - about what you really want now that everything has changed. This week, I sit down with my dear friend and coach Sara Fisk to talk about something that affects all of us: difficult conversations. She discovered that for widows, difficult conversations aren't just hard. They're uniquely tender, filled with grief and the desire for authentic connection. Listen in as Sara and I explore how to have a difficult conversation. We talk about what makes conversations feel hard, especially in grief, and Sara shares tangible tools to approach your next difficult conversation with more confidence and compassion. Join my free, 3-day live workshop, Happier Holidays for Widowed Moms, to learn 3 simple ways to make this season easier. It's happening November 18th-20th, 2025, and you can register here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/freeholidayevent/ Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/338 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachkrista/

This special masterclass brings together three of the world's leading voices on communication, psychology, and leadership to explore one of life's most essential skills — how to have difficult conversations. Harvard's Sheila Heen unpacks the power of shifting from blame to contribution and shows how understanding power and intent can transform conflict into collaboration. Psychologist Dr. Lara Pence reveals how internal curiosity and emotional self-awareness shape every negotiation and help us stay grounded when tensions rise. Finally, Kenji Yoshino offers a framework for addressing the most complex identity and justice conversations of our time, teaching us how to cultivate curiosity, disagree respectfully, and apologize authentically. Across these three masterclass episodes, you'll learn how to listen deeply, speak bravely, and lead conversations that heal, connect, and create real change — at work, at home, and in society. Featured episodes Harvard's Sheila Heen Reveals Why We're All Negotiating the Wrong Way - Sheila Heen — Harvard Law School Professor & Co-Author of Difficult Conversations Becoming a Better Negotiator Through Curiosity With Lara Pence, PsyD, MBA-Dr. Lara Pence — Clinical Psychologist & Mindset Consultant for Spartan Race Mastering Conversations: Say the Right Thing with Kenji Yoshino - Kenji Yoshino — NYU Law Professor & Co-Author of Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice

This special masterclass brings together three of the world's leading voices on communication, psychology, and leadership to explore one of life's most essential skills — how to have difficult conversations. Harvard's Sheila Heen unpacks the power of shifting from blame to contribution and shows how understanding power and intent can transform conflict into collaboration. Psychologist Dr. Lara Pence reveals how internal curiosity and emotional self-awareness shape every negotiation and help us stay grounded when tensions rise. Finally, Kenji Yoshino offers a framework for addressing the most complex identity and justice conversations of our time, teaching us how to cultivate curiosity, disagree respectfully, and apologize authentically. Across these three masterclass episodes, you'll learn how to listen deeply, speak bravely, and lead conversations that heal, connect, and create real change — at work, at home, and in society. Featured episodes Harvard's Sheila Heen Reveals Why We're All Negotiating the Wrong Way - Sheila Heen — Harvard Law School Professor & Co-Author of Difficult Conversations Becoming a Better Negotiator Through Curiosity With Lara Pence, PsyD, MBA-Dr. Lara Pence — Clinical Psychologist & Mindset Consultant for Spartan Race Mastering Conversations: Say the Right Thing with Kenji Yoshino - Kenji Yoshino — NYU Law Professor & Co-Author of Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice

In today's episode, we have the pleasure to interview Laurie Maddalena, author of The Elevated Leader: Boost Your Confidence and Transform Your Team by Mastering Coaching, Accountability, and Difficult Conversations.To Learn More about Laurie and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/aB7yJ6rWebsite/Socials: https://www.lauriemaddalena.com/https://www.instagram.com/lauriemaddalena/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriemaddalena/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriemaddalena/Laurie is a keynote speaker, certified executive coach, and leadership development consultant who's on a mission to upgrade workplace cultures and rid the world of bad management practices. She's the founder and CEO of Envision Excellence, a leadership development firm, she's also a member of the National Speakers Association, and a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a designation earned by fewer than 17% of speakers worldwide. Drawing on years as a VP of Organizational Development and HR and more than a decade of coaching leaders, she helps managers move beyond outdated “command and control” tactics to modern, human-centered leadership.In this episode, you'll learn why great individual contributors don't automatically make great leaders—and what to do about it, how to shift from fixing problems to facilitating performance through coaching and curiosity, and the three core actions of elevated leadership: creating clarity, caretaking the culture, and facilitating results. We'll also dig into the six leadership saboteurs, practical feedback frameworks that build self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and how to delegate without “drive-by” dumping.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Laurie Maddalena.0:00 Intro2:02 Becoming indispensable at work5:07 Not everyone is meant to be a leader8:25 Moving from fixing to facilitating performance10:57 Focus on the right role & the “saboteurs”15:30 The more self aware you are, the better leader you become17:57 Specific questions to become more self aware22:02 The “What is working and what isn't?” framework24:50 Putting leadership structures in place26:13 Jack Canfield's principles for life28:32 Creating a better leadership/work culture32:34 How to get started and where to get the book____________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In this episode of The Balancing Act podcast, Andy speaks with Bill Benjamin. Bill is a Partner at the Institute for Health and Human Potential and co-creator of The Last 8% framework.  Bill and Andy talk about the intersection of leadership, emotional intelligence, and high performance. They discuss the importance of addressing difficult conversations, the impact of organizational culture, and the necessity of emotional intelligence in leadership.  Tune into episode 219 to hear Bill's story, his career rocket-booster moment, and his thoughts on challenging conversations and organizational culture. andrewtemte.com

In this episode, I explore the nuance and complexity involved in trying to answer the question: Who should lead the way into difficult conversations?   What about in the face of moral exclusion? What about if the other party denies your humanity? What if you are the victim?   This episode was inspired by a recent LinkedIn post I made on which Brené Brown commented, and the whirwind that followed. You can view the post here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michaeldashford_i-deeply-want-to-ask-bren%C3%A9-brown-one-question-activity-7391892434491846656-99PB

In this episode of The Unfiltered by G'Ade, Dr. Tonia Phanor, a communication expert, discusses the intricacies of having difficult conversations. She defines what makes a conversation difficult, the importance of preparation, and effective communication strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness, empathy, and the value of ongoing dialogue in relationships. Dr. Phanor shares insights on handling resistance and the personal growth that can come from engaging in tough discussions.To connect with Dr. Tonia:https://communicatewithconfidence.net/To communicate with G'Ade:https://linktr.ee/theunfilteredbygade

Ever been in a conversation that went sideways fast?

This sharing explores teachings from the book, Difficult Conversations.  This book examines the ways conversations we care about can so easily get "hijacked," and ways to help us stay grounded in having the conversation we want to have instead.

Send us a textMotherless daughters deal with grief in different ways. Today's episode focuses on a story from one of our blog writers, Dottie Menkhaus, who, at the time, struggled to face reality and deal with her grief. Instead, she tried to ignore it, as so many of us do! This episode focuses on the importance of dealing with our grief and discussing it with others in community.ResourcesPodcast Episode highlights a blog by Dottie Menkhaus: https://www.motherlessdaughtersministry.com/2020/06/28/the-hidden-volcano/What We Offer:                       https://www.motherlessdaughtersministry.com/services/Donate to our ministry:         https://www.motherlessdaughtersministry.com/giving/Get involved in our ministry:       https://www.motherlessdaughtersministry.com/giving/volunteer/ Motherless Daughters Ministry is a 501(c) (3) non-profit that depends on the generous support of donations from listeners like you.  To donate or sign up for our newsletter and more resources, visit our website atwww.motherlessdaughtesministry.com  Support the showThanks for listening! Find our podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart, Pandora, Amazon Music, and Audible. Also, find and follow the Motherless Daughters Ministry on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.

Hard conversation on your calendar? Breathe! You've got a playbook now. In this episode, negotiation expert Kwame Christian shares how to stay calm under pressure, be heard without getting heated, and turn conflict into collaboration. We break down the 3-step Compassionate Curiosity method, the empathy loop that makes people feel understood, and how to find the leverage you're missing. Get ready to learn scripts and mindset shifts you can use at work, at home, and anywhere stakes feel high. In This Episode, You Will Learn The 3-STEP COMPASSIONATE CURIOSITY FRAMEWORK to handle any hard conversation. How to ACKNOWLEDGE & VALIDATE EMOTIONS to lower the emotional temperature. The OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS that build rapport. How to see the OPPORTUNITY overshadowed by the power element. How to SHIFT from EGOCENTRIC to EMPATHETIC PERSUASION so your message lands. The EMPATHY LOOP that makes people feel heard. Resources + Links Listen to Kwame's podcast HERE Learn more about Kwame HERE Grab your copy of Kwame's book How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race HERE Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Kwame on Instagram & LinkedIn

This week on The Big Talk Podcast, I'm deconstructing a powerful interview between Katie Couric and Laverne Cox that demonstrates what it means to be a truly influential voice when addressing difficult topics. This conversation is a masterclass in handling sensitive subjects with grace, authenticity, and purpose.   In this episode, we'll explore: Why having a platform means having a responsibility to address challenging topics, not just easy ones The difference between performative vulnerability and vulnerability in service of something larger How to prepare for and navigate difficult conversations with respect, dignity, and educational intent The reason brave voices matter more than safe voices, and how addressing controversial topics can strengthen rather than hurt your speaking career   More from Tricia  Transform your expertise into a speaking legacy inside The Big Talk Academy Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Hard conversations don't usually blow up because of the issue itself. They blow up because of the moves we make in the moment. You've been there: you bring up money, or intimacy, or family dynamics, and suddenly you're in the middle of a fight you didn't want, wondering how it went sideways so fast. The good news? You don't need more guts or more clever comebacks. You need a better playbook. Today I'll teach you the five moves that keep defensiveness low and collaboration high. You'll learn the exact questions to ask, what to do when your partner shuts down, and how to leave the conversation feeling connected instead of defeated.____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-have-hard-conversations-without-defensiveness Download My Conversation Pocket Guide: https://abbymedcalf.com/convo-guide Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack. You'll get...✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby_________ Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week! https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/

In this solo episode, host Kari Schneider delivers a concise, high-impact playbook for handling the toughest conversations with clarity and confidence. Drawing on years of coaching leaders and high performers, Kari introduces the three advanced filters you must apply before you open your mouth—whether you're confronting a team member, negotiating a boundary, or navigating personal conflict.

EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE WhisperVibe™ OR a FREE Rose toy with any Whisper™ order! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/emilymorse-podcast Join the SmartSX Membership : https://sexwithemily.com/smartsx Access exclusive sex coaching, live expert sessions, community building, and tools to enhance your pleasure and relationships with Dr. Emily Morse. List & Other Sex With Emily Guides: https://sexwithemily.com/guides/ Explore pleasure, deepen connections, and enhance intimacy using these Sex With Emily downloadable guides. SHOP WITH EMILY!: https://bit.ly/3rNSNcZ (free shipping on orders over $99) Want more? Visit the Sex With Emily Website: https://sexwithemily.com/ In this Sex with Emily episode, Dr. Emily tackles why starting intimate conversations early matters more than waiting for the "right time"—and how your sex life begins long before you get to the bedroom. A 51-year-old in Spain has been dating someone gorgeous for six weeks with incredible chemistry but zero penetrative sex—discover why having the "are we ready?" conversation over dinner (not after making out) prevents months of unnecessary confusion. Someone married for years realizes they're bisexual but fears coming out will end everything—learn the gradual approach that starts with general sex conversations, not dropping identity bombshells. A long-term couple has never discussed desires or fantasies despite years together—find out why waiting until there's a problem to talk about sex means you've already waited too long. Timestamps: EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE WhisperVibe™ OR a FREE Rose toy with any Whisper™ order! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/emilymorse-podcast Join the SmartSX Membership : https://sexwithemily.com/smartsx Access exclusive sex coaching, live expert sessions, community building, and tools to enhance your pleasure and relationships with Dr. Emily Morse. List & Other Sex With Emily Guides: https://sexwithemily.com/guides/ Explore pleasure, deepen connections, and enhance intimacy using these Sex With Emily downloadable guides. SHOP WITH EMILY!: https://bit.ly/3rNSNcZ (free shipping on orders over $99) Want more? Visit the Sex With Emily Website: https://sexwithemily.com/ In this Sex with Emily episode, Dr. Emily tackles why starting intimate conversations early matters more than waiting for the "right time"—and how your sex life begins long before you get to the bedroom. A 51-year-old in Spain has been dating someone gorgeous for six weeks with incredible chemistry but zero penetrative sex—discover why having the "are we ready?" conversation over dinner (not after making out) prevents months of unnecessary confusion. Someone married for years realizes they're bisexual but fears coming out will end everything—learn the gradual approach that starts with general sex conversations, not dropping identity bombshells. A long-term couple has never discussed desires or fantasies despite years together—find out why waiting until there's a problem to talk about sex means you've already waited too long. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:17 - When to Have "The Sex Talk" in a New Relationship 3:26 - Building Sexual Anticipation vs. Rushing Into Sex 5:25 - How to Talk About Sex Before You've Had Sex 8:14 - Faking Orgasms: Why It Hurts Both Partners 11:31 - Reader Question: Navigating Painful Sex & Communication 16:42 - Creating Safety When Past Experiences Were Painful 20:38 - The Importance of Lube and Going Slow 24:16 - Reader Question: Coming Out as Bisexual in Marriage 28:36 - Starting Conversations About Desires & Fantasies 30:38 - Living Your Sexual Truth at Any Age 32:24 - Practical Steps for Difficult Conversations

Conflict, stressors, broaching difficult conversations, and learning to say no—these are some of the “spookiest” challenges we've identified and addressed over the years on the Faculty Factory Podcast. Since our 2019 inception, we've explored how to handle these issues with confidence and grace, featuring a series of incredible interview guests. We're excited to share highlights from five of these conversations with four different guests in this week's episode. Since today is October 31st, we're delighted to present this “Best Of” episode of the Faculty Factory Podcast, showcasing some of the  most “spooky” challenges in academic medicine. These may be the things keeping you up at night, but rest assured, they are common and manageable. This “Best of” show includes highlights from the following episodes: Episode 299 – Best Supporting Practices and Strategies for Stressed-Out Learners and Faculty with Jessica Seaman, EdD Episode 79 – Managing Difficult Issues with Charles G. Irvin, Ph.D., DE, ATSF, FERS Episode 75 – How to Handle Conflict with Dave Yousem, MD, MBA Episode 72 – The Art of Navigating a Difficult Conversation with Dave Yousem, MD, MBA Episode 46 – Prioritizing and the Art of Saying No with Jennifer Haythornthwaite, PhD Interested in hearing the full conversations from any of these episodes? Click on the links above to explore each episode in-depth. About Today's Speakers Jessica Seaman, EdD, serves as Assistant Professor of Medical Humanities, Co-Director of the Gold Track Curriculum, and Assistant Dean of Faculty Development at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. Jennifer Haythornthwaite, PhD, has joined the Faculty Factory for memorable episodes over the years with important feedback for our audience when it comes to time management and much more. Dr. Haythornthwaite is a professor in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md Charles G. Irvin, PhD, DE, ATSF, FERS, is a Professor of Medicine, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Vice Chairman for Research Department of Medicine and Director of the Vermont Lung Center at the University of Vermont. He was named Associate Dean for Faculty for the College of Medicine in 2012. Dave Yousem, MD, MBA, is a frequent contributor to the Faculty Factory Podcast. He serves as Associate Dean for Professional Development at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He is also the Vice Chairman of Program Development at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.

In Episode 16 of Negotiate X in Rewind, hosts Aram Donigian and Nolan Martin speak with leadership coach Nicole Posner about mastering difficult conversations in leadership. Nicole breaks down the three leadership archetypes—the People Pleaser, Warrior, and Fresher—and reveals how each affects communication.  She also explains the dangers of untested assumptions and introduces her MAP framework: Manage your mindset, know what to Achieve, and Plan ahead. By preparing intentionally and communicating with empathy, leaders can transform conflict into connection and guide their teams through challenging discussions with confidence and purpose.  

