Communication Skills for Working Women Podcast:Effective Communication, Healthy Relationships, Direct Communication

Reaching out to a quiet or withdrawn friend seems simple but for many of us, it feels surprisingly hard. In this episode, we explore why caring deeply doesn’t always translate into action, and how a maladaptive internal process can quietly keep us from making meaningful connection. In this episode, we unpack the fears, assumptions, and protective strategies that stop us from reaching out and offer practical, low-pressure ways to show up for the people we care about. This episode is for anyone who has thought, “I should check on them,” and then talked themselves out of it. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why reaching out to quiet friends triggers hesitation, overthinking, and avoidance How hidden commitments (like not wanting to intrude or say the wrong thing) block connection The common assumptions that keep us silent—and how to test them Why “no response needed” messages can be powerful Four simple, low-pressure strategies for reaching out Why consistency matters more than perfect words We would love to connect with you. Facebook: Communication Skills for Working Women Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com

An unscripted conversation about what happens when “tell me more” doesn’t lead to understanding but instead reveals pain, anger, and the limits of curiosity as well as how that insight can actually calm you. Ever try to get curious, ask questions, or say statements like “tell me more” and you are met with resistance or even anger?  This can then increase your anxiety around conversations.   In this episode we unpack a text message in real time - share our thoughts and insights - and leave you with some key take aways around tone, awareness and efforts in communication. Join us for this real conversation! Join our Facebook Group Interested in Coaching? Reach out here. Discussed Resources: Blind Spot Episode 027: 3 Tips on getting curious to transform your anxious conversations to calm   Quick Explanation of the ‘Wise Mind’ (AI) Wise Mind is a core concept in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) representing the integration of your Emotional Mind (driven by feelings) and your Reasonable Mind (driven by logic and facts) to achieve balanced, intuitive, and effective decisions and actions, acting as a middle path or inner wisdom. It combines emotional awareness with rational thinking, allowing you to respond to situations with both clarity and compassion, leading to healthier choices and a life worth living.

https://communicateconnectthrive.com/ Difficult conversations about discrimination, inequity, and exclusion often escalate not because of bad intentions, but because they activate deep internal protection systems. In this episode, we help listeners understand: Why defensiveness, silence, or over-explaining show up How hidden commitments protect identity at the expense of connection How to stay regulated and engaged during high-stakes conversations How to build real capacity for equity-centered dialogue over time In this episode: Why “good intentions” aren’t enough in conversations The four elements of the Immunity to Change framework How hidden commitments drive conflict behaviors Practical,  interventions that reduce escalation Tools for facilitators and leaders navigating group conflict If you’re navigating difficult conversations around equity and belonging, you’re not failing you’re developing. Connection grows when we slow down enough to examine what’s happening inside.

Connect with us!  https://communicateconnectthrive.com/ Neurodiversity at Work: Communication Shifts That Change Everything Neurodiversity isn’t a trend or a deficit, it’s a fact of human variation. In this episode, we examine how neurotypical assumptions shape workplaces, families, and relationships and why good intentions alone aren’t enough to create access. Rather than focusing on how neurodivergent people should adapt, this episode explores what neurotypical people can shift internally and systemically to support real inclusion. In This Episode: Why “treating everyone the same” isn’t neutral How neurotypical assumptions become invisible rules Why accommodations trigger resistance How hidden commitments preserve barriers How to distinguish fairness from sameness How to support difference without lowering standards

When was the last time you avoided asking for something you needed at work and what fear was really driving that avoidance? Do you find yourself waiting for someone to notice your value instead of advocating for yourself and what might that silence be costing you? What would change if you believed that asking for fair compensation was professional and appropriate, not greedy or entitled?  Today we're sharing how to confidently ask for a raise (or any other need at work) so you can overcome hidden fears and advocate for yourself effectively. What you'll learn: Why "just ask" advice doesn't work (and what actually does) The hidden commitments keeping you from speaking up How to respond to "yes," "no," or "maybe later" Why asking for what you need is professional, not selfish Resources Raquel the Capacity Coach Communicate Connect Thrive Contact: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com  

In this episode of the Communication Skills for Working Women Podcast, we explore why clear communication isn’t just a skill issue—it’s often driven by hidden fears and internal protection systems. We guide you through a practical, compassionate process to understand what’s really getting in the way of speaking clearly and confidently at work. You’ll learn how well-intentioned habits like self-editing, rehearsing, and monitoring how you’re perceived are often strategies designed to protect belonging, approval, and safety. Rather than forcing yourself to “be bolder,” this episode shows you how to practice clarity in a way that feels grounded, authentic, and sustainable. Connect With Us: Facebook Group: Develop Confidence in Relationships Through Effective Communication Skills Website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com If this episode supported you, please leave a review and share it with another working woman who wants to communicate clearly and confidently in the new year. Until next time— Speak clearly, and listen bravely.

As the year comes to a close, this episode of the Communication Skills for Working Women Podcast invites you into a thoughtful year-end reflection focused on communication, emotional well-being, connection, and personal growth. In this episode, we walk through a powerful and practical reflection exercise centered on what to leave behind and what to take forward into the new year. This process can be used in your personal life, workplace, leadership teams, families, and relationships to create clarity, closure, and renewed confidence. We discuss how habits like taking offense, hiding, shame, anxiety, and disconnection can quietly undermine communication at work and at home—and how intentionally releasing them can open the door to calm, curiosity, creativity, and stronger relationships. You’ll hear personal stories and real-life examples that demonstrate how curiosity instead of offense, and reflection instead of reactivity, can transform communication and help working women thrive emotionally, relationally, and professionally. This episode also marks the closing of a chapter for the podcast and gently introduces the transition into a new season and direction ahead. The end of the year is an opportunity to honor both the good and the difficult experiences—and to decide what you will carry forward. By letting go of anxiety and offense and choosing curiosity, reflection, and connection, you create space to communicate clearly, connect deeply, and thrive in the year ahead. Facebook Group: Develop Confidence in Relationships Through Effective Communication Skills Website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with another working woman who wants to strengthen her communication skills and relationships.

We kick off the episode with a powerful reminder: curiosity is the antidote to anxious communication. We talk about the truth that most misunderstandings don’t come from lack of love—but from lack of clarity. When you stop filling in the blanks with anxious assumptions and instead get curious, communication becomes gentler, easier, and more productive. We also share 3 tips that can change everything. Let Curiosity Lead!  Until next time Think Clearly and Listen Bravely! We would love to connect with you. Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com

When you leave a conversation, how often do you replay every word in your head?” “Do you notice yourself planning what to say next instead of truly listening?” “What fear shows up when you think you ‘said the wrong thing’ or ‘looked awkward’?”   Today we’re breaking down the hidden fears and habits that fuel overthinking — so you can engage authentically without the anxiety or getting stuck in your own head.     Apologies That Actually Heal Relationships (What makes an apology real—and how to apologize without excuses)  

When someone gives you feedback, what’s your first thought?  Are you listening, or are you already defending yourself? Do you separate your sense of self from the feedback, or do you take it personally every time? What’s one thing you avoid doing when you receive feedback that could actually help you grow?” Today we’re sharing how to receive feedback effectively, so you can learn, grow, and stay grounded without getting anxious and defensive and maybe you can even build some connection.   We would love to connect with you! Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com Until next time, speak clearly; listen bravely.

When was the last time you gave feedback and the other person reacted defensively?  What might have been different if you had focused on behavior instead of character? Do you tend to hold back honest feedback to avoid conflict?  How might that impact trust and growth in your relationships Today we’re sharing how to balance honesty with empathy so you can communicate your point without hurting the relationship. We would love to connect with you! Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com Until next time, speak clearly; listen bravely.  

How do you tend to treat people you disagree with — like opponents or as fellow humans with different experiences? When was the last time you shut down or tuned out during a disagreement — and what might’ve changed if you had paused to get curious instead   Today we’re sharing four practical tips for staying open-minded when you disagree — so you can keep calm, stay grounded, and actually hear what others are saying.   Connect with us! Instagram: Communicationskillsforwomen; https://www.instagram.com/communicationskillsforwomen/?hl=en Facebook:Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com

When you feel anxious in a conversation, what are you doing or not doing that fuels that anxiety? What fear shows up when you imagine saying the ‘wrong thing’? If you let go of needing to be perfect, what could change in how you participate? Today we’re sharing how to manage anxiety during conversations; so you can stay calm, present, and speak with confidence. We’re breaking down the hidden beliefs and commitments that fuel conversation anxiety so you can participate authentically without getting stuck in your head. Connect with Us: Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com

Ever feel anxious when you are communicating with someone older or younger than you?  Do you feel nervous when someone from another generation has strong views that differ from yours?  When was the last time you assumed someone’s perspective was ‘wrong’ just because of their age — and how might that assumption have affected your conversation? Do you find yourself sticking rigidly to your preferred communication style — and how could adapting to someone from another generation improve the outcome? Today we’re sharing practical strategies for communicating effectively across generations at home and at work — so you can reduce misunderstandings and manage conflict.  Instagram Facebook Website Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com  

When have you noticed power or privilege shaping who gets heard or who stays silent in your workplace or relationships? How do you respond internally when someone brings up privilege do you feel open, defensive, curious, or uncertain? What’s one small way you could use your position, experience, or voice to create more space for others in everyday conversations? You’ll learn four practical ways to bring awareness and empathy into conversations shaped by power or difference.  This episode helps you move from defensiveness to dialogue so you can lead, listen, and communicate with deeper presence and authenticity. Facebook: Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com   Until next time, speak clearly Listen bravely

Ever had someone ask a question that’s just… a little too personal?  Oh yes. And then you freeze—do you answer, change the subject, or lie about it?  Today, we’re giving you 4 simple, polite responses you can use to protect your privacy without offending anyone.  And we’ll walk through our 6-step communication framework to help you set boundaries with clarity and kindness.   We are sharing ways to respond when someone asks a question that was too personal, or you just don’t want to share.   Ruth I Your Speech Strategist - you can find her on IG @becomethatspeaker Connect with us! Instagram: Communicationskillsforwomen; https://www.instagram.com/communicationskillsforwomen/?hl=en Facebook:Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com  

Ever find yourself stuck in a conversation thinking, “How do I get out of this?”  You’re nodding politely, but inside you’re panicking.  Today, we’re talking about how to end conversations gracefully.  We’ll share insights to help you leave conversations kindly, clearly, and confidently. In this episode we take you through our 6 step communication skills process.  You’ll identify your goal around ending conversations, explore your hidden commitments, and learn some skills to apply! APPLY Connect with us! Instagram: Communicationskillsforwomen; https://www.instagram.com/communicationskillsforwomen/?hl=en Facebook:Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com

Have you ever set a communication goal—maybe to speak up in meetings, set a clear boundary, or have a tough conversation—only to find yourself stuck repeating the same patterns? In this episode, we’ll walk through a 6-step framework to uncover the hidden commitments and big assumptions keeping you from real change. By the end, you’ll have a practical way to test those assumptions and move forward with clarity and courage. APPLY Connect with us! Instagram: Communicationskillsforwomen; https://www.instagram.com/communicationskillsforwomen/?hl=en Facebook:Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com

Apply for our Communication Skills Beta Workshop HERE .  See you soon! Why does making—and keeping—friends as an adult feel so much harder than it used to, and what if it’s not about you at all—but about how adult friendships actually form? We’re sharing the 3 rules of adult friendship—proximity, time, and seasons of life— so you can stop feeling like you’re failing at friendship and start building connections that feel real and sustainable. Connect with us! This podcast is designed to help you do just that. Each week, we share practical, communication skills you can apply right away, at work, at home, and in the relationships that matter most. 🎧 Hit play to learn a new skill you can start using today. Ready to dive deeper? ✨ Join our BETA Communication Skills Workshop: Apply Here ✨ Follow us on Instagram: @CommunicationSkillsforWomen ✨ Visit us at: communicateconnectthrive.com  ✨ Email us: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com ✨ Join Our BETA Communication Skills Workshop ✨ Happening Tuesdays: October 21, 28 ⏰ 6:00pm MT | 8:00pm ET OR Saturday: November 1, 8 ⏰ 9:00am MT | 11:00am ET Across 2 live, 50-minute sessions, we’ll cover: Session 1: You’ll start with a personalized assessment to uncover the communication gaps holding you back, then dive into the first two steps to reveal the hidden psychological barriers that keep you from speaking openly. Session 2: In this follow-up session, we’ll move into Steps 3 and 4, giving you the tools to disrupt old cycles and create sustainable, lasting change in the way you communicate. You’ll leave with a personalized action plan for improving your communication going forward. All sessions will be live and virtual, so you can join from anywhere. Each session is just 50 minutes—easy to fit into your busy schedule. Spots are limited — save yours today! 👉 Apply Here We’re Elizabeth and Rosemay, women, mothers, spouses, friends. Rosemay is a therapist and current PhD candidate, and Elizabeth is a facilitator and coach.   Over the last 20 years, we’ve lived, worked, and studied across different industries and cultures, and one thing has become clear: there’s no substitute for communication. Skill gaps can be fixed, connection is a basic human need, and when you learn to communicate with clarity, you can truly thrive. We look forward to meeting you!

Here’s the thing: we can’t avoid small talk. It’s in the office, on the sidelines at soccer games, at the grocery store… everywhere. But it doesn’t have to feel draining or fake. In fact, it can be a doorway to deeper connection.  Let’s hop back to our conversation. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down how to skip the fluff and start connecting in a way that actually feels good. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/training/#books Connect with us! Here’s a link for Vanessa’s book: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/training/#books Instagram: Communicationskillsforwomen; https://www.instagram.com/communicationskillsforwomen/?hl=en Facebook:Develop confidence in relationships through effective communication skills Visit our website: communicateconnectthrive.com Email: communicationskillsforwomen@gmail.com