The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations (Chris Wong & Lucie Tesarova)

Do you love having difficult conversations?

Chances are not so much!? Maybe you even hate having them?

We get it! We didn't love them either! But we decided to get better at them, and now we help our clients gain more ease, clarity and confidence in their own difficult conversations. We believe in growth, and our mission is to help you improve your relationships, communication skills, and, ultimately, your results. Tune in to "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations" and transform your interactions for the better.

When we communicate better, we live better.

Let's get started! :)

Chris & Lucie

How to handle stressful conversations with family during the holidays?

In this special holiday episode, we delve into the art of navigating challenging conversations at the Thanksgiving table. Through roleplaying scenarios, we explore both the ineffective and more effective ways to handle difficult family discussions.

Key Takeaways:

Roleplaying the Ineffective Way: We simulate tense family dialogues, highlighting common pitfalls such as interrupting, dismissive attitudes, and confrontational behavior. (Topic: gun ownership)

Recognizing Communication Breakdowns: Understanding how ineffective communication can escalate tension and hinder meaningful dialogue, impacting relationships.

Roleplaying the More Effective Way: We demonstrate strategies for effective communication – active listening, empathy, and respectful responses – fostering understanding and connection.

Tips for Productive Conversations: Practical guidance on initiating discussions, setting boundaries, and redirecting topics to maintain a positive atmosphere.

The 'Why' Behind Effective Dialogue: Briefly touching the psychological and emotional impact of respectful communication on family dynamics and relationships.

Conclusion:

By dissecting these roleplaying scenarios, we provide actionable insights into transforming challenging conversations over the holidays into opportunities for connection, understanding, and growth.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

#Thanksgiving #Holidays #difficultpeople #DifficultConversations #gunownership 

Why do Lucie and Chris care about difficult conversations so much?

In this episode, Lucie and Chris each share about why they care about this topic and what it’s meant for them to become more comfortable with difficult conversations. 

Listeners will hear how Chris’ immigrant and refugee parents had a “ignore at all costs” approach to difficult conversations and how he was forced to adapt and become comfortable with hard conversations.

Lucie shares her own immigration story and how her culture’s blunt approach to conversations and own experiences meant that she had to learn how to inject empathy into her difficult conversations.

What is YOUR story or challenge with difficult conversations? Let us know! We would love to hear from you. 

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

Why are difficult conversations so difficult?

In this episode, Chris walks through just what exactly makes difficult conversations so difficult.  Because knowing what makes them difficult can help us put in the right strategies to make them less stressful.  In this episode, Chris walks through:

1. How the fight/flight/freeze response affects the conversations
2. Why caring about both the relationship and outcome makes a difference.
3. How emotions are hard for most people
4. The importance of feeling prepared

As well as some quick tips around each of these.  

Do these resonate with you?  Is there something else that makes difficult conversations hard for you?

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

Show Notes: How (not) to give constructive feedback. 

Are you struggling with giving negative feedback to your team members? Join us for this roleplay episode, and take it as an opportunity to review or learn some tips to make giving constructive feedback better for everyone involved. In the bonus resource to this episode, you will find a summary of key takeaways and a few other coaching prompts to help you prepare for your future constructive feedback sessions. 

In today's roleplay scenario, Lucie, the employee, is confronted by Chris, her manager, about consistent issues with late paperwork submissions and inaccuracies. You will get to experience two versions: one shows how constructive feedback is done in an ineffective way, and the second shows how to do it a bit better. 

We debrief after each version and share with you key takeaways and action steps that you can implement in your future conversations. 

Download a bonus resource here. 

 Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

Episode Overview:

Have you ever found yourself avoiding tough conversations, whether at work or in personal relationships? Do you want to know how cultural and familial backgrounds shape the way we handle conflicts? How can that play out in your life and what it takes to transform from a conflict-avoider to a confident communicator in difficult situations?

 Join us for another episode of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations, this time listen to a conversation between Chris Wong and our special guest, Tiffany Teng to learn answers to these questions and. more! 

Tiffany Teng, is a FinTech executive with a rich background that intersects personal growth, cultural influences, and professional development. Listen as Tiffany shares her insightful journey from navigating familial and cultural communication barriers to mastering the art of difficult conversations.

Key Highlights:

1. Tiffany's Roots and Career Evolution:

   • Background as a child of Asian immigrants and growing up in an Asian church alongside Chris.
   • The transition from studying neuroscience and psychology at Stanford to a business career focusing on consumer decision-making.

2. Overcoming Cultural Communication Barriers:

   • Discussing the challenges faced due to her family and cultural background in handling difficult conversations.
   • The impact of suppressed emotions and conflict avoidance in her personal and professional life.

3. Professional Challenges and Growth:

   • Tiffany's early career experiences, including co-founding a startup and managing workplace conflicts.
   • The journey of acquiring conflict mediation certification and leadership training for effective conversation and feedback.

4. Personal Development Through Therapy:

   • A decade of therapy aiding in personal growth and changing communication styles.
   • Shift from a fixed to a growth mindset and its significance in personal relationships and professional interactions.

5. Strategies for Difficult Conversations:

   • Emphasis on using "I" statements instead of "you" statements to avoid defensiveness.
   • The role of meditation and mindfulness in managing stress and emotions during conflicts.
   • Adapting communication styles in different cultural contexts, including family and workplace.

6. Sensitive Topics and Family Dynamics:

   • Insights into handling conversations about race, politics, and racial justice.
   • Tiffany's experiences with changing family communication patterns post-therapy.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of understanding and adapting to cultural and familial influences in communication.
• The transformation from conflict avoidance to effective conflict resolution.
• The role of self-awareness, therapy, and continuous learning in mastering difficult conversations.

Up Next:

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll dive into "How to Respond to Angry Behaviors in Hard Conversations."

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/
Connect with Tiffany Teng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyjaneteng 

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

In this week’s podcast, Chris answers the age-old question:

“How do I deal with a person that gets defensive or gets emotional or angry?”

The good news – there are simple, proven techniques that can help in the moment.

Even better news?

There are two things you can do to prepare so that you can minimize the intensity of that behavior. In this short strategy episode, Chris goes over:

- How to start the conversation off well to minimize the intensity of defensive behaviors or emotional outbursts

- How summaries, when used correctly, can guide the conversation in a specific direction

- How to reframe your mindset around the fear of getting a reflection or summary wrong

What other strategies do you have in hard conversations? Join us back next week when we role-play how to navigate a conversation between departments.

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/
Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

Show Notes for the Podcast Episode:

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to collaborate on a project with someone outside your department or team? 

It can be either a mutually enjoyable experience or one that you tell your coworkers about with anger and frustration in your voice. 

Join us today for a roleplay podcast episode, where we demonstrate two versions of cross-department collaboration and debrief after each with key lessons on what makes these conversations challenging and what you can change to make conversations and collaborations more productive and successful. 

Introduction:

• The episode begins with a realistic roleplay of a challenging conversation between two colleagues, Chris and Lucie, addressing workload issues, deadlines, and team dynamics in a high-pressure environment.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Initial Confrontation:

   • Lucie approaches Chris with an urgent request for a slide deck, bio, and pictures for an upcoming recruitment fair, highlighting the importance of meeting tight deadlines.
   • Chris expresses his overwhelming workload and inability to meet the immediate request, leading to a tense exchange.

2. Stress Factors and Organizational Changes:

   • Discussion of additional stress factors, such as company reorganization and covering for absent colleagues.
   • The conversation sheds light on the impact of organizational changes on individual workloads and team dynamics.

3. Communication Breakdowns and Pressure:

   • Analysis of how both parties communicated under pressure, including instances of talking over each other and competing over who was more overwhelmed.

4. Lack of Empathy and Understanding:

   • Insight into how the lack of empathy and understanding can escalate workplace tensions.
   • The conversation pivots to finding a resolution and exploring how each could have approached the situation differently.

5. Alternative Approaches and Solutions:

   • A second roleplay shows a more empathetic and collaborative approach to the situation.
   • Exploration of alternative solutions, including delegating tasks, repurposing existing materials, and adjusting project quality expectations.

6. Importance of Active Listening and Collaboration:

   • Emphasis on the significance of active listening, acknowledging each other's challenges, and working collaboratively towards a solution.
   • Discussion on how a change in approach can lead to more productive outcomes and preserve professional relationships.

7. Long-term Impact on Team Dynamics:

   • Examination of how such interactions can affect long-term team dynamics, trust, and collaboration.
   • Strategies for maintaining a positive and supportive work environment amidst challenges.

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

How to use your story to empower others

In this week’s podcast episode, we interview a very dear friend, Heidi Lee. Chris has been friends with her for many years, and Heidi has worked for years in the Boston area as a treatment case manager, harm reduction specialist, and peer support specialist with vulnerable and underserved populations. 

Her motivation? 

She also experienced really difficult situations throughout her life and has learned to use her own experiences with the mental health care system in Massachusetts to help others who also struggle.

It’s not easy to be vulnerable in sharing your own story, let alone sharing the areas you struggled with and the loss you’ve experienced.  But today, she shares: 

-        Her own history of abuse and recovery from mental illness

-        How to find purpose and make meaning

-        How to find power in your own story and use it to have an impact in the world

We’re very grateful for Heidi and her courage to share her story and we look forward to continue seeing her have an incredible impact in the world.