Lisa McInnes-Smith is in the top echelon of corporate speakers, having presented live to more than 2½ million people across 30 countries. This episode we explore: How do we deal with conflict? How do we build trust? How do we get rid of dysfunctional behaviors in a team? How do we build a sense of unity and community when the company works in silos? Here's the link to the video version on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/uRfmpAd8cW8 ⁠ Ask yourselves, "Is it them, or is it how we're feeding them the information? Do they feel like they're not trusted? Are our expectations not clear?" You can say to them, "These are the expectations that we had of you when you came into this position. This is what we're observing. Can you explain to me why you agreed to these behaviors but now are not demonstrating them in this environment?" TALKING POINTS [5:31] You can't trust people you don't know and if you don't know them and know the way they work, the way they think, then you can't work well together. Teaching people how to build trust is an initial thing. [7:05] It's not the person, it's just something they've got into the habit of doing and maybe they need to get out of that habit. [9.30] We all have bad habits, but there's one right now that's driving us crazy and we need to talk about it. [15:42] You can have a third person in the conversation, an observer who doesn't participate. And when we're going to talk about something that's really tough, hen it might be good to have somebody there witnessing it. [18:19] I'm trying to build better people, I'm trying to build better teams and I'm trying to teach leaders how to build those teams by having the conversations that need to be had without people feeling like they're being demeaned or disrespected. [19:00] It's really good to turn up at a meeting where there's a chance of conflict with your notepad and things that you need to say. And when they say, “These are some of my reasons”, then you write them down. Say, “So let me just capture that.” [20:00] What sort of biases should someone self-reflect to check if they're operating under a false bias? [22:44] Finding team players versus kingdom builders. [23:00} Find colleagues who can coach each other. The wisdom we need is usually already in the organization. We just don't know each other well enough to be able to trust each other with our problems.   ABOUT LISA McINNES-SMITH Lisa McInnes-Smith is in the top echelon of corporate speakers, having presented live to more than 2½ million people across 30 countries. The first Australian inducted into the International Speaker Hall of Fame, Lisa is a TEDx Melbourne speaker. Her presentation is called “Winning Words: the phrases that pay”. CONTACT: Website: https://www.lisaspeaks.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaspeaks/ ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY To learn more about training programs in your workplace with Nina Sunday (or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd) in Australia Pacific, visit: https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/signature-programs/ Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings: https://www.ninasunday.com/ Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/ To subscribe to Nina Sunday's personal blog go to https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/ and scroll to bottom of page to register. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Avoiding Difficult Conversations Is Wrecking Your LifeIn this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer explores the psychology behind avoidance and how it impacts our lives. He discusses why our brains are wired to avoid discomfort and the detrimental effects that avoidance has on our relationships, mental health, and personal growth. He provides practical steps for overcoming avoidance, including developing self-awareness, confronting uncomfortable feelings, and learning to sit with discomfort. The episode wraps up with a challenge to listeners to tackle one thing they've been avoiding, emphasizing that real growth comes from facing issues head-on.00:00 Introduction to the Evolved Caveman Podcast00:21 Understanding Avoidance: The Root of the Problem00:58 The Brain's Role in Avoidance03:07 The Consequences of Avoidance04:40 Childhood Scripts and False Control06:32 Steps to Overcome Avoidance08:53 Practical Tips for Facing Discomfort10:27 Conclusion and Weekly ChallengeWanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here's Where To Begin Your Ascent:

***Join us for our 300th Episode Celebration*** On Thursday 27th November, we will be coming together to celebrate reaching this amazing milestone with a Live Podcast Recording & Networking Event.I would love to see you there.  Grab your ticket. There are only 30 seats available. ______In this powerful episode, I am joined by fellow career coach Michelle Schafer, who also specialises in career transition and leadership development. Together, they explore why mastering difficult conversations at work is a critical skill for professional growth and long-term fulfilment.Michelle shares her personal journey from experiencing job loss twice to building a thriving coaching practice — and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations. 

In this episode, I'm breaking down the small language habits that secretly make hard conversations harder. Most of us think we're being clear or kind — but the words we use often fuel defensiveness instead of understanding. I'll show you how to stop using “you” statements that sound like blame, cut out weak disclaimers that undercut your point, and reframe your message so it lands with strength and respect. Thank you to our sponsors: Cozy Earth. Upgrade Your Every Day. Get 40% off at cozyearth.com/jefferson or use code JEFFERSON at check out. Pique. Head to https://PiqueLife.com/jefferson for 20% off. BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/jeffersonfisher for a discount on your first month of therapy. Order my new book, The Next Conversation, or listen to the full audiobook today. Like what you hear? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show!  Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter.  Join My School of Communication Watch my podcast on YouTube  Follow me on Instagram  Follow me on TikTok Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this hands-on workshop episode, psychotherapist Amy Bloom is back with actual scripts and word-for-word examples you can use. Amy reveals why tone matters more than words (it's the music people remember, not just the lyrics), how to fall on your sword to put others at ease, and the critical difference between being clear and being kind but vague. Whether you're an adult child trying to understand your parents' plans or a parent preparing to discuss succession with your kids, Amy walks you through exactly what to say, when to pause, and how to create safety in these high-stakes conversations. This is the practical follow-up to Episode 190—less philosophy, more action. Bring a pen.

Tune in to this episode of the Growth in Dentistry podcast, where host Steve Jensen sits down with Katherine Eitel Belt, founder and CEO of LionSpeak, to discuss managing tough conversations in dental practices. With over 35 years of experience as a keynote speaker and communication coach, Katherine shares her proven framework for having courageous conversations that solve problems while strengthening relationships.Key topics covered in this episode:Why most people avoid difficult conversations and the cost of avoidance in dental practicesThe importance of emotional state and taking ownership before engaging in tough conversationsThe ARCH Framework: A four-step process for having productive, courageous conversationsThe Three-Conversation Leadership TierCulture and Communication: How communication skills directly impact practice culture and employee retention...and so much more!Interested in learning more about Katherine Eitel Belt and her work at LionSpeak? Visit their website: www.lionspeak.net. Download your free ARCH Framework: https://www.lionspeak.net/courageous/. Connect with Katherine: info@lionspeak.net. See a demo of DI and get a $50 gift card: get.dentalintel.net/podcast.

