In Episode 57 of the Talent Sherpa podcast, Jackson Lynch and co-host Scott Morris unpack one of leadership’s toughest balancing acts: delivering accountability with compassion.

They challenge the common misconception that empathy means avoiding hard truths, arguing instead that real compassion involves respectful but direct feedback.

Jackson shares stories from his experiences at PepsiCo and Nestlé, illustrating how transparent, feedback-rich cultures build trust and high performance. Scott emphasizes that avoiding tough conversations serves no one. It only prioritizes temporary comfort over long-term organizational health.

They also tackle the critical question: should senior executives delegate the responsibility of hard feedback to HR, or must they own it themselves?

This conversation will equip you with practical ways to build a feedback-dense culture, navigate uncomfortable conversations gracefully, and ultimately create an environment where your best talent feels seen, valued, and challenged.

If you're ready to raise the bar, this one's for you.