You can follow Heidi at:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-hyunjin-lee-25566919/

Instagram - @heidi.hj.lee1231

Email Heidi at heidi.hj.lee@gmail.com   If you're interested in learning more about the NAAPIEN that Heidi mentions, it's now named "National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association," and you can learn more at their website here: https://www.naapimha.org/ 

Are questions really that important?    

Yes!    

In fact, asking good questions may be the single best tool you have to get unstuck in hard conversations.  But good, powerful questions are easier said than done. 

In this week's episode, Chris walks through:  

• The benefits of asking good questions
• The ingredients of what makes a question powerful
• Why closed-ended questions may actually be good to use sometimes
• Why you shouldn't ask too many questions and what to do instead.  

In the episode, Chris also mentions a book "Questions are the Answer".  You can find that book on Amazon here   Next week, we role-play how to approach someone who has crossed an emotional boundary; see you next week!  

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

Podcast Summary:

In this rolepay episode of our podcast, we delve into the delicate matter of emotional boundaries and trust within personal and professional relationships. We roleplayed a situation in which Chris shared with a third party something that Lucie shared with him in confidence. Lucie found out about it. Tune in to find out how she addressed it with Chris. 

The first scenario we roleplayed leads to increased conflict and the potential end of a friendship, and another paves the way for understanding, healing, and possibly mending the damaged relationship.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Impact of Breached Trust: Sharing something in confidence only to have it disclosed can lead to feelings of exposure, hurt, and betrayal, highlighting the importance of respecting emotional boundaries.

2. Navigating the Aftermath: The episode emphasizes the significance of addressing breaches of trust thoughtfully, showing how different approaches can lead to vastly different outcomes.

3. Constructive Communication: Through the roleplay, listeners learn valuable strategies for constructive communication, including the importance of calmness, clarity, and empathy in repairing relationships.

4. Setting and Reaffirming Boundaries: The discussion sheds light on the critical role of setting clear emotional boundaries and the steps one can take to reaffirm or redefine these boundaries after they've been crossed.

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/

Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

In this week's episode, we interview Mikel Wisler, an award-winning filmmaker and author.  He is a big fan of science fiction and helping others find meaning through stories (in all forms).  In this episode, we talk about:

- The vulnerability that comes with putting yourself out there and how to handle feedback/criticism

- How leaders can take their storytelling to the next level to motivate and inspire

- the importance of stories in our lives

And if you listen to the whole thing, you may even hear which actor Chris would want to portray him in a biopic of his life.

Connect with Mikel here:

Website: www.mikelwisler.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelwisler/

Instagram: @mikelwisler

Follow us on social media:

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/
Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

Sign up for updates and weekly communication tips here: www.tinyurl.com/leadershippotential

This episode features Steven Farber discussing with Lucie Tesarova the critical role of communication in solving workplace issues and improving personal relationships.

Tune in to learn: 

- how empathy & understanding of the other can help in having better personal and professional conversations

- how introverts and extroverts may communicate differently and what kind of challenges that can create in our conversations 

- why self-acceptance is important for our personal growth, including learning to communicate better

- how video games can be similar to our life stories, and what we can learn from them

And more! 

Connect with Steven Farber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenfarber/

Connect with Chris Wong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc/
Connect with Lucie Tesarova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova/

When is it time to call it quits?

A question we’ve been getting more and more recently is “when is it time to call it quits”?  

And it’s a fair question, because drawing the line in hard conversations is more than just ending emotional outbursts.  It means setting healthy boundaries, recognizing when the conflict is no longer productive, or at worst, noticing when it’s becoming more disrespectful and potentially causing harm.

In today’s episode, Chris walks through two major points:

1. Signs it’s times to end the conversation
2. How to end the conversation well

Typically, if you notice any of these, it means it’s time to end the conversation:

- Personal attacks or disrespect
- Emotionally becoming overwhelmed
- Violation of your core values
- The conversation is going in circles
- Concerns about your emotional or physical safety
- Potentially crossing legal/ethical boundaries

Chris also talks through HOW to end the conversation, including:

- Being clear and direct
- Taking a break
- Seeking a neutral mediator
- Setting ground rules and referring back to them

Have you had to end a hard conversation?  What’s been your strategy of choice? Continue the conversation on our socials or share this episode with your thoughts.

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

PS – did you know we have an upcoming webinar on how to prepare for hard conversations?  Come and leave with practical tools and strategies so you can feel confident about your upcoming difficult conversation.  Save your spot here - https://www.mindfittery.com/difficult-conv-webinar

Summary: 

Have you ever had that frustrating experience of working with a boss who keeps criticizing you and micromanaging you? Or, maybe you are a team leader who works with team members that you don’t trust that they can get the job done right, and your 1:1s are not going anywhere, as the team members don’t seem to take any responsibility and the same issues continue to happen? 

Whether you’re a team leader, a team member, or anyone who’s ever found themselves thinking, ‘There has to be a better way to handle this,’ this episode is for you. 

In this episode, we dive into a tense workplace scenario between a micromanaging and critical team lead, Lucie, and Chris, a team member who made a mistake. Both of them are experiencing frustration and miscommunication around job expectations and performance, specifically focusing on a recurring issue with the unfortunate "line number 13."

Through the roleplays and debriefing after, we explore themes of trust, micromanagement, and effective communication strategies in resolving workplace conflicts. The episode concludes with practical steps both parties can take to improve their working relationship and overall team dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

1. The importance of pausing and reflecting in heated conversations
2. Strategies for acknowledging and addressing micromanagement
3. The role of trust and validation in workplace communication
4. Practical steps for conflict resolution and improving team dynamics

Next steps: 

• Subscribe to our podcast for more insightful episodes on effective communication.
• Share your thoughts or your own experiences with difficult conversations on our social media platforms.
• Check out Chris's course on Difficult conversations! https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/ 

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

PS – did you know we have an upcoming webinar on how to prepare for hard conversations?  Come and leave with practical tools and strategies so you can feel confident about your upcoming difficult conversation.  Save your spot here - https://www.mindfittery.com/difficult-conv-webinar

There is no shortage of seminars, books, and trainings out there that focus on active listening skills.  But even if you get good at them, what are you even listening for? 

In this episode, Chris walks through just exactly WHAT you should be listening for in hard conversations.  Because, at the end of the day, good listening skills really focus on bringing what's unsaid to the surface. This includes:  

• underlying emotions
• the other person's worldview/point of view
• their values
• their interests/motivations
• opportunities to strengthen the relationship  

Listen in to figure out how to take your listening skills to the next level.  

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Communication is really hard; good dialogue is even harder. 

The essence of good communication and good dialog is being able to say what you want to say and create an environment where the other person is also willing and open to share.

In this episode, Chris walks through common things we all say that actually get in the way of good conversations.

Take a listen and let us know - do you do or say any of these?

 Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova delve into the complexities of navigating emotionally charged discussions within family dynamics. Using a role-playing strategy, they explore the difficult conversation about suggesting assisted living to an elderly parent. This episode touches on cultural sensitivities, shows the importance of empathy and validation, and explores strategies for maintaining connection while addressing challenging topics.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural backgrounds is crucial in conversations about elderly care. For instance, in many Asian and European cultures, the idea of assisted living is less common, and family care is preferred.
2. Approach with Empathy: Demonstrating empathy and concern, rather than dictating solutions, can lead to a more productive dialogue. It's about creating a space where the elderly family member feels heard and valued.
3. Strategic Listening: Active and strategic listening plays a significant role in understanding the concerns and fears of the elderly. Asking thoughtful questions and really listening to the answers can uncover underlying issues and lead to mutually acceptable solutions.
4. Maintaining Connection: Keeping the dialogue open and ongoing is essential. Acknowledging that there may not be an immediate solution but being willing to continue the conversation can strengthen familial bonds.

Optional Reflection Prompts:

1. Reflect on your own experiences: Have you had a similar conversation with a family member about aging or assisted living? What strategies worked for you, and what would you do differently?
2. Consider the role of culture: How does your cultural background influence your views on elderly care and family dynamics? Share your thoughts and how they might differ from or align with the discussion in this episode.

Thoughts? Questions? Let us know! We would love to hear from you, your feedback matters to us. 

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Everyone’s leadership journey is different, but have you ever: 

-        Been told you were not a good leader

-        Set out to prove them wrong

-        Realize they were right all along?

That’s Jack Skeels story - he joined us today to talk about his own leadership journey, including one of the hardest parts of being a leader: 

Getting feedback we don’t agree with

 In fact, that was the inspiration behind the book he researched and wrote: Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations

Listen to hear his journey and pick up a copy of the book here!

Jack is a two-time Inc. 500 award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, and former management sciences researcher at the think-tank RAND Corporation. A noted author, expert, and speaker, he has been published and featured over 35 times, including Ad Age, Entrepreneur.com, Business Horizons, Wall Street Journal, Training, and many other publications.

 You can follow him here:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/
• https://jackskeels.medium.com
• https://business.facebook.com/AgencyAgile/
• https://twitter.com/AgencyAgile

Thoughts? Questions? Let us know! We would love to hear from you, your feedback matters to us. 