What truly drives fair compensation? Nicole Armstrong, CEO of Ellequate, explores the toughest questions around pay equity, revealing real challenges faced by today's workforce — from the gender pay gap to “occupational segregation.” Get practical tips for tackling difficult compensation conversations, plus actual pay equity ROI success stories and expert HR insight through an audience Q&A. Subscribe to the All Things Work newsletter to get the latest episodes, expert insights, and additional resources delivered straight to your inbox: https://shrm.co/fg444d    ---  Explore SHRM's all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features engaging podcasts, video, articles, and groundbreaking newsletters tailored to meet your unique needs in your organization and career. Learn More: https://shrm.co/coy63r 

Send us a textHaving hard conversations about culture, equity, and identity isn't easy—but it's essential. In this episode of The Cultural Curriculum Chat, I break down a practical, 4-step framework to help you navigate cross-cultural conversations with courage and empathy.

Being nice won't save you — especially in conflict. Too often, we think if we're agreeable enough, people will treat us better or listen more. But that's not how it works. In this episode, I talk about why “nice” people often get steamrolled in difficult conversations, the difference between being nice and being respectful, and how respectful firmness is actually the real power move. Thank you to our sponsors: Cozy Earth. Upgrade Your Every Day. Get 40% off at cozyearth.com/jefferson or use code JEFFERSON at check out. Monarch Money. 50% off your first year at https://monarchmoney.com/jefferson  BetterHelp. Click https://betterhelp.com/jeffersonfisher for a discount on your first month of therapy. Order my new book, The Next Conversation, or listen to the full audiobook today. Like what you hear? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Suggest a topic or ask a question for me to answer on the show!  Want a FREE communication tip each week? Click here to join my newsletter.  Join My School of Communication Watch my podcast on YouTube  Follow me on Instagram  Follow me on TikTok Follow me on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to leading a team, there's no such thing as too much information.Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal, that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says.McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan, and a renowned leadership expert. In his experience building cohesive teams in complex environments, he's discovered that successful teams are built on a “shared consciousness [where] all have a common contextual understanding of what the situation is.” The key to creating that kind of culture, he says, is radical transparency — from leaders and subordinates alike. Whatever your position, “You are responsible for informing other people of things that they need to know,” he says.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McChrystal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build shared consciousness within teams, how to communicate across cultural divides, and how to lead with clarity, context, and character.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:General Stanley McChrystalGeneral McChrystal's Books: On Character / Team of Teams155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You're Talking To  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:03) - Building Shared Consciousness (06:13) - Leading Across Differences (07:53) - Delivering Difficult News (10:18) - Communicating in a Virtual World (16:17) - Character as an Iterative Practice (18:27) - The Final Three Questions (23:23) - Conclusion  ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.       

Today, I'm joined by Kayvon Kay, founder of The Sales Connection which scales and manages premier sales teams for online businesses. Over the past five years, his organization has delivered over $375 million in outcomes, booked 200,000+ sales calls, and trained more than 10,000 sales reps. What's perhaps most striking is that Kayvon's journey began with being “written off” in school due to learning disabilities—yet today he helps others master communication and influence in high-stakes environments.In this episode, we dig into what true communication really means. Kayvon shares how listening, presence, emotional alignment, and even pausing can shift how people hear you. He also reveals why how you make people feel is just as important as what you say, and how internal work becomes the foundation for external impact.Get ready for practical, mindset-shifting insights you can use right away. Let's dive in.Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Kayvon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayvonkay/► Learn more about Kayvon: https://www.kayvon.com/► Subscribe to Communicast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https://www.communispond.com

