The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations

How do you get the confidence to build something in public  In part 1, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova interview Tasha Van Vlack, the founder of the Nonprofit Hive, discussing the challenges and triumphs of building an international community. Tasha shares her journey of personal growth, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and the necessity of transparency in fostering a supportive environment. The discussion highlights the evolution of community building, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and emphasizes the significance of peer-led learning and emotional intelligence in leadership roles.   What were our big takeaways? -        Building confidence is essential for creating international communities. -        Community building has become increasingly important post-COVID. -        Personal growth often accompanies the journey of community leadership. -        Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection. -        Transparency helps in managing community expectations and feedback. -        Real connections are more valuable than perfect presentations. -        Embracing imperfection can lead to more authentic community engagement.   About Tasha  Tasha Van Vlack is a community-builder disguised as a marketer. With a background in nonprofit engagement, digital strategy, and making things happen with tiny teams, she’s the founder of The Nonprofit Hive—a global nonprofit peer-connection platform—and the brains behind Community Hives, which helps organizations spark one-on-one conversations that actually go somewhere. Right now, she’s diving headfirst into scaling relational tech and dreaming up what’s next for human-first connection tools. When she’s not matchmaking nonprofit pros or geeking out on systems change, you’ll find her hiking with her kids, reading a good fiction book, or talking community like it’s a love language.  Contact Tasha: Email: tasha@thenonprofithive.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-van-vlack/   Contact Chris: myleadershippotential@gmail.com Contact Lucie: https://www.mindfittery.com/site/contact 

Join us for the second part of our conversation with Jevon Gondwe, who is a Leadership Transformation Architect and the founder of Influential Skills Company.  If you haven't heard the first part of our conversation on how to create high performing teams, or as Jevon says "Culture of Champions", make sure to listen it here.  Key Takeaways: Building a team requires clear communication and accountability. Role-playing can help illustrate effective conversation techniques. Creating a culture of candor is essential for team success. Leaders should set expectations early in the relationship. Feedback should be specific and objective to be effective. Personal growth is crucial for leaders to support their teams. Mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities, not failures. Leaders must be aware of their team's challenges and pressures. Open dialogue can prevent misunderstandings and disengagement. Building trust takes time and consistent effort. About Jevon:Jevon Gondwe is a dynamic Leadership Transformation Architect and the founder of Influential Skills. His leadership insights have been featured in major media companies like Inc. Magazine and Training Industry, Inc. Through Jevon’s proprietary leadership framework Building a Culture of Champions is preparing team leaders for the new economy. Fighting against corporate disengagement, high turnover, and average work environments, Jevon is transforming leaders into catalysts for growth by helping them develop the mindset for personal growth, while building the crucial communication and relationship building skills to connect, inspire, and lead a championship team. His unique approach to leadership communication is forged from over 15 years of hands on experience, and the invaluable lessons from 3 college National Championships under two of the NCAA's winningest coaches of all time. This background instilled a mindset of excellence, humility, and servant leadership, which Jevon has shared to inspire over 30,000 professionals. His core offerings focus on the intersection of interpersonal skills, leadership, and team building, helping leaders boost engagement, retention, and performance, even through their most challenging team dynamics. Jevon doesn't teach theory, he's applied these proven methods across diverse industries. A proud husband and father, Jevon embraces his unique Malawian-American heritage to connect with diverse audiences and firmly believes success comes from consistently adding value to others, a philosophy he champions for all leaders. Connect with Jevon:https://www.influentialskills.com/ jevon@influentialskills.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevon-gondwe/  Connect with us:Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

How do you build High-Performing Teams? What kind of skills and factors are essential for effective leadership? Join us for a conversation with Jevon Gondwe to hear his personal anecdotes and insights that highlight the transformative power of leadership in both personal and professional contexts. Takeaways: Effective communication enhances overall quality of life. Leadership has a ripple effect on individuals and teams. Servant leadership focuses on maximizing others' potential. Creating psychological safety is crucial for team growth. Personal growth is essential for effective leadership. Listening actively can bring out the best in others. Vision should inspire and engage team members. Real conversations are necessary for alignment and growth. Fear often prevents difficult conversations from happening. Leaders should empower individuals to take ownership of their roles. Chapters00:00 Building High-Performing Teams01:25 The Ripple Effect of Leadership05:04 Understanding Servant Leadership10:23 Essential Skills for Effective Leadership16:46 Aligning Team and Individual Visions21:00 Creating a Vision for Your Team24:00 Overcoming Fear in Difficult Conversations27:21 Personal Growth as a Leader About Jevon: Jevon Gondwe is a dynamic Leadership Transformation Architect and the founder of Influential Skills. His leadership insights have been featured in major media companies like Inc. Magazine and Training Industry, Inc. Through Jevon’s proprietary leadership framework Building a Culture of Champions is preparing team leaders for the new economy. Fighting against corporate disengagement, high turnover, and average work environments, Jevon is transforming leaders into catalysts for growth by helping them develop the mindset for personal growth, while building the crucial communication and relationship building skills to connect, inspire, and lead a championship team. His unique approach to leadership communication is forged from over 15 years of hands on experience, and the invaluable lessons from 3 college National Championships under two of the NCAA's winningest coaches of all time. This background instilled a mindset of excellence, humility, and servant leadership, which Jevon has shared to inspire over 30,000 professionals. His core offerings focus on the intersection of interpersonal skills, leadership, and team building, helping leaders boost engagement, retention, and performance, even through their most challenging team dynamics. Jevon doesn't teach theory, he's applied these proven methods across diverse industries. A proud husband and father, Jevon embraces his unique Malawian-American heritage to connect with diverse audiences and firmly believes success comes from consistently adding value to others, a philosophy he champions for all leaders. Connect with Jevon: https://www.influentialskills.com/ jevon@influentialskills.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevon-gondwe/  Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova   

How can you turn a crisis into an opportunity and rebuild trust? Join us for another episode of the Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, where we had a conversation with Scott Harvey, who has 20 years of experience in law enforcement as a Hostage Negotiator. This is part 2 of the episode, where we role-play a difficult conversation that many leaders face - talking with an employee who "survived" a wave of layoffs and is now demotivated, anxious, resentful, and scared about the future. How do you have that conversation? Tune in to find out. About Scott: With 20 years of experience in law enforcement as a Hostage Negotiator and over 18 years as a business owner, Scott Harvey has a deep understanding of what drives success. His career has included roles as a sergeant supervising officers, teaching thousands of D.A.R.E. classes, and delivering keynote speeches to hundreds of thousands of people. Scott's extensive experience has refined his ability to impart leadership skills, which he shares on dozens of stages each year. In 2023, Scott distilled his decades of communication expertise into his book, Silence Kills, which has already sold thousands of copies. As a business coach, Scott engages directly with entrepreneurs and leaders, challenging them to grow their businesses while maintaining balance in their personal lives and health. His unique style of personalized motivation continues to make a significant impact both on and off stage. Scott’s wife of over 27 years and their two grown daughters keep him grounded and inspired, providing real-life insights as he navigates the roles of husband, father, and entrepreneur. Contact Scott Harvey: https://speakingofharvey.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerscottharvey/ https://www.facebook.com/speakerscottharvey  https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakingOfHarvey https://www.instagram.com/speakingofharvey     Contact us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova 