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Ever found yourself in a sticky situation with your boss or a colleague where you just couldn't express your needs effectively? 🤔 Tune into our latest episode of "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations," where we explore practical strategies for managing up and steering tough discussions toward productive outcomes. Don't miss these invaluable insights! 🎧 #Leadership #Communication #Podcast

 Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Dynamics: The episode explores the dynamics between a high-performing employee and a busy manager, highlighting the importance of clear communication.
2. Strategies for Effective Communication: Listeners learn how to manage up by using strategies that include preparation, clarity in conversation, and setting realistic expectations.
3. Role Play Insights: Through role-play, the hosts demonstrate both ineffective and effective ways to navigate difficult conversations, providing listeners with practical examples.
4. Emotional Intelligence: The importance of tone, empathy, and understanding in communication is discussed, emphasizing how these factors can defuse potential conflict.
5. Actionable Tips: The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners on how to apply these techniques in real-life scenarios to foster better understanding and cooperation.

Optional Reflection Prompts for You:

1. Reflect on Past Conversations: Think about a recent difficult conversation at work. What would you change about your approach if you could do it over?
2. Empathy Exercise: Consider a time when your boss or a colleague seemed dismissive. How could understanding their perspective better have changed the outcome?
3. Future Strategies: What are some specific strategies you can adopt from this podcast to improve your next challenging workplace conversation?

Questions? Comments? What did we do well? Where should we get better? Suggestions for our next roleplays? 

Let us know! :)

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

What does it mean to grow up in different cultural settings?

How do you find your own voice and find the confidence to be yourself?

In this episode, Chris interviews Andrea Horton-Meriçli, Founder of Diversifuse DEI Consulting Services, about her experiences growing up mixed-race in Texas and how, as a first-generation college student, she found confidence in her history and talents to succeed in college and professionally.

Andrea also shares about her journey to overcoming imposter syndrome.

Learn more about Andrea here:

My journey is deeply rooted in my intersectionality as a mixed-race Latina, the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, a military brat, an individual from a low-income background, and the partner of an immigrant. With a career spanning over two decades in the nonprofit sector, I amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in various domains, including K-12 education, adult education, the medical field, career services, workforce development, project management, working with immigrants and refugees, and diversity initiatives. My journey was shaped by the challenges of growing up in a low-income, bi-racial household while navigating the complexities of being a military brat, moving frequently, and adapting to new environments. Growing up, I was passionate about technology and innovation, so I started university by majoring in electrical engineering. As a minority woman in a male-dominated industry, I often felt like I didn't belong. As a first-generation working college student, I didn’t know where to go for help and support. Despite my talents and ambitions, self-doubt crept in, holding me back from fully embracing my potential...and I ended up changing universities and majors. However, deep down, I knew there was more to my story than fear and insecurity. Despite facing systemic barriers and stereotypes, my resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for having my voice and others like mine be heard, propelled me forward. Driven by my lived experiences and a desire to create positive change, I founded Diversifuse, a platform dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion with a niche for advocating for immigrants and language learners in organizations. Through Diversifuse, I am on a mission to dismantle systemic inequalities, empower underrepresented individuals, and cultivate a culture of belonging and equity in the community at large. My intersectional identity and unique perspective serve as a driving force for change, inspiring others to embrace their own stories, challenge societal norms, and create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Connect with Andrea here:

Email: andrea@diversifuse.com

Website: https://diversifuse.com/

LinkedIn Personal Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreahortonmericli/

LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diversifuse/

Facebook (Diversifuse): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551500632190

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversifuse/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3JWfkOJ2OwudZsQ8iSyc5A Get Diversifused Podcast on ouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Diversifuse/podcasts Get Diversifused Podcast on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrea79366

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Questions? Comments? What did we do well? Where should we get better? Suggestions for our next roleplays? 

Let us know! :)

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Even more things NOT to say in hard conversations

In this strategy episode, Chris walks through 12 instinctual communication habits that almost all of us use without realizing it.

And most of the time, it’s not a big deal – but in difficult conversations, it can really make a HUGE difference. Hint – some of them will surprise you:

1. Ordering
2. Warning
3. Moralizing
4. Advising
5. Using Logic
6. Criticizing
7. Praising
8. Labeling
9. Analyzing
10. Reassuring
11. Questioning
12. Avoiding

 Any on that list seems like it shouldn’t get in the way of communication? 

Take a listen to today’s episode and hear why and how they actually get in the way of creating dialogue in high-stress conversations.

Want to stay in the loop?  Did you know there’s a weekly newsletter that also shares specific strategies to walk through specific hard conversations?

Get your copy here

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Questions? Comments? What did we do well? Where should we get better? Suggestions for our next roleplays? 

Let us know! :)

Connect with us here:

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Episode Overview: In this role-play episode, Lucie and Chris delve into a common workplace challenge: managing delegation effectively, especially when team members resist added responsibilities.

They simulate a scenario where Lucie, the manager, tries to delegate tasks left by a departed colleague to Chris, who is hesitant to take on more work. Through their discussion, they explore different strategies for approaching such situations, emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork.

Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy is Crucial: Lucie's initial approach lacks empathy and understanding, leading to resistance from Chris. The conversation highlights the importance of managers showing empathy and validating team members' feelings and concerns.
2. Clear Communication: Effective delegation involves clear and open communication, where expectations are set realistically and discussions about job responsibilities are held transparently.
3. Team Collaboration: Instead of imposing tasks, inviting team members to co-create solutions can lead to more amicable and productive outcomes. This approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and problem-solving.
4. Adapting to Changes: The discussion underscores the need for flexibility in management, especially when unexpected changes occur, such as a team member leaving.

Reflection Prompts for You:

• Think about a time you had to take on unexpected responsibilities. How did you feel, and how did your manager handle it?
• Reflect on your current approach to delegation. Are there aspects you could improve to foster better teamwork and less resistance?
• Consider how you can apply the principles of empathy and collaboration in your daily work interactions to enhance team dynamics.

If you found this episode insightful, don’t forget to subscribe for more discussions on enhancing workplace dynamics. Your feedback is invaluable, so please leave us a review or share your thoughts and experiences related to today's topic.

Questions? Comments? What did we do well? Where should we get better? Suggestions for our next roleplays? 

Let us know! :)

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

How do we have conversations about body image?

Especially in a culture where a high premium is placed on how we look and how much we weigh, it’s hard to find confidence in our own bodies.

Today, Lucie and Chris interview a special guest, Laura Conley who experienced her own journey to being comfortable, both in her own skin and with talking with others about it.

Laura is a Certified Life + Weight Loss Coach. She helps mamas who have been painfully struggling with diet drama (+ who have tried EVERYTHING) to lovingly lose weight for the last time and free themselves from food forever. She is on a maniacal mission to do this so that her clients can pass down a beautiful legacy to their children around food and bodies, weigh what they want, and live the life they have always dreamed of without the weight and drama in the way. She does this by coaching her clients on how to balance their hunger hormones, rewire their brains, handle hard emotions, take daily accountability, and become their own bestie.

Website: www.lauraconley.com

IG: @‌lauraconleycoaching

Podcast: https://www.lauraconley.com/podcast ‌

DISCOUNT on the Yummy Mummy Experience: U

se code BESTIE to get $500 off The Yummy Mummy Experience: 6 months of group coaching, coursework, and a private community guaranteeing you lose weight for the last time. The cohorts start in January, April, July, and September! ‌ ‌

FREE OFFER: As a listener of the show, you get "The Create Your Perfect Weight Loss Plan, PLAN: Lose 10 pounds in 30 days" for FREE with this special link: https://portal.lauraconley.com/offers/2TeoQUtC?coupon_code=CHRISWONG

Questions? Comments? What did we do well? Where should we get better? Suggestions for our next roleplays? 

Let us know! :)

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this episode of the "Art and Science of Difficult Conversations" podcast, we tackle the challenging topic of setting boundaries around guilt-tripping. Lucie delves into identifying guilt-tripping behaviors, understanding the difference between healthy (constructive) and unhealthy (destructive) guilt, and exploring why guilt-tripping happens so that we can show empathy towards ourselves and others. Learn practical steps to recognize guilt-tripping phrases and behaviors, and discover how to set and communicate effective boundaries to improve your well-being and relationships.

Key Points:

1. Understanding Guilt Tripping: Learn to identify guilt-tripping behaviors in yourself and others and why self-awareness is essential.
2. Healthy (Constructive) vs. Unhealthy (Destructive) Guilt: Distinguish between guilt that promotes positive change and guilt that leads to excessive self-blame and emotional manipulation.
3. Recognizing Guilt Tripping: Examples of common guilt-tripping phrases and internal signals that indicate you might be experiencing or inflicting guilt tripping.
4. Why Guilt Tripping Happens: Explore the underlying reasons for guilt tripping, including control, insecurity, and learned behaviors.
5. Steps to Set Boundaries:
   1. Self-Awareness: Identify your values and the type of relationships you desire.
   2. Recognize Guilt Tripping: Notice guilt-tripping behaviors and your emotional responses.
   3. Empathy and Compassion: Practice empathy for yourself and others involved.
   4. Identify Boundaries: Determine what boundaries are necessary to maintain your well-being.
   5. Communicate Boundaries: Effectively communicate your boundaries with others.

Questions? Comments? What did we do well? Where should we get better? Suggestions for our next roleplays? 

Let us know! :)

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

🎙️ Navigating Difficult Conversations: Setting Boundaries with Empathy 🎙️

In our latest podcast episode, Lucie and Chris dove deep into a scenario many of us can relate to – setting boundaries with a friend who tends to guilt-trip. 🛑

Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships, yet many struggle to assert them without feeling guilty or aggressive. Here's a quick recap of our role-play and the key takeaways:

🔍 Scenario: Chris had to cancel plans with Lucie, a friend of 30 years, due to unforeseen family circumstances. Lucie felt hurt and expressed this in a confrontational manner.

🙌 What Worked:

• Empathy and Validation: Acknowledging the other person's feelings can significantly reduce conflict.
• Alternative Solutions: Offering a different plan shows commitment to the relationship despite setbacks.
• Focusing on Personal Impact: Sharing how actions affect you personally helps maintain a respectful conversation.

❗ What to Avoid:

• Defensiveness: It often escalates the situation and prevents resolution.
• Assumptions: Assuming the other person’s intentions can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Setting boundaries doesn’t have to be confrontational – it can be a pathway to deeper understanding and respect.

🔗 Resources: We've created a "Difficult Conversation Checklist" as a part of our "How to prepare effectively for difficult conversations webinar" to help you navigate these tough talks.  

Remember, healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and clear communication. Let's strive to create more of these in our personal and professional lives.

🤝 If you have questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to reach out. We’re here to support your journey towards healthier connections.

#Podcast #PersonalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #SettingBoundaries #EmpathyInAction #ProfessionalGrowth

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this episode of the Art and Science of Difficult Conversations, we have a special guest, a performance and relationship coach, Tahi Matejko.

In this interview episode with Lucie Tesarova, Tahi is sharing not only lessons learned from growing up in a multicultural environment and how it aided in making the difficult conversations better in her family, but also tune in to this episode to find out how you can make your relationship conversations with your partner more effective and loving.

Connect with Tahi:

• https://bit.ly/m/coachmetahi
• https://www.instagram.com/coachmetahi/
• https://www.facebook.com/coachmetahi
• Watch the free masterclass by Tahi here. 

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

🤝 If you have questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to reach out. We’re here to support your journey towards healthier connections.

#Podcast #PersonalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #Relationships #communication 

Summary:

In this episode, Lucie explores the transformative power of validation in communication. Learn how validation can break the cycle of miscommunication, reduce conflicts, and foster deeper connections in both personal and professional relationships. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand what validation is, why it’s crucial for effective communication, and how to apply it in your daily interactions.

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

🤝 If you have questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to reach out. We’re here to support your journey towards healthier connections.

#Podcast #PersonalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #Relationships #communication 

Join us this week to explore how to talk with your partner (spouse) about household chores and responsibilities.

In this episode, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova role-play a couple: one is a bit messier, and the other would prefer to have the household cleaner. See what mistakes Chris made in the first scenario, and what he did differently in the second take of this roleplay. 

What could you take away from these conversations about how to have or not have these types of conversations in your personal life? Let us know!

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Let us know.

In this episode, we sit down with Aries Yeo, a former banking executive turned leadership coach, to discuss how her cultural background and upbringing make it often difficult for her to speak up. She provides insights into how her value of authenticity gives her the courage to overcome these cultural barriers and personal fears and enables her to engage in meaningful dialogues.

Key Takeaways:

• Being authentic involves self-awareness and respect for others.
• Cultural and personal backgrounds shape how we handle conversations.
• Authentic communication requires acknowledging and embracing differences.
• Self-love and self-acceptance are fundamental to being true to yourself.
• Effective dialogue often begins with understanding others’ viewpoints.

Can you relate to her experience? What gives you the courage to speak up even when you as a child were discouraged to? How did you learn to find and own your voice?

If you have a personal story you would like to share with us, let us know! 

Connect with Aries: 

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Join us for the final episode of season one of our podcast! Thank you for joining us on this journey, for all your comments and support, and for your curiosity and commitment to improving your conversations - be it in your personal or professional life. Thank you! 

What do we cover in this episode?

1. Unexpected Beginnings: Chris and Lucie reflect on how their podcast collaboration started despite never meeting in person and living on opposite coasts.
2. Gratitude and Growth: Both hosts express gratitude for each other's contributions, highlighting how they kept the podcast structured and moving forward.
3. Celebrating Milestones: They celebrate reaching over 2000 downloads and the positive impact on their listeners' lives.
4. Challenges and Lessons: Chris and Lucie share personal challenges they faced during roleplays and how they grew from these experiences.
5. Future Plans: Exciting plans for Season Two, including combining strategy and roleplay episodes and incorporating guest experts into roleplays.

Do you have feedback? Tips what we could do in season two? Please let us know! 

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Let us know.

Join us for the Season 1 Compilation Episode, focusing on several strategies that can make your difficult conversations better and more effective. 

Do you have feedback? Tips what we could do in season two? Please let us know! 

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Let us know.

Today, we're doing something a little different. Over the past few months, we've had some amazing guests share their wisdom, personal stories, and strategies for navigating tough conversations. As we reach a new milestone and are completing season 1 of our podcast, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate and revisit together the most popular and impactful interviews from season one! And btw, we are already recording some new cool episodes for season two, so stay tuned!

In this compilation episode, you'll hear from:

• Andrea Horton-Meriçli, who shared about overcoming imposter syndrome, how do you find your own voice and find the confidence to be yourself
• Steven Farber, where we discussed how knowing different personality styles can make any of your conversations more impactful and effective
• Tiffany Teng, who explores how cultural and family backgrounds can shape the way we handle conflicts
• Last but not least, with Tahi Matejko we will explore what you should do first before you even have the difficult conversation with your partner if you want to have a strong and good relationship with them

Do you have feedback? Tips what we could do in season two? Please let us know! 

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Let us know.

Join us for another compilation episode! This time, we put together Season one's most popular roleplay episodes of professional relationship scenarios. 

Enjoy! 

Do you have feedback? Tips what we could do in season two? Please let us know! 

Connect with us here: 

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn:  
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Let us know.

Join us for another compilation episode! This time, we put together Season One's most popular roleplay episodes of personal relationship scenarios.

Enjoy!

Do you have feedback or tips for what we could do in season two?

Please let us know!

Connect with us here:

Email: tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Chris—www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie—www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Want to be a guest on our podcast? Let us know.

The Do’s and Don’ts of negotiating a raise

 Summary:

 Being paid fairly for your work is always a hot topic issue.  In fact, if you’ve been at your company for quite a while, you should consider asking for a raise.

 And it’s not just an intellectual exercise.

Not getting a raise can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your career and you might be missing out on valuable buffers against inflation.

 But it’s not about asking for a raise – it’s about learning how to negotiate that raise.  It’s a difficult conversation especially if you are squeamish talking about money or touting your own accomplishments. 

 In today’s episode, Lucie and Chris walk through the Do’s and Don’ts of difficult conversations around negotiating a raise.

 They cover:

• The importance of research
• Focusing on value and growth of the company
• Creating a collaborative environment

 And teach you how NOT to do it, including:

• Don’t lie/bluff/threaten
• Don’t talk about fairness

Then they demonstrate how to do the conversation in two different scenarios. 

Let us know what you think – what could Chris have done differently to negotiate his raise?

Resources

Instagram account that Chris referenced around salary transparency – Salary Transparent Street

Info about Mastering Difficult Conversations Course

Contact Us 

Instagram

Youtube

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Title: Finding the courage to speak up in high stakes meetings

Summary:

Conflict in high stakes meetings is inevitable.  Whether it's a board meeting, a roundtable discussion, or a workgroup tasked with solving complex issues, the mix of opinions will always lead to debate.  

 When done well, it can spark new ideas and create an inclusive process where people feel invested in the outcome.  Done poorly, you risk alienating everyone in the meeting.  

But how do you find the courage to speak up in these types of meetings?  Especially if you're a newer person or maybe even underrepresented, so you're not feeling confident in voicing your opinion?

In our first interview of season 2, we interviewed Elise Woodworth, president of Woodworth Enterprises. She helps nonprofits, and specifically their boards, reach their full potential.

Elise talks about:

• The power of questions to frame the conversation
• How to find the courage to speak up as an underrepresented person in the meeting
• The importance of preparing for difficult meetings
• Why nonprofits and their board structure doesn't always encourage open discussion of issues.

As a best-selling author Elise made a name for herself in the world of nonprofit management. With her book "Business Not Battle for Nonprofit Boards" as a guide, she has helped many organizations thrive. Elise's expertise in leadership, governance, and team building shines through in her frequent speaking engagements. Her role as a member of the Virginia Military Institute’s Foundation’s Board of Trustees and as a volunteer with other organizations further showcase her commitment to service and excellence, making her the perfect choice for your next event.

Elise is a former US Air Force Logistics Officer with an MBA from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from VMI. With her unique blend of military experience and business acumen, Elise delivers powerful messages that are sure to leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Let us know what you think – What other strategies have you used to speak up in high stakes meetings?

 Resources

Elise's website: www.elisewoodworth.com

Elise's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisewoodworth/

Get her book ["Business, not Battle"] here: https://a.co/d/7AbkEov

Info about Mastering Difficult Conversations Course

Contact Us

 Instagram

Youtube

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this episode of "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations," Chris and Lucie tackle a common challenge in both professional and personal settings: dealing with tangents during difficult conversations. They explore strategies for keeping conversations on track, maintaining focus, and setting boundaries without dismissing the other person's perspective.

Key Takeaways:

1. Preparation is Key: Start by understanding the goal of the conversation. Preparation helps in staying on track, especially when the other person goes off-topic.

2. Empathy with Boundaries: Acknowledge the other person's feelings and situation, but gently steer the conversation back to the main point. It's about balancing empathy with the need to stay focused.

3. Using Names for Focus: Addressing the person by name can be a powerful tool to regain their attention and refocus the conversation.