In this powerful and practical episode, Scott sits down with Kristy Mandour—nationally recognized communication coach, emotional intelligence expert, and host of the Sow to Speak podcast—to unpack the conversations that most leaders avoid… and why that's a problem. If you've ever hesitated to speak up, avoided holding someone accountable, or struggled to navigate tough conversations at work or at home, this one is for you.Kristy shares the science and strategy behind her “Lead Out Loud” method and “C.A.R.E.” framework, which empowers leaders to communicate with clarity, curiosity, and compassion—without burning out or bottling things up. This conversation will challenge how you think about accountability, reframe the stories you tell yourself, and help you lead with integrity, confidence, and connection.What you'll learn:• Why avoiding hard conversations is often a sign that you care—and why that's not enough• How to turn “accountability” into a form of support instead of punishment• The C.A.R.E. framework and how it helps you prep, regulate, and lead powerfully• Tips to shift from fear-based micromanaging to values-driven leadership• How these same communication tools apply to parenting, marriage, and life outside the office---Episode Markers:(0:00) - Meet Kristy Mandour(1:25) - The Origins of "Lead Out Loud"(3:35) - Having Meaningful Conversations with Your Team(6:05) - Micromanaging vs. Managing with Curiosity and Care(7:00) - Accountability & Difficult Conversations(11:30) - Being Curious(13:00) - To Be Unclear is Unkind(14:45) - Preparation as a Leader(17:45) - Significance of Setting & Intentions(23:20) - Communicating Positivity(24:50) - Regulating with Movement(26:35) - The Connection Between Leadership and Parenting(28:20) - Immediate Action Steps(30:00) - C.A.R.E. Framework Example(38:00) - Same Side Visualization Technique(39:00) - Sow to Speak - Connect with Kristy---Kristy Mandour's Links:IG - https://www.instagram.com/kristymandourLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-mandourWebsite - https://sowtospeak.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/pensink57---Scott Grates' Links:Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.comReferrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.comScott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.comLove Living Local  - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgratesTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

Avoiding hard conversations doesn't make them go away. It builds resentment, distance, and unresolved tension. In this episode, Jayson unpacks why avoiding conflict costs more than it saves, how to approach difficult conversations with honesty and care, and why vulnerability is the key to repair.Timestamps:1:00 - The cost of not having difficult conversations7:00 - How to have hard difficult conversations10:50 - Leading with vulnerability13:00 - Learning to repair after difficult conversationsLinks:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Relationship School⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jayson on social media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠

Check out Marek Health at https://marekhealth.com/syatt and get 10% OFF your first order using code: SYATTIn this episode of The Jordan Syatt Podcast, I shoot the breeze and answer questions from listeners with my podcast producer, Tony, and we discuss:- How to transfer from fat loss to maintenance- The truth about late night eating- How to apologize to your spouse- Superfoods for health- Do you need to eat specific health foods every day- Egg white protein powders- Sleep supplements- Tracking calories but still not eating in a deficit- Calorie cycling- Talking politics with family or on social media- Cutting weight for high school wrestling- And more...Looking for a reputable science-based source of supplements that don't hide behind "proprietary blends"?  Check out Legion Athletics (20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WITH CODE "SYATT"):  https://legionathletics.com/products/supplements/ Do you have any questions you want us to discuss on the podcast? Give Tony a follow and shoot him a DM on Instagram - @tone_reverie - https://www.instagram.com/tone_reverie/ I hope you enjoy this episode and, if you do, please leave a review on iTunes (huge thank you to everyone who has written one so far).Finally, if you've been thinking about joining The Inner Circle but haven't yet... we have hundreds of home and bodyweight workouts for you and you can get them all: https://www.sfinnercircle.com/

You and your team deserve a positive, rewarding work environment. A key piece of that is to optimize the people you currently have. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Alan Twigg, president of Bent Ericksen & Associates, to share how to address underperformance, ways to fix it, and what to do when nothing seems to work. To learn how to navigate these difficult conversations, listen to Episode 947 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Alan:Give Alan a call: (800) 679-2760Send Alan an email: alan@bentericksen.com Join Bent Ericksen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BentEricksenAssociatesLearn more about Bent Ericksen: https://bentericksen.comTry Bent Ericksen's HR Director package: https://bentericksen.com/product/hr-directorLearn more on Bent Ericksen's Resource Library: https://bentericksen.com/resource-libraryMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT's BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT's BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT's To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 947: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Learn the five steps of the productive feedback model.Outline your expectations and your reason for the conversation.Give a warning of potential consequences if their behaviors don't change.Invite employees to submit comments. It's a way to document conversations.Set boundaries around communication so that conversations don't get derailed.Consider having a witness signature when employees are not being cooperative.If you see something, say something. Don't let underperformance go on for years.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:18 Why this is an important topic.3:07...