How can you turn a crisis into an opportunity and rebuild trust?  Join us for another episode of the Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, where we had a conversation with Scott Harvey, who has 20 years of experience in law enforcement as a Hostage Negotiator.    Key takeaways:  Crisis can be an opportunity to rebuild trust. Prevention is key in communication to avoid crises. Silence in leadership can communicate apathy. Building rapport is essential for effective communication. The service recovery paradox shows that resolving issues can enhance satisfaction. Emotions can hinder logical thinking during conversations. Calming techniques can help manage anxiety before difficult conversations. Anticipation of difficult conversations is often worse than the reality. Collaborative problem-solving leads to better outcomes. Open communication fosters a positive organizational culture. And don't miss part two of this interview that goes live next week, where we roleplay some difficult scenarios for you!  About Scott:  With 20 years of experience in law enforcement as a Hostage Negotiator and over18 years as a business owner, Scott Harvey has a deep understanding of whatdrives success. His career has included roles as a sergeant supervising officers,teaching thousands of D.A.R.E. classes, and delivering keynote speeches tohundreds of thousands of people. Scott's extensive experience has refined hisability to impart leadership skills, which he shares on dozens of stages each year.In 2023, Scott distilled his decades of communication expertise into his book,Silence Kills, which has already sold thousands of copies. As a business coach, Scott engages directly with entrepreneurs and leaders,challenging them to grow their businesses while maintaining balance in theirpersonal lives and health. His unique style of personalized motivation continues tomake a significant impact both on and off stage. Scott’s wife of over 27 years and their two grown daughters keep him groundedand inspired, providing real-life insights as he navigates the roles of husband,father, and entrepreneur.  Contact Scott Harvey:  https://speakingofharvey.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerscottharvey/  https://www.facebook.com/speakerscottharvey  https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakingOfHarvey  https://www.instagram.com/speakingofharvey  Contact us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova  

Is it possible to talk about race and social justice in a productive way? Listen to our interview with Hilary Giovale to find out the answer to that question and more! We discuss the challenges with having these conversations, how vulnerability plays a role in sharing our personal stories, and how white individuals can confront their guilt and engage in difficult conversations about their heritage and responsibility. Agree? Disagree? Have a story to share? Let us know! About Hilary: Hilary Giovale is a mother, writer, community organizer, and facilitator who lives on Hopi, Diné, Apache, and Havasupai land in Flagstaff, Arizona. A ninth-generation American settler, she is descended from Celtic, Germanic, Nordic, and Indigenous peoples of Ancient Europe. Hilary seeks to follow Indigenous and Black leadership in support of human rights, environmental justice, and equitable futures. As an active reparationist, her work is guided by intuition, love, and relationships. She divests from whiteness and bridges divides with truth, healing, apology, and forgiveness. She is the author of Becoming a Good Relative: Calling White Settlers toward Truth, Healing, and Repair. Learn more about her work at goodrelative.com. Check out Hilary's Guide to Making a Personal Reparations Plan. The book Hilary mentioned is: My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Healing our Hearts and Bodies, by Resmaa Menakem. This page has some links to independent booksellers who carry Hilary's book. All the proceeds from book sales go to Decolonizing Wealth Project and Jubilee Justice. https://www.goodrelative.com/book Contact us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Is it possible to talk about race and social justice in a productive way? Listen to our interview with Hilary Giovale to find out the answer to that question and more! We discuss the challenges with having these conversations, how vulnerability plays a role in sharing our personal stories, and how white individuals can confront their guilt and engage in difficult conversations about their heritage and responsibility.  Agree? Disagree? Have a story to share? Let us know!  About Hilary:  Hilary Giovale is a mother, writer, community organizer, and facilitator who lives on Hopi, Diné, Apache, and Havasupai land in Flagstaff, Arizona.  A ninth-generation American settler, she is descended from Celtic, Germanic, Nordic, and Indigenous peoples of Ancient Europe.  Hilary seeks to follow Indigenous and Black leadership in support of human rights, environmental justice, and equitable futures.  As an active reparationist, her work is guided by intuition, love, and relationships.  She divests from whiteness and bridges divides with truth, healing, apology, and forgiveness.  She is the author of Becoming a Good Relative: Calling White Settlers toward Truth, Healing, and Repair.  Learn more about her work at goodrelative.com. Check out Hilary's Guide to Making a Personal Reparations Plan. The book Hilary mentioned is: My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Healing our Hearts and Bodies, by Resmaa Menakem. This page has some links to independent booksellers who carry Hilary's book.  All the proceeds from book sales go to Decolonizing Wealth Project and Jubilee Justice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Difficult Conversations 03:30 Identity Transformation and Community Reactions 05:39 Engaging with Indigenous Communities 08:00 The Shift from Old to New Identity 11:00 Guilt and the Legacy of Colonialism 12:54 Navigating White Guilt in Conversations 15:33 The Power of Personal Storytelling 19:13 Vulnerability and Protection in Sharing Stories 22:39 Reconnecting with Ancestry and Identity 23:40 The Historical Context of Whiteness 29:02 Navigating Conversations with Conservative Family Members 29:48 Personal Reparations and Community Healing     Contact us:Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova  

Welcome to Season 3! Chris and Lucie are back with a whole new season, but we’re starting things off simple since Lucie’s tied up! In this episode, Chris delves into the importance of nonverbal communication and simplifies it, since it’s so misunderstood.  He talks about:  Why is it so important?  The 3 biggest misconceptions/myths about body language/nonverbal communication  The 1 simple thing to be aware of that can make a big difference What do you think? Contact us:Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

NOTES:   One more week of rest!  In this week's compilation, we re-visit episodes on how to talk about politics, money issues, and marriage issues.   Season 3 starts next week!   Contact us:Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

SHOW NOTES: More rest month!  In this week’s compilation episode, feedback is on the menu – specifically, how do you give feedback that sticks?  Chris and Lucie discuss five key elements that contribute to successful feedback and demonstrate how it could play out when an underperforming employee asks for a promotion they don’t qualify for. Takeaways  Effective feedback requires a structured approach.  Understanding employee motivations is crucial for feedback.  Specificity in feedback helps eliminate misunderstandings.  Coaching should accompany feedback for better outcomes.  Accountability structures are essential for follow-up.  Feedback should be seen as a supportive tool, not a punishment.  Managing emotions during feedback is key to effective communication.  Regular check-ins can help maintain accountability and progress. Contact us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova   

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Sexual AbuseIf you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988Canada: Call 1-1-833-456-4566 toll-free, anytime – or text 45645 between 4 pm and midnight EST.International Support info https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/ In this compilation episode, we are talking about a very difficult topic for many - suicide. Often, we avoid talking about it with someone else because of shame, or when someone mentions suicidal thoughts, we might want to cheer them up or change the topic. This compilation episode will equip you with practical, compassionate guidance on how to recognize when someone is in distress and how to have the conversations that could make all the difference. You will also hear Paula's story of grief, guilt, and healing that might give you understanding, compassion, and perhaps even your own healing. Thank you for your courage to have these difficult conversations and for caring. Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova 

“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday's logic.” – Peter Drucker Welcome to this special compilation episode of The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, where we explore the emotional, strategic, and human side of leading through change. This episode brings together powerful insights from five episodes across Season 2 to support you in navigating difficult transitions—whether you’re leading others through uncertainty or trying to find steady ground yourself. You’ll hear from leaders, coaches, and professionals on: Transitioning from military to civilian leadership and the deep lessons in self-leadership and autonomy (with Rick Fearnbaugh) Navigating communication challenges and energy depletion in the digital era (with Purdeep Sangha) Turning your own layoff into a launching pad for purpose (with Kelly Meerbott) How to support team members who resist change—especially with new technology (strategy episode with Lucie & Chris) How to deliver layoff messages with dignity, compassion, and clarity (with Summer Miller) Throughout this episode, we invite you to pause, reflect, and ask:What insight can I take from this to lead myself or others through change with more clarity, empathy, and courage? Need Support? Navigating change isn’t easy. If you want help applying these tools or having your next difficult conversation, reach out to Lucie or Chris — contact info is below. We’re here to help. Contact Lucie  If you’re interested in learning more about Lucie’s programs, visit her at www.mindfittery.com or email her at lucie@mindfittery.com  Contact Chris If you’re interested in learning more about Chris’ live difficult conversation course this September, email him at myleadershippotential@gmail.com   

Can you believe we are at the end of Season 2 of the Art & Science of the Difficult Conversations Podcast? What a journey it has been! We have had many amazing guests and episodes on different difficult topics to talk about, both in our personal and professional lives.  Today we focused on sharing the highlights from 6 different episodes, that had something in common - they all touched on how to set boundaries, and what to do in these situations when some spoken or unspoken boundary has been crossed.  This compilation includes:  Episode 1: How to Confidently Set Boundaries with Becky Upchurch Boundary-setting and people-pleasing. Importance of authenticity and showing up as one's true self. Practical strategies for saying "no" without guilt or extensive explanation. How to start with small steps in boundary-setting. Episode 2: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Trust Your Instincts with Emily Aarons Personal anecdote of setting boundaries within personal relationships and family expectations. Recognizing self-imposed limitations and setting boundaries with self-doubt.  Episode 3: Navigating Modern Dating with Whitney Kobrin   Setting boundaries and recognizing emotional manipulation in dating. Importance of identifying one's own needs clearly. Authenticity in relationships and clearly communicating boundaries early on.   Episode 4: How to Talk to Your Partner About Their Unhealthy Eating Navigating sensitive conversations by setting respectful boundaries. Balancing care and concern without overstepping personal boundaries. Clear communication to maintain relational trust. Episode 5: Navigating Conflict – Healthy Communication Strategies with Heather Garbutt   Techniques for maintaining healthy emotional boundaries during conflict. How to communicate clearly without defensiveness.   Episode 6: How to Handle a Peer Stealing Credit for Your Work   Practical strategies for addressing boundary violations professionally. How to assertively communicate without aggression or guilt. Importance of boundary clarity in maintaining professional respect.      

Summary:  In this episode, Chris and Lucie do their annual round up and reflect on season 2 of their podcast.  They discuss listener engagement, popular episodes, and personal insights gained from their conversations. Chris and Lucie also talk about how the guests have consistently highlighted the importance of difficult conversations in leadership and the impact of emotional intelligence. Towards the end, they share what to expect in season 3! Takeaways: -        The podcast has seen significant growth in listeners and downloads, more than they expected. -        Emotional intelligence is a popular topic among listeners -        Listeners appreciate actionable advice and real-life examples. Contact Lucie  If you’re interested in learning more about Lucie’s programs, visit her at www.mindfittery.com or email her at lucie@mindfittery.com  Contact Chris If you’re interested in learning more about Chris’ live difficult conversation course this September, email him at myleadershippotential@gmail.com 

What are the hard conversations business owners are avoiding?  This week, Chris and Lucie interview Nicky Billou, a bestselling author and entrepreneur, to talk about the hard conversations most business owners aren’t having – and what happens when they don’t.   Nicky shares his passion for entrepreneurship and shares a story of a business partnership that didn’t work out and how it resulted in the loss of a friendship.  He also shares about running a business with a romantic partner and a new way to thinking about sales. This week, we cover:  Difficult conversations can lead to better business outcomes if handled properly.  Maintaining boundaries in personal and business relationships is crucial.  Partnerships should be based on clear expectations and mutual respect.  Sales should be reframed as an act of service rather than a transaction.  Self-belief is vital for success and everyone needs someone to believe in them.  Sometimes difficult conversations won’t have a positive outcome. Nicky is the author of the books: Finish Line Thinking™: How to Think and Win Like a Champion, The Thought Leader’s Journey: A Fable of Life, and The Power Of Connecting: How To Activate Profitable Relationships By Serving Your Network. A two-time New York Times bestselling author, he is an in-demand and highly inspirational speaker to corporate audiences such as RBC, Lululemon, Royal LePage, and TorStar Media. He is an advisor and confidante to some of the most successful and dynamic entrepreneurs in Canada. He is the founder of eCircle Academy (www.eCircleAcademy.com) where he runs a yearlong Mastermind & Educational program working with Coaches, Consultants, Corporate Trainers, Clinic Owners, Realtors, Mortgage Brokers and other service-based Entrepreneurs, positioning them as authorities in their niche.  He also hosts the #1 podcast in the world on Thought Leadership, The Thought Leader Revolution. Connect with Nicky here: Website: https://www.ecircleacademy.com/appointment The Thought Leader Revolution Podcast: www.TheThoughtLeaderRevolution.com Connect with us:  Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this week’s episode, Chris flies solo without Lucie and interviews Heather Garbutt to discuss the intricacies of difficult conversations in relationships. They explore the importance of trust, commitment, and self-awareness, as well as the skills necessary for effective communication. The conversation delves into recognizing red flags, understanding triggers, and the significance of intentional discussions to navigate conflicts. Heather shares:   Communication is key to fostering deeper connections  What it means to be mutually intentional in relationships  How to better identify and understand your triggers  A simple date night template can help maintain connection and address issues Who is Heather? A world-renowned Psychotherapist and Coach specialising in Love and Relationships, Heather Garbutt brings swift and effective change to people struggling in their romantic life. Her hybrid model, blending coaching, psychotherapy, visioning and inner child work, provides deep and permanent results for her clients. She shines a light on the challenges and solutions to healthy relating, how to heal past hurts, and gives powerful tools to transform unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behaviours to create a richer and happier love life. Heather is on a mission to improve the quality of love relationships worldwide with the goal of empowering 10 million people to create true, loving, mutually supportive partnerships.  Contact Heather: Podcast: Revolutionise Your Love Life - https://heathergarbutt.com/podcast/breakup-brain/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyinlifeandheart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-garbutt-44a62b22/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather.garbutt.77/ Website: Www.heathergarbutt.com Email: Heather@heathergarbutt.com     Connect with us:  Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

In this episode, Chris and Lucie talk with Jannine MacKinnon, a certified sex, love, and relationship coach, to explore the complexities of difficult conversations surrounding sex. They talk about the societal taboos that hinder open communication about sex and the challenges faced in long-term relationships. Jannine’s approach emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, understanding the impact of pornography, and fostering self-love and body positivity.  She also provides practical advice for parents on discussing sexuality with their children and highlights the significance of connection over solely physical pleasure.  We cover:   Sex is a taboo topic that needs to be addressed.  Long-term relationships can face challenges with intimacy.  Societal expectations can create feelings of inadequacy.  Starting conversations about sex outside the bedroom is key.  Pornography can negatively impact relationships and self-image.  Using straightforward language about sex can help ease discomfort.  Sacred sexuality focuses on connection rather than just physical acts.  Parents should engage in open discussions about sexuality with their children.  Creating a safe space for conversations fosters deeper connections. Connect with Jannine: Jannine MacKinnon is a Certified Sex, Love, and Relationship Coach and host of the Unapologetic with Jannine MacKinnon podcast. Known for her grounded, real-talk approach to sacred sexuality, she helps women navigate intimacy, embodiment, and the hard conversations that lead to deeper connection and confidence.  Want to reconnect with your sensuality? Start with Jannine’s free Honey Pot Meditation: https://JannineMacKinnon.com/honey-pot Craving real talk on sex, feminine power, and sensual embodiment? Listen to Unapologetic with Jannine MacKinnon https://JannineMacKinnon.com/podcast Discover Jannine’s offers and deeper work at https://JannineMacKinnon.com  Email: info@janninemackinnon.com Instagram: @Jannine.MacKinnon  Connect with us:  Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

How much "knowledge" and information do you daily consume, but don't apply? Join us for a reflection & celebration episode, where Chris and Lucie reflect on their clients' powerful wins and real-world transformations made possible by having one honest, courageous conversation. From ethical layoffs to overcoming perfectionism and burnout, this episode offers insight into how small shifts in communication and mindset can create big ripple effects in leadership and life. What You'll Hear: How a nonprofit saved multiple jobs after applying lessons from Episode 37 on compassionate layoffs Why clarity is a leadership superpower (and how one leader created better team dynamics in just 20 minutes) A client story of parting ways with a misaligned contractor—with compassion and self-respect How perfectionism and people-pleasing sabotage well-being, and one leader’s journey to reclaim her time and energy A reminder: What’s the one conversation you might be avoiding—and what might change if you finally had it? Resources & Mentions: Episode 37: How to Have Layoffs with Compassion featuring Summer Miller Positive Intelligence framework (PQ) for understanding saboteurs Brene Brown's wisdom: “Clarity is kindness.” 🔔 Bell of Wins: Lucie and Chris ring the metaphorical bell for courageous clients who dared to have the hard conversations—and invite you to share your own story with them, too!  Connect with us:  Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc https://myleadershippotential.com/ Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova, www.mindfittery.com 

What does it really take to transition from military life back into the civilian world—and how do you talk about the trauma that comes with it? And equally important – how do you talk with a veteran about their experiences?  This week, Chris and Lucie sit down with Ryan Casavant, a Marine Corps veteran who now works with Home Base, a program dedicated to helping veterans heal from PTSD and trauma-related challenges. In this deep and powerful conversation, we explore:   How military service shapes identity  The emotional toll of transitioning to civilian life  Why open conversations and community are critical to healing  Ryan shares his personal story of service, struggle, and growth—and how finding the right kind of support made all the difference. From casual conversations that spark deeper healing to the power of moral injury and emotional awareness, this episode is a masterclass in empathy, understanding, and transformation.    Key Takeaways  Sharing personal experiences can unlock deeper healing.  Trauma looks different for everyone—and that’s okay.  Casual settings often lead to the most meaningful conversations.  The transition from military to civilian life is complex and emotional.  Mental health support isn’t optional—it’s essential.  Growth often begins where your comfort zone ends.  Family and friend support is a vital part of recovery.  Genuine connection saves lives—literally.  The way we talk about trauma is changing, especially in the military.  Asking the hard questions opens doors to deeper understanding.  Teenagers are surprisingly good at emotional honesty—we can learn from them.  Superficial conversations often stem from emotional discomfort.  Transitioning between military and civilian life requires more than just a change in job—it’s a change in identity.  Resources for veterans and families are out there—and worth exploring.   About Ryan and Home Base Ryan is a Marine Corps veteran and advocate for veteran mental health. He currently works with Home Base, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans, service members, and their families struggling with the invisible wounds of war—like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and moral injury.   With firsthand experience navigating the emotional and psychological challenges of military service and transition, our guest brings empathy, insight, and actionable advice for veterans and civilians alike. His passion for helping others stems from his own journey and a deep belief in the power of human connection and healing.  Learn more about the programs:  Home Base – https://www.homebase.org Reach Ryan - rcasavant@mgh.harvard.edu    Did something resonate with you in this episode? Do you have a story about transition, trauma, or healing to share? We’d love to hear from you. Tag us on social media or drop us a note at tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com

Our podcast conversations are not scripted; we go with the flow. And in this episode, even though we started about managing a large group of people, and how to keep people accountable, we transitioned into another big topic in difficult conversations that many people struggle with or have a bad feeling about - sales. Whether you're leading a team, building your own business, or just trying to get your ideas heard, you are dealing with sales, rejection and possible conflict. Join us today, with Jamaal Mullings, to get inspired, re-motivated to persevere and take that next step, and start again, even when you had a streak of "bad luck" and rejections. Key Takeaways: Jamal started his podcasting journey in 2020 after hosting events.Community and connection are vital for human interaction.Bringing people together can be challenging due to differing opinions.It's important to listen to everyone's ideas but make your own decisions.Building trust is essential in sales and requires genuine interaction.Handling rejection is part of the sales process; every door is a new story.A positive mindset can help overcome challenges in sales.Authenticity and being genuine are key to building relationships.Salespeople should focus on their motivation rather than fear of bothering others.Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. Chapters00:00Introduction and Podcasting Journey02:59The Evolution of Event Hosting05:35Transitioning to Podcasting08:51Building Community and Connection12:01Challenges in Bringing People Together14:42Navigating Difficult Conversations17:38Sales and Trust Building20:57Handling Rejection in Sales23:54The Importance of Genuine Interactions35:23Understanding Patterns in Life and Business36:19The Bias for Action in Entrepreneurship37:23Translating Work Mentality to Personal Life38:49The Importance of Positivity and Trust40:24Creating a Happy Work Environment42:28Diverse Experiences in the Service Industry44:34Effective Strategies for Handling Sales Rejections49:04Navigating Difficult Conversations51:10Building Genuine Connections in Sales56:34Overcoming the Fear of Bothering Others01:00:14The Go-Getter Mentality in Sales01:01:36Key Takeaways for Success in Sales Connect with Jamaal https://www.instagram.com/overtheweekend.podcast 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.] 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