4. Setting Ground Rules: For recurring conversations, setting clear boundaries and expectations beforehand can help manage tangents effectively.

5. Handling Emotional Responses: If emotions run high, suggest taking a break to regroup and return to the conversation with a clearer mindset.

Roleplay Demonstrations: Chris and Lucie provide practical examples through roleplay, showing how to handle tangents in both professional and personal scenarios

#DifficultConversations #CommunicationSkills #Podcast #ConflictResolution #Focus #empathy

How do you manage these situations with colleagues, friends, or family? Leave us a comment, email, or message with your thoughts and questions!

Contact Us

Sign up for the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Summary:

You know what’s hard?  Talking about money with your partner or family.

 You know what’s even harder?

Talking about money and estate planning and death.

 With over two decades in the financial services realm, Christopher Hensley's journey has been driven by a singular passion: helping individuals navigate the intricate paths of finance to achieve their life aspirations. His dedication isn't just rooted in numbers and strategies; it's about making genuine connections and empowering people with the knowledge they need for a secure future.

 Today, Christopher joins us to share his tips from decades in the work, how to navigate difficult conversations around finances and death. 

 He truly helps demystify:

 -        How the legal and financial documents seem daunting, but are actually easier than you think

-        The importance of having these conversations in case something happens

-        How to navigate complicated family dynamics so you can honor your family’s legacy

 Christopher's foundation in the industry is robust. He's collaborated with Fortune 500 frontrunners like Merrill Lynch and UBS Financial Services and has made significant contributions to non-profits, notably with MMI-Consumer Credit Counselors Southwest. His credentials, including licenses from FINRA and designations like the Retirement Income Certified Professional® and the Certified Estate and Trust Specialist™, speak volumes about his commitment to professional growth and expertise.

 But beyond the certificates and affiliations, what truly sets Christopher apart is his ability to communicate. For a decade, he's been the voice behind the radio/podcast show “Money Matters” on KPFT Houston, demystifying complex financial concepts for a broad audience. His insights have been sought after by platforms like Wall Street Journal Radio and 1110 KTEK Business Builders Network Radio, and he's provided expert commentary on market trends in renowned publications.

 Christopher's community involvement further underscores his dedication. As the former President of the Houston Midtown Chapter of the Society for Financial Awareness, he's delivered financial literacy seminars across Houston and the Gulf Coast. He's also been an active voice in Houston Money Week since 2008, currently holding a leadership position.

What difficulties have you had around these conversations with family?

 Connect with Christopher here:

www.houstonfirstfinancialgroup.com

www.moneymatterspodcast.com 

 Email - christopher.hensley@cambridgesecure.com

Contact Us

Sign up for the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this episode of "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations," hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova dive deep into the complex issue of managing resistance to change, especially when it comes to implementing new technologies in the workplace.

Resistance to change is a common challenge in organizations of all sizes. Whether it’s introducing new software, processes, or policies, getting everyone on board can be tough. Chris and Lucie discuss why employees might resist changes, especially technological ones, and explore the underlying psychological factors contributing to this pushback.

Through an engaging conversation, Chris and Lucie share practical strategies for leaders and managers to navigate these tough conversations effectively. They role-play real-life scenarios, offer insightful tips, and discuss best practices for fostering a culture of openness and collaboration. You'll learn how to communicate change effectively, maintain employee morale, and ensure a smoother transition.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the root causes of resistance to technology and change
• Effective communication strategies for leaders and managers
• Role-play demonstration on handling employee pushback
• Balancing empathy with accountability in the workplace
• Common mistakes managers make and how to avoid them
• How to get employee buy-in and support during transitions

Who Should Listen:
This episode is perfect for HR professionals, managers, team leaders, and anyone looking to improve their leadership and communication skills. If you're interested in navigating difficult conversations and managing change more effectively, this episode is for you!

Contact Us

Sign up for the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Sometimes, the hardest conversations we need are with ourselves.  

Mainly, how do we find confidence in what we’re doing, even in the face of adversity?  And more so, how do we build supports around us that inspire and move us, rather than pull us down?

 Today, we interview Emily Aarons, a leading educator to spiritual entrepreneurs, renowned energy healer, and business coach.  She shares about her journey and struggles in building a business and the often-difficult conversations that are needed internally to grow and learn.

 We talk about:

-        What it’s like to create a path with no prior example of what that path looks like

-        How to build confidence in our own skills and talents

-        How to learn to listen to our intuition

With over two decades of experience blending spirituality and business, Emily’s mission is to help outstanding practitioners to build a successful and sustainable business. Her dedication to excellence is setting the gold standard to see leadership as a spiritual practice. 

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just looking to better trust your own gut instinct, listen to this episode!

Connect with Emily here:

Https://emilyaarons.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emilyaarons/

Podcast - https://emilyaarons.com/podcast/

Email – emily@emilyaarons.com      

Contact Us

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Setting boundaries with our family members might be the most difficult thing for many of us, yet not doing so might be very detrimental to our well-being and other relationships.

Imagine that your parent cannot stand your spouse and is very vocal about it. What do you do in that situation? How do you address it?

Tune in today's episode and see what from we share resonates with you.

 Have you faced that situation in your family? How did you address it? What worked for you, what didn't? Let us know! Let's learn together, have better conversations and better relationships, and ultimately, a better quality of life.

Sign up for the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Contact Us

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova #difficultconversations #settingboundaries #boundariesinrelationships #relationships #communicationskills #impactfulconversations

Navigating Political Conversations at Work

Politics can seem super divisive.  And really, how do we talk about it in the workplace? 

In this episode,  We talk with Chris, a diversity, inclusion, and belonging expert at Navy Federal Credit Union about the challenges of navigating political conversations in the workplace, particularly during a charged election season.

 Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

• Should we talk about politics at work?
• Prioritize Relationships Over Winning
• Seek Consent and Be Mindful of Boundaries
• Practice Self-Awareness and Disengagement
• Focus on Shared Values and Common Ground
• Lead with Curiosity and Vulnerability

Chris Geggie is a leadership development coach whose passion is helping people discover their authentic voice. Drawing from his experience as a teacher and community organizer, Geggie has coached electoral candidates and business leaders to guide themselves and others toward ethical decision making and the strategic execution of their vision, mission, and goals. He is currently an internal business consultant with Navy Federal Credit Union’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging team and lives with his partner and dog in Baltimore, MD.

Connect with Chris Geggie here:

Linkedin - Www.LinkedIn.com/in/chrisgeggie/

Contact Us

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

 #difficultconversations #politics #talkingaboutpolitics #howtotalkpoliticsatwork

In this episode, Chris and Lucie discuss what to do when someone keeps interrupting you while you speak, or, when you are the one who keeps interrupting others and want to stop :)

Key Takeaways:

Reasons for Interrupting:

• Having lots of ideas and wanting to share them.
• Reacting emotionally (anger, upset) and wanting to defend yourself.
• Feeling a need to show expertise or control the conversation.

How to Stop Interrupting Yourself:

• Self-awareness: Notice how often you interrupt.
• Note-taking: Jot down ideas as the other person speaks to come back to later.
• Calming Techniques: Use grounding tools (rock, deep breaths) to manage anxiety.
• Listen to Understand: Focus on truly understanding the other person's perspective.

How to Deal with People who Interrupt:

• Have a conversation with them 1:1 and communicate the impact the interruptions have on you/team and without blame, ask, e.g., 'In our next meeting, what could we do to make sure your points get heard, and also I get to finish what I want to say first?"
• Think about Ground Rules: E.g., establish agreements on taking turns or focusing on one point at a time.
• Muting Yourself (Online): If triggered, mute your microphone to avoid interrupting unintentionally. (Not applicable in person)

Any other ideas, what has worked for you?

Let us know!

Contact Us

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

What can you say if your wife wants a separation? Or a divorce?

 If you’re like most men, you’ll feel blindsided and/or you’ll immediately try to figure out how to solve this problem.  Unfortunately, that’s actually not the right way to approach it at all.

 In this week’s episode, Lucie and Chris talk with Randy, an experienced relationship coach focused on helping separated husbands reconnect with their wives. His faith-based methods center around growing closer to Christ and becoming the best version of ourselves, which provides the greatest chance of reconciling marriages.

 Here he shares his best tips, including:

  Why talking about it may not actually be the best option

•  How problem-solving approaches don’t work
•  What it means to actually be a better person, and not just doing it for your spouse.

Randy collaborates with professionals, business owners, and executives. Good men who accept responsibility for their part in the breakdown of their marriage and seek to reconnect with their wives. Through live sessions and actionable strategies, Randy and his coaches support them while holding them accountable, ensuring their relationships improve.

Before coaching, Randy was a professional comedy magician/juggler on cruise ships all over the world. His previous experience in the “funny business” helps lighten the mood when discussing the serious topics of separation and divorce, and helps husbands realize that, with Christ, there is ALWAYS hope.

 Connect with Randy here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachrandypryor/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hopeforseparatedhusbands

Website: https://RandyPryor.com or http://SOSRandy.com

Difficult Conversations Newsletter

Want more updates on how to handle difficult conversations?  Grab your weekly copy here: www.tinyurl.com/leadershippotential

 Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this episode, we discuss how to handle situations where a high-performing employee or leader is creating interpersonal challenges in the workplace. Whether you're a manager, team member, or leader, dealing with someone who excels technically but struggles with people skills can be tricky. We explore the risks of not addressing the issue, strategies for providing constructive feedback, and how to prepare for these tough conversations. Plus, we roleplay a common scenario to demonstrate key techniques. Join us for practical tips and insights on managing difficult workplace dynamics.

Key Topics:

• Why interpersonal conflict matters even with high performance
• Strategies to provide constructive feedback
• How to prepare for difficult conversations with concrete examples
• The importance of aligning behavior with organizational culture
• Roleplay demonstration: How to approach a divisive leader

Takeaways:

• Preparation and concrete data are key when addressing difficult conversations.
• Ask the right questions to uncover underlying motivations and behavioral patterns.
• Don’t avoid the conversation—address it early to prevent larger issues later.

Difficult Conversations Newsletter

Want more updates on how to handle difficult conversations?  Grab your weekly copy here: www.tinyurl.com/leadershippotential

 Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

We love communication here at the Art and Science of Difficult Conversations.  In fact, that’s our tagline, “Communicate better, live better”.  But in the pursuit of more open and transparent communication, does the pendulum swing too far in the opposite direction?  Are there times when we don’t need to communicate about a topic?

 That’s our focus today, when we have a lively dialogue with Ahad just about that topic, are there times we should hold off on communicating? 

 Ahad is originally from Pakistan and currently lives in the Netherlands as a data consultant working with organizations to get more intentional and persuasive with their data to make decisions.  He also hosts his own podcast, The Weekly Vasl.

 Follow Ahad here:

•  https://www.instagram.com/ahadbudhani/?locale=en-SG&hl=en
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ahadbudhani
• https://youtube.com/@theweeklyvasl?feature=shared
•  https://open.spotify.com/show/6PC0A8oxtGZ9ggrG2pnhDi?si=_JkI7GJxSaGC2G3NmwgiOg

Difficult Conversations Newsletter

Want more updates on how to handle difficult conversations?  Grab your weekly copy here: www.tinyurl.com/leadershippotential

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Navigating Holiday Decisions: Whose Family Do We Spend It With?

In today’s episode, Chris and Lucie dive into a common holiday dilemma many couples face: deciding whose family to spend holidays with. They explore the complexities of family dynamics, travel, and emotions, offering strategies for managing these conversations without compromising relationships. They roleplay a discussion between a married couple working through holiday plans, highlighting how empathy, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving can lead to more harmonious decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Setting feeling-based goals for the holidays
• Balancing competing family dynamics and expectations
• Navigating family guilt and boundary-setting
• The importance of creative problem-solving in relationships

Have you faced a similar situation? How do you navigate holiday plans with family? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review!

Difficult Conversations Newsletter

Want more updates on how to handle difficult conversations?  Grab your weekly copy here: www.tinyurl.com/leadershippotential

 Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Whether you’re interested in understanding family dynamics, navigating generational trauma, or fostering connection through meaningful conversations, this episode offers powerful insights and practical takeaways.

Today’s special guest is Becky Ellis, author of her debut memoir, Little Avalanches. In our conversation, Becky shares how tough yet healing discussions with her father, a WWII veteran, transformed her life. We explore what made these conversations both challenging and healing, and how empathy emerged through deeper understanding. Join us as we dive into themes of vulnerability, authenticity, courage, and the healing impact that difficult conversations can have.

About Becky:
Becky Ellis is a Timberwolf Pup. The daughter of a highly decorated World War II combat sergeant, she is a veteran of a war fought at home. She earned a BA in English Literature at UC Berkeley and has over twenty years of experience in the publishing industry. Her writing has appeared in Psychology Today, Northwest Review, The Ethel, Best Small Fictions, and The Rudder. She teaches writing in Portland, Oregon, where she lives, plays, and has raised three daughters. Little Avalanches is her debut memoir. You can find more about her at beckyellis.net

Connect with Becky:
Website: beckyellis.net
Instagram: @beckyellisauthor
Facebook: becky.ellis.9081
Linkedin: becky-ellis
YouTube: @beckyellisauthor
Newsletter: https://beckyellis.net/connect-1

Connect with us:
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Difficult Conversations Newsletter

Want more updates on how to handle difficult conversations? Grab your weekly copy here: www.tinyurl.com/leadershippotential

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

What To Do When a High Performer Slacks After a Promotion?

Today’s episode is a deep dive into the complexities of leadership. Chris and Lucie tackle a challenging scenario where a top performer begins to drop the ball after a recent promotion. They discuss ways to understand underlying issues—whether insecurity, new role challenges, or overconfidence—and provide practical guidance for supporting employees while upholding performance standards.

Topics Discussed:

• Identifying causes behind declining performance
• Coaching strategies for new role adaptation
• Balancing support with accountability
• Roleplay: Manager-employee discussion

Any other ideas, what has worked for you? Let us know!

Contact Us
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

How to prepare for difficult conversations webinar (and the checklist) https://bit.ly/TASWeb01

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Are you being the “real you” in conversations?

Not many people would disagree that productive conversations mean both sides being open and honest.

Easier said than done.

How do you create an environment where the other person feels safe enough to be open and honest? More importantly, how do you be honest too?

In this episode, Chris and Lucie interview Grace Gavin, a communication expert who emphasizes the importance of honesty and openness in creating strong connections. Grace shares her personal journey of learning to communicate more effectively and introduces her six key practices for mastering communication. Grace discusses how to implement these practices in personal and professional relationships, and how they can transform communication, even in challenging situations.

Key Takeaways:
• It’s important to be both open AND honest. Openness meaning listening without reservation or judgement and honesty meaning being truly and freely yourself
• The six practices she recommends to enhance communication skills
• The importance of balancing honesty with empathy and love
• How to balance giving bad news, even when you don’t have all the information

Grace is an open and honest expert, helping leaders simplify their communication and eliminate the divides that exist within organizations. As co-founder of Know Honesty, she guides people towards becoming masterful communicators day in and day out. Having experienced the transformative power of openness and honesty, Grace is on a mission to help others create that same freedom in their own lives.

Grace brings her heartfelt approach to every event, workshop, and interaction. She believes deeply that every human being brings a unique perspective to the world and that we all deserve to be heard and respected.

Visit Grace Gavin’s website, www.KnowHonesty.com, to take the free communication assessment and learn more about her book, Know Honesty. Connect with Grace on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Contact Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-gavin/

Get the Book “Know Honesty” here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBM4MCJJ

Contact Us
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

How to prepare for difficult conversations webinar (and the checklist) https://bit.ly/TASWeb01

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Ever faced the tricky scenario of an underperforming team member asking for a promotion? In this episode of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations, we dive into this complex workplace challenge. Join Chris and Lucie as we explore why underperformers might feel they deserve a promotion, the motivations behind their requests, and how to navigate these conversations effectively as a leader. With real-world examples, practical advice, and even a role-play demonstration, we’ll give you the tools to handle these situations while fostering growth and maintaining team morale.

Whether you're a manager facing this dilemma or an employee considering your next career move, this episode will provide actionable insights to tackle tough workplace dynamics with empathy and clarity.

Links & Resources:

Chris’s Self-Paced Course: Learn how to master difficult conversations, de-escalate conflicts, and become assertive without being aggressive. Join the waiting list here. https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

HR Resources Mentioned: Employee Assistance Programs (check with your HR department for details).

Book Recommendation: Radical Candor by Kim Scott – A guide to providing honest feedback while caring deeply.

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Have you been struggling to feel fulfilled in life?

In this week’s episode, Chris and Lucie welcome high-performance expert Purdeep Sangha to discuss the critical link between communication, well-being, and achieving a fulfilling life. Drawing on his unique background and experience, Purdeep explores the challenges individuals and organizations face in today’s digital age, particularly in maintaining energy levels, focus, and meaningful connections.

 Key Takeaways:

•  The impact of cultural backgrounds on communication
•  The importance of self-awareness in effective communication
•  How to communicate authentically
•  The challenges of communication in the digital age
•  How to overcome the fear of difficult conversations
•  Using mindfulness and grounding to overcome difficult situations

Purdeep Sangha is a high-performance expert and author who empowers individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. Drawing on his background in neuroscience, performance psychology, and business, Purdeep helps people optimize well-being, productivity, and communication for a more fulfilling life.  As an author, speaker, and advisor, he helps people overcome challenges in communication, well-being, and leadership to unlock their true potential.

Contact Purdeep:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purdeepsangha/

Website: www.purdeepsangha.com

Company: www.theexeclab.com

Book: The Complete Man

Physical copy: https://mybook.to/thecompleteman

Audio Book: completemanaudio.com 

PROMO CODE FOR 75% off: victory7

Contact Us
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

How to prepare for difficult conversations webinar (and the checklist) https://bit.ly/TASWeb01

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this episode of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations, hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova dive deep into the art of delivering feedback that gets results. Whether you're a leader, manager, or HR professional, mastering feedback can elevate your team's performance and trust.

🎙️ What You'll Learn:

• The 5 essential elements of effective feedback
• How to balance honesty with empathy
• Common feedback mistakes and how to avoid them

Why Listen?
Communication is key to leadership. This episode equips you with practical strategies to navigate feedback conversations with confidence and impact.

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoy this episode, leave a review and share your insights!

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

How do you deal with tough communication situations at work? Be it when someone keeps interrupting you when you speak, when your team member keeps going off on a tangent or when you as a leader need to implement a change, but your team members keep resisting and pushing against it? 

Do you want more peace of mind and clarity in navigating these situations? 

Join us for this special compilation episode of The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations where we feature these three scenarios and offer you some key strategies to handle them. 