In this solo episode of the Drop-in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello shares personal updates and dives deep into the art of navigating challenging conversations with confidence. Deb introduces a practical framework for handling difficult discussions, explores why these conversations are often so tough, and emphasizes the importance of language and empathy. Through relatable stories from both family and business, Deb equips listeners with actionable strategies to improve their communication and leadership skills. Episode Highlights The Framework for Challenging Conversations [10:39]Deb outlines a step-by-step framework for approaching difficult conversations, focusing on establishing common ground, identifying gaps, and taking mutual action. Why Challenging Conversations Are Difficult [7:30]An exploration of the emotional and systemic reasons that make tough conversations so challenging, and why most organizations don’t teach these essential skills. The Power of Language in Difficult Conversations [13:27]Deb discusses the importance of word choice, empathy, and respect in maintaining relationships and moving through workplace challenges. Personal Connection and Icebreaker [2:00]Deb opens the episode with personal stories and updates, setting a relatable and engaging tone for the discussion. For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when someone you care about has a major blind spot that's self-destructive or hurtful to you and others? In the second half of this series, the team makes it practical as John asks Stasi, Allen, and Stacey how they'd react to several "what if" scenarios. Their responses may surprise you. Hard conversations aren't easy, but they also aren't to be feared—once you ask God if and when to engage, what to say, and how to say it.Show Notes: You can sign up for Wild at Heart's Friday video emails at https://wildatheart.org/media/johns-weekly-video-update/. The verse John references is John 12:49 (NLT): "I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it."_______________________________________________There is more.Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at Questions@WildatHeart.orgSupport the mission or find more on our website: WildAtHeart.org  or on our app.Apple: Wild At Heart AppAndroid: Wild At Heart AppWatch on YouTubeThe stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available here.More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android.Apple: One Minute Pause AppAndroid: One Minute Pause App

What does mature love look like when it comes to having hard conversation? We can't just say what we see. Nor can we ignore someone's blind spot (or our own) indefinitely. John, Stasi, Allen, and Stacey share how they tend to handle difficult conversations on a spectrum of avoidance to delay to immediate confrontation. Loving well in these situations isn't simple or easy...but it is possible.Show Note: Sign up for Wild at Heart's Friday video emails at https://wildatheart.org/media/johns-weekly-video-update/_______________________________________________There is more.Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at Questions@WildatHeart.orgSupport the mission or find more on our website: WildAtHeart.org  or on our app.Apple: Wild At Heart AppAndroid: Wild At Heart AppWatch on YouTubeThe stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available here.More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android.Apple: One Minute Pause AppAndroid: One Minute Pause App__________________________________

Ladies, caring for our parents as they get older comes with plenty of surprises. We'll talk about what getting older really means especially when you realize your own joints have RSVP'd to the party too.CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro & Backyard Nature Project Success04:34 Palm Springs Work Trip & Estrogen Mishap09:40 The Sandwich Generation Introduction18:15 Jen's Father-in-Law's Health21:30 Parent Communication Challenges28:17 The Heart Monitor Incident34:17 Difficult Conversations & Planning37:00 Modern Senior Living Options39:27 Mom Box: Awkward Family PhotoMORE PODCAST EPISODES: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTGuNbPgq2EartAwwgs_H-LVho3FvWnXpJUST LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: https://link.chtbl.com/imomsohardSEE US ON TOUR: (FALL DATES COMING SOON)https://www.imomsohard.com/WATCH OUR AMAZON PRIME SPECIAL: https://www.amazon.com/IMomSoHard-Live/dp/B07VBJ34DTIf you are interested in advertising on this podcast email ussales@acast.comTo request #IMOMSOHARD to be on your Podcast, Radio Show, or TV Show, reach out to talent@pionairepodcasting.comFOLLOW US: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imomsohardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imomsohard/Twitter: https://twitter.com/imomsohardGet our sponsor DISCOUNT CODES here!https://linktr.ee/imshpodcastABOUT US Female comedy duo Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley have been performing, teaching, and writing comedy internationally for a combined 40+ years. They have been moms for one quarter of that time and it shows. How do they cope? They laugh about all of the craziness that comes with being a mom and they want you to laugh about it too! From snot to stretchmarks to sleepless nights, Kristin and Jen know firsthand that parenting is a hard job and they invite you to join them in taking it all a little less seriously (even if for a few short minutes a day). After all, Jen currently has four days of dry shampoo in her hair and Kristin's keys are still in her front door. They try, they fail, they support each other, and they mom as hard as they can.Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Views expressed on this podcast solely reflect those of the host and do not reflect the views of Pionaire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.