In this debut episode of the Unstressed Exec podcast's four-part conflict mastery series, Dr. George Vergolias, an executive and resilience coach, guides listeners through the complexities of conflict. He redefines conflict beyond just fights and tensions, explaining it as the occurrence of competing needs, goals, or perceptions.

Dr. Vergolias highlights various conflict response styles from the Thomas-Kilmann model and discusses the importance of self-awareness in managing conflict. Delving into the emotional roots of conflict, he emphasizes the role of attachment styles and past experiences. Additionally, he explores the factors that fuel conflict, such as unspoken expectations and misperceptions, and distinguishes between high-stakes and low-stakes conflicts.

Dr. Vergolias also advises on the power of curiosity and emotional regulation in resolving conflicts and encourages listeners to rewrite their inherited conflict stories. Key takeaways include the transformative potential of managing conflict effectively and the importance of curiosity and regulation as superpowers in conflict resolution.

00:00 Introduction to Conflict Mastery Series

01:28 Redefining Conflict

02:20 Common Responses to Conflict

03:55 Emotional Roots of Conflict

06:03 Sources of Conflict

09:21 High Stakes vs Low Stakes Conflict

12:16 Curiosity: The Antidote to Conflict

15:41 Rewriting Your Conflict Story

21:04 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways

22:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

About the Host – The Unstressed Exec

Meet Dr. George Vergolias — a clinical and forensic corporate psychologist turned executive coach with 20+ years at the intersection of leadership, mental resilience, and high performance. George has advised Fortune 500 companies, guided C-suite leaders through crisis, and coached high-achievers to reclaim clarity, calm, and purpose without losing their edge.

On The Unstressed Exec, George brings powerful insights from the boardroom to the mic — helping leaders navigate stress, burnout, conflict, and transformation with practical tools and no-BS wisdom.

If you're ready to lead with strength and sanity, tune in. And when you're ready to go deeper, reach out for one-on-one executive or leadership coaching. This isn’t therapy — it’s your next level. Let’s build the life and leadership you actually want.

🎯 Listen. Grow. Lead — at The Unstressed Exec

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