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoy this episode, leave a review and share your insights!

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Holidays are the special time of the year when we get together with our loved ones to celebrate. Yet sometimes, holidays may be a time of increased stress with those loved ones!

Maybe you and your partner have different ideas about where to spend the holidays this or next year, or your parent keeps talking badly about your spouse. Or, you have some difficult past with your family members that is still troubling you.

How do you steer these possible conflict situations to conversations that bring you closer together, and deepen your love and understanding for each other, rather than driving you apart and giving holidays bad taste in your heart? Join us for this second compilation episode of the Art & Science of Difficult Conversations Podcast, in this season 2, where we share with you some strategies, even roleplay some difficult family conversations scenarios, and end with an interview episode with Becky Ellis, the author of Little Avalanches memoir, where we discuss how her difficult family conversations changed her life, and created healing and forgiveness.

Maybe her story will inspire you to start your own family conversations that can transform your life for the better. And if you have a story to share, please let us know, so that we can inspire each other and help each other create more honest, intimate conversations that can heal, and create more forgiveness, and peace, hopefuly inside out. Thank you for listening and for your desire to learn and improve, as we are in this together. Hope you enjoy this compilation episode!

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

How to prepare for difficult conversations webinar (and the checklist) https://bit.ly/TASWeb01

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this compilation episode, we picked 3 experts to share with you and a bonus mini-communication challenge question that you can ask yourself and your loved one, for deeper and more meaningful communication and connection with self and others. 

Tune in today to listen to: 

- What is this week's mini-communication challenge question?

- Interview with Grace Gavin about 6 practices you can implement to improve both your personal and professional communication and relationships 

- Interview with high-performance expert Purdeep Sangha to discuss the critical link between communication, well-being, and achieving a fulfilling life

- Interview with Christopher Hensley on how to talk about money, estate planning, and death. Tough topic! Yet so important to have these conversations. 

We hope you enjoy this compilation episode and if you have any questions, or feedback, let us know! 

Contact Us

Sign up for the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

--

 Connect with Christopher Hensley here:

www.houstonfirstfinancialgroup.com

www.moneymatterspodcast.com 

 Email - christopher.hensley@cambridgesecure.com

-

Contact Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-gavin/

Get the Book “Know Honesty” here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBM4MCJJ

-

Contact Purdeep:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purdeepsangha/

Website: www.purdeepsangha.com

Company: www.theexeclab.com

Book: The Complete Man

Physical copy: https://mybook.to/thecompleteman

Audio Book: completemanaudio.com 

PROMO CODE FOR 75% off: victory7

Join us for this last mid-season compilation episode! You will hear three segments today: 

1. Five elements of giving effective feedback
2. How to ask for a raise
3. How to deal with someone who gets defensive, angry or emotional. 

Let us know what you think! 

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoy this episode, leave a review and share your insights!

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Have you ever dealt with a situation when you worked really hard and came up with a great idea, only to find out your peer presented the same idea as theirs during the next team meeting? How do you respond in a professional way that doesn't destroy the relationship and brings the credit back to you?

If you want to know what to do and what not to do in similar tricky situations, join us and listen to this week's episode!

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoy this episode, leave a review and share your insights!

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

SUMMARY:

**Trigger Warning: Discussion of trauma, sexual abuse** 

What happens when you learn a family member has been experiencing sexual abuse?  What do you do if there’s no one to talk to about it?  On this week’s podcast, Lucie and Chris welcome Keeper Catran-Whitney, child sexual abuse activist who, in 1977, learned that his stepfather had been sexually abusing his four sisters for years.  After forty-five years of living with this guilt and shame, he eventually began healing by finding the courage to talk about trauma and heal his wounds and relationship with his sisters. 

 Key Takeaways:

• Unlike direct victims of sexual abuse, there are much less, if any, resources to help brothers
• Often times, they also experience trauma as a result of learning these things and need support as well
• Finding people you know and trust to talk with is an important step in healing

As the lone voice speaking on the emotional trauma brothers experience after learning their sisters have been sexually abused, Keeper is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and advocate for brothers in the child sexual abuse/survivor’s space. 

Six years before his four sisters were sexually abused, Keeper was sexually abused almost daily by his babysitter for six months at age seven. He understands both sides of the sexual abuse coin – the damaged and the collateral damaged. Keeper speaks on the mental and emotional challenges brothers suffer around child sexual abuse in the family. 

When not elevating brother’s voices in the child sexual abuse conversation, Keeper enjoys watching movies and anime with his wife and children. His favorites are Dragon Ball Z, My Hero Academy, Deamon Slayer, Trigun, Full Metal Alchemist, One-Punch Man, and SPY x FAMILY. 

Resources:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673 [24hours/day]

Contact Keeper:

Website: https://keepercatranwhitney.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeeperCatranWhitneyAuthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepercw/

Book: The Complete Man

Physical copy: https://mybook.to/thecompleteman

Audio Book: completemanaudio.com 

PROMO CODE FOR 75% off: victory7 

Book: Helplessness

HELPLESSNESS is book one of Keeper’s three-book series, From Helplessness to Hopefulness To

Happiness. 

Buy on Amazon

Contact Chris and Lucie
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Join us today for a conversation with Randy Wheeler, where we discuss how understanding different personality and working styles can help us not only communicate better but also lead others more effectively. 

About Randy: 

Randy Wheeler, owner of Wheeler Coaching, helps individuals and teams develop their leadership, improve communication, and strengthen their teams.  He has a Masters in Organizational Leadership, is a Maxwell Leadership Certified DISC Consultant, and a certified Working Genius Facilitator.  He uses this knowledge in combination with the resources he has access to as an Executive Program Leader with Maxwell Leadership to help individuals and teams improve their focus, clarify their strategy, increase their effectiveness, and ultimately their results.

He has worked with businesses of all sizes to help develop leaders, improve communication, clarify values and strategy, and build teams through one-on-one coaching, group training, speaking, The Maxwell Leadership Game, and behavior assessments.  He is the author of multiple books (all available on Amazon) such as Build, Engage, Lead:  Mastering the 5 Keys to Effective Team Development, 25 Ways to Lead Better at Work and Home and I Am Worthy:  Embracing Confidence and Self-Worth (a weekly mindset strengthening book for youth). 

You can take a free leadership assessment at leadwell.biz or reach out to him directly at randy@wheelercoachingsystems.com. He and his wife have three boys and live in Fishers, IN.

Contact Chris and Lucie
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Ever wanted your partner to change? Maybe they have an unhealthy habit that makes you worried about their wellbeing?

If so, join us for this episode of the Art & Science of Difficult Conversations Podcast. Today we explore how to address this sensitive situation with your partner.

Let us know what you think! What resonates with you? What doesn't? Let us know!

Contact Chris and Lucie
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://leadershippotential.teachable.com/p/mastering-difficult-conversations-how-to

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Why are boundaries so hard to set? 

Even better question – why are boundaries so hard to keep?

On this week’s episode, Lucie and Chris welcome Becky Upchurch, a mindset coach to talk through the ins and outs of setting and keeping healthy boundaries.  Whether its with friends, family, or coworkers, there’s a lot we get wrong about caring about our own emotional and physical limits.

Key Takeaways:

• Boundaries are about our own limits, barriers are for other people – whom we can’t control
• Setting boundaries is a muscle, start small and work your way up
• Boundaries are not selfish when done right

Becky Upchurch is a mindset coach who specializes in helping busy women create time for themselves and their goals by learning to say no without fear, guilt, or worrying about what other people think. Both clients and audiences love Becky’s ability to get to the heart of the matter in relatable ways that balance honesty, kindness, and levity to inspire change.  Becky believes that the fastest and best way to achieve your goals is through practical, easy-to-implement strategies, managing your mindset, and trusting in your ability to create sustainable change.  She strives to accomplish this in her own life through her motto of “Love Self, Serve Others.”

 Contact Becky:

• Email: Becky@highergoodcoaching.com
• Website: www.highergoodcoaching.com;
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/beckyupchurch_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/HigherGoodCoaching
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-upchurch-594393160?

Contact Chris and Lucie
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations 
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Is it possible to conduct layoffs in a way that’s respectful and compassionate?

 According to Summer, there definitely is.

 In this week’s episode, Lucie and Chris interview Summer Miller, an HR consultant who’s focused on helping business navigate people-centered change. Through both her own personal experience and her work, she helps us understand:

-        Why the layoff conversations often seems too scripted and impersonal

-        How to manage risk while still being human

-        The importance of transparency and treating employees like grown ups

-        How to think about supporting employees through the transition

-        How to manage your own emotions if you’re the one delivering the bad news

Dr. Summer Miller is the CEO of SDM Integrative Consulting, where she helps businesses navigate change and growth without leaving people behind. Her approach is to help leaders integrate people-centered practices so their employees want to be part of the future they are building. As an advisor, educator, speaker, and facilitator, Summer works with people to build the capabilities needed for long-term success. She brings over 25 years of experience, including executive positions in HR, change, and transformation at U.S. Bank, and more recent work with small to mid-market businesses.

Summer holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master’s in organizational and professional communication. She is an educator at heart and teaches master’s courses through the University of Minnesota and the University of Denver. She also serves on the boards of Joy Collaborative, How To Be Second, and American Indian OIC. She and her husband Jason have four school-age and three adult children and enjoy spending time creating community and connection as newer Minnesotans.

Book Recommendations:

 Switch by Chip and Dan Heath – Buy a Copy here

Contact Summer:

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/summermiller/

Website – https://www.sdmintegrativeconsulting.com

 Contact Chris and Lucie
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

 Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations 
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Summary:  Is psychological safety still a thing?

YES, absolutely!

But talking about it doesn’t make it any easier to get right.  Culture and safety are hard to cultivate, requiring ongoing support. 

In this week’s episode, Lucie and Chris interview Kelly Meerbott, a renowned expert on psychological safety on what companies and leaders are getting wrong about it and how they can get better.  This week, we cover:

 How and why it’s important to be Honest, Transparent, and Truthful

•  What is psychological safety
•  How leaders can assess the level of psychological safety in their teams/organizations
•  Why leaders shouldn’t be hiding things

Kelly Meerbott, PCC, CBTI, is a globally recognized executive coach and thought leader, with a rich history of guiding top-tier professionals and teams toward achieving breakthrough results. As the CEO and Founder of YOU: Loud & Clear, Inc., Kelly has transformed individuals and organizations by blending empathy, strategic insight, and unwavering accountability. Known for her systems-based approach to leadership, Kelly helps clients navigate complex challenges, harnessing their potential to create sustainable impact in their organizations and communities. With over two decades of experience, Kelly’s coaching practice emphasizes holistic growth, cultivating psychological safety, and creating spaces where innovation and creativity thrive. Her clients range from Fortune 500 executives to startup founders, all seeking to unlock new levels of success. Kelly is also a keynote speaker, sought-after podcast guest, and author, working on two powerful books: Meerbott’s Fables and Burnout to Bliss. As a thought leader in her field, Kelly is committed to leaving the world a kinder, more compassionate place. 

Contact Kelly:

Website: https://kellymeerbott.com/you-loud-clear/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kellymeerbott/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/kellymeerbott

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyameerbott/

Twitter: https://x.com/KellyAMeerbott

Contact Chris and Lucie
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations 
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Can a military veteran learn how to be a more emotionally intelligent leader?

Rick Fearnbaugh is proof that it’s possible.

Coming from a world of Marine Corps leadership, he joins Lucie and Chris this week to share about his journey into the world of civilian leadership and how he needed to soften his approach.  And this isn’t just something military veterans encounter – anybody coming from a blue collar environment or any culture that prioritizes work over relationships can relate to that transition.  

In this episode, Rick shares:

- The big differences between military culture and civilian work culture
- How he started building the muscle of emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- How leaders can practice empathy and self-awareness
- The importance of training to prevent fires - How to get employees to buy-in

About Rick:
Dr. Rick Fearnbaugh is a leadership development strategist who is passionate about helping new leaders build trust and foster cohesive, high-performing teams. He shares his leadership perspectives weekly in his newsletter, Perspectives on Leadership (https://perspectives-on-leadership.beehiiv.com/), offering fresh ideas to inspire and empower leaders. Rick lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Alexis, and dog, Beatrice.

Books Referenced:
The Good Shepherd: https://a.co/d/2T7JCZs
Extreme Ownership: https://a.co/d/cuXRqKD

Contact Chris and Lucie
Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/
 
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations
Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Episode Title: Navigating Respect & Communication Across Generations

🎙️ Hosts:

• Chris Wong – Owner of Leadership Potential, helping nonprofit and mission-driven leaders navigate difficult transitions.
• Lucie Tesarova – Founder of MindFittery, a mental fitness gym for leaders, their teams, and families.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we dive into one of the most complex and often misunderstood workplace challenges: how respect and communication styles differ across generations. With five generations in the workforce, leaders and employees alike struggle to navigate evolving expectations around formality, hierarchy, and collaboration.

Lucie shares her experiences coaching leaders across cultures and industries, offering practical insights on:
✅ Why generational and cultural perspectives shape communication styles.
✅ How misunderstandings around respect can impact workplace relationships.
✅ The importance of pausing, reflecting, and having intentional conversations about communication preferences.
✅ How younger employees can approach difficult conversations with their managers.
✅ Actionable strategies for leaders to build a more inclusive, understanding, and collaborative team culture.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Don’t assume—ask. Assumptions about communication and respect are often at the root of workplace tension. Have open conversations to understand preferences.
💡 Self-awareness is key. Before addressing communication differences, pause and reflect on your own expectations—where do they come from, and are they truly necessary?
💡 Collaboration over control. A successful workplace isn’t about being “right” but about creating an environment where everyone thrives.

Resources & Next Steps:

🔗 Learn more about Lucie Tesarova and her work at MindFittery
🔗 Connect with Chris Wong at MyLeadershipPotential

👥 Join the conversation:
✔️ Like & share this episode with a colleague.
✔️ Drop a comment—what’s been your biggest challenge in navigating generational differences in communication?

🎧 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/etc.]

 Contact Chris and Lucie Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

On building trust, relationships, and asking for money - with Rick Peck

How do you build trust and relationships with people and how do you have the difficult conversations about money?

Join us for another episode of the Art and Science of Difficult Conversations Podcast, were we have as a special guest Rick Peck, also known as "The Philanthropy Guy - an expert on providing consulting and educational services related to philanthropy and charitable giving. 

 Contact Rick: 

• https://www.thephilanthropyguy.com/
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-peck/
• Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-to-give/id1676351458 

Resources & Next Steps:

🔗 Learn more about Lucie Tesarova and her work at MindFittery
🔗 Connect with Chris Wong at MyLeadershipPotential

👥 Join the conversation:
✔️ Like & share this episode with a colleague.
✔️ Drop a comment—what’s been your biggest challenge in navigating generational differences in communication?

🎧 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/etc.]

 Contact Chris and Lucie Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Join us today for a conversation with Dr. Tenia Davis about leadership, the misconceptions around servant leadership, and how to lead in a way that delivers results and supports the well-being of the employees.

About Dr. Tenia Davis:
Tenia Davis is a Human Resources and Recruitment expert with extensive experience serving in executive positions at large, high-caliber companies such as HBR Consulting (HBR), Raise, iManage, Johnson Publishing Company, and HARPO Productions (The Oprah Winfrey Show). Tenia has deep expertise in operational excellence, having successfully coordinated complex practices, standards, and regulations not only for talent acquisition and HR, but also for multiple departments of a large international corporation while also managing day-to-day administration. She recently served as the chief talent and administrative services officer at HBR Consulting (HBR), where she oversaw HBR’s talent and administrative services functions. Tenia is currently the Chief People Officer at NORC at the University of Chicago.

Connect with Dr. Tenia Davis;
theleadershipwise.com and Instagram @theleadershipwise
Purchase Dr. Tenia Davis's book,

The Feedback Blueprint: Unlocking the Power of Constructive Insights:
https://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Blueprint-Unlocking-Constructive-Insights-ebook/dp/B0DF45DN9V

Resources & Next Steps:
🔗 Learn more about Lucie Tesarova and her work at MindFittery.com
🔗 Connect with Chris Wong at MyLeadershipPotential.com

👥 Join the conversation:
✔️ Like & share this episode with a colleague.
✔️ Drop a comment—what’s been your biggest challenge in asking for money?
🎧 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/etc.]

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course by Chris Wong: https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

#difficultconversations #podcast #leadershipdevelopment #leadership

Do you get frustrated when your team members don't seem to take ownership of their work and the results that they should be producing? You are not alone. Many leaders are in this position, asking themselves: "How do I keep my team members accountable? How do I motivate them to take ownership of their part of the work?"

Chris Wong specializes in helping leaders deal with these types of situations. Tune in to hear some of the key tips and strategies for navigating these leadership challenges.

Resources & Next Steps:

🔗 Connect with Chris Wong at MyLeadershipPotential.com

🔗 Learn more about Lucie Tesarova and her work at MindFittery.com

👥 Join the conversation:

✔️ Like & share this episode with a colleague.

✔️ Drop a comment

🎧 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/etc.]

 Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

 #difficultconversations #podcast #leadershipdevelopment #leadership

Are you afraid to make the wrong decision or to say the wrong thing and you end up not changing and procrastinating? Are doubts holding you back from living the life you want to live?

What is one action that you have procrastinating on because of fear or doubts, that you know taking the action would make your life better?Join us for the conversation with Tina Englisch, get inspired, empowered and energized to take action with courage. Or share with anyone who needs an extra inspiration today!

Tina Englisch started her career in sports at a very young age, winning championships in horseback riding. She continued with snowboarding, where she won national championships and was top-ranked in the World Cup.
After a huge sports injury, Tina was told, though, that she may never be able to walk again…. She was back on the board within 6 weeks.
Using her winning methods, tools, and mindset, she has continued to conquer goals like becoming a published author and a trained opera singer and established herself as Austria's 1st relationship coach.
Tina and her work have been featured on TV, magazines and podcasts, and she has helped thousands of people all across Europe and the world.
Today, Tina is living and enjoying her Dream Life with freedom, happiness, and radiant health. She has an apartment in Paris, and her investments and passive income allow her to travel the world, join exciting events, train, dance, and continue to coach and serve even more people.

Contact Tina:
https://www.tinaenglisch.com/bookme/

Resources & Next Steps:
🔗 Learn more about Lucie Tesarova and her work at MindFittery.com
🔗 Connect with Chris Wong at MyLeadershipPotential.com

👥 Join the conversation:
✔️ Like & share this episode with a colleague.
✔️ Drop a comment
🎧 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/etc.]

Check out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvos

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

#difficultconversations #podcast #leadershipdevelopment #leadership