Episodios

  • 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 – [email protected]
    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 – [email protected]
    Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
    Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

     

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  • 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 – [email protected]
    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 controlSetting boundaries is a muscle, start small and work your way upBoundaries 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: [email protected]: www.highergoodcoaching.com;Instagram: www.instagram.com/beckyupchurch_Facebook: www.facebook.com/HigherGoodCoachingLinkedin: 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 – [email protected]
    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 – [email protected]
    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 – [email protected]
    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 brothersOften times, they also experience trauma as a result of learning these things and need support as wellFinding 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 – [email protected]
    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 – [email protected]

    Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

    Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

     

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

    Five elements of giving effective feedbackHow to ask for a raiseHow 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 – [email protected]

    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 – [email protected]

    Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

    Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

    --

     Connect with Christopher Hensley here:

    www.houstonfirstfinancialgroup.com

    www.moneymatterspodcast.com 

     Email - [email protected]

    -

    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

     

  • 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 – [email protected]

    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 – [email protected]

    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 feedbackHow to balance honesty with empathyCommon 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 – [email protected]

    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 – [email protected]
    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 – [email protected]
    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 – [email protected]
    Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
    Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

  • 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 performanceCoaching strategies for new role adaptationBalancing support with accountabilityRoleplay: 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 – [email protected]
    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 – [email protected]
    Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
    Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

    Difficult Conversations Newsletter

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

  • 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 holidaysBalancing competing family dynamics and expectationsNavigating family guilt and boundary-settingThe 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 – [email protected]

    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=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ahadbudhanihttps://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 – [email protected]

    Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc

    Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova