Explore every episode of the podcast The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Get Real Agreement When Everyone Cares Too Much, with Elizabeth Schuster & Marissa Ferrari | 06 oct. 2026 | 00:28:14 | |
Strategic planning is hard in any organization. In a nonprofit, where people's identities are tied to the mission, every priority feels personal, and every cut feels like a betrayal of values. In this Season 4 premiere, Lucie and Chris talk with Elizabeth Schuster and Marissa Ferrari, co-leaders of Sustainable Economies, about what really happens in the room when passionate people have to decide together. They share how they design processes that expect conflict instead of fearing it, why "safe to disagree" still isn't enough to prevent false agreement, and the inner work facilitators and leaders need to do so they can stay steady when the room gets tense. Meet our guestsElizabeth Schuster, Environmental Economist and Partner, Sustainable Economies Elizabeth is an economic professional with 25 years of experience in sustainability and community development, in the U.S. and around the world. She was educated at Oberlin College and the University of Arizona. She has partnered with conservation nonprofits, park districts, museums and botanical gardens, coalitions, agricultural organizations, and municipalities. Her research covers regenerative agriculture economics, food production, and ecosystem service valuation. Her work has earned national recognition, including awards from the American Farm Bureau Federation and the NJ Association of Floodplain Management. She is passionate about bridging gaps and bringing data and strategy together to drive positive change. Marissa Ferrari, Creative Director, Sustainable Economies Marissa is a researcher, brand strategist, and facilitator and a trusted advisor to local and national leaders in conservation, parks, land protection, and environmental education. She uses a research-driven approach to shape strategy, messaging, and organizational identity, helping mission-driven organizations unite purpose and potential to reach their most ambitious goals. Over 25 years, she has worked her way up from writer to senior director. She has led dozens of large-scale research, strategy, and branding projects for nonprofits, public agencies, and coalitions, including American Forests' Tree Equity initiative, the High Line Network's Grand River Network river corridor revitalization, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's land trust. She is certified by the International Association for Sustainable Economy (IASE) as an International Sustainable Business Advisor. Sustainable Economies is a strategic planning, branding and communications, and applied research firm based in Wooster, Ohio. It helps mission-driven organizations turn their passion into strategic plans that make a difference, not a pretty binder that sits on a shelf. 🔗 https://sustainableeconomies.com 🔗 Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfschuster/ 🔗 Marissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaferrari What we cover
Notable quotes"Just because someone is annoyed doesn't mean we said the wrong thing." (Elizabeth)"Even if you create an environment where people feel safe to disagree, you still get smiling and nodding." (Elizabeth)"They were trying to avoid conflict by having everybody reach consensus, but instead created a lot more conflict by avoiding the decision themselves." (Marissa)"When they see that we can navigate through that tension, it restores their trust in us as facilitators, but it also deepens their trust in themselves and in each other." (Marissa)"That is still something that I have to coach myself about to this day." (Marissa, on nerves before big meetings)"No nonprofit professional in the history of ever has wanted to sunset their favorite program." (Elizabeth)Listener challenge In your next team decision, don't take a nod as agreement. Pause and ask: "Can someone say back, in their own words, what we just agreed to?" If you hear two different versions, you've found the real conversation. Bonus inner-game rep: the next time someone looks frustrated with you, notice the urge to explain again. Take one breath and let the silence do the work. Your hostsLucie Tesarova is the founder of MindFittery and an ICF PCC-credentialed coach who helps leaders build the mental fitness and emotional intelligence to lead through high-stakes conversations. Her focus is the inner game: what happens inside you before, during, and after the hard moment. 🔗 https://www.mindfittery.com | Newsletter: https://mindfittery.kit.com/profile Chris Wong helps leaders and for-purpose organizations build intentional cultures and systems through End Accidental Leadership. His focus is the outer game: structures, culture, and how teams really work. 🔗 https://www.myleadershippotential.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc 📘 Download the Difficult Conversation Playbook for Leaders: https://www.tinyurl.com/difficultplaybook Listen, watch, subscribe🎧 Podcast: https://tas-difficultconversations.captivate.fm ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversations ✉️ Newsletter: https://the-art-science-of-difficult-conversations-podcast.kit.com/ The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations: when you communicate better, you live better. | |||
| Is AI making us end the show? | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:14:33 | |
Sorry for the click-bait title, but as season 3 comes to an end, Lucie and Chris have some big news to share. They also spend a few minutes talking about the rise of AI, especially how it impacts difficult conversations. Then they share some BIG news for listeners. How will you spend the summer? Connect with us:
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| How to facilitate heavy group topics (Part 2 with Frank Velasquez, Jr.) | 30 juin 2026 | 00:22:35 | |
In part 2 of their conversation, Frank joins Chris and Lucie to talk through the steps of facilitating restorative circles, the preparation that makes group conversations successful, and the secrets of facilitating well. Together, they go through practical tips for facilitators and leaders to create safe, impactful spaces for dialogue and healing. Key Takeaways:
About Frank (He/Him/His) Storyteller Extraordinaire, Social Justice Warrior, and Relationship Cultivator! In relentless pursuit of racial and gender equity, Frank’s warmth brings folks together to talk through the tough stuff. To Frank, every person’s story matters like each ingredient in a yummy bowl of gumbo. Each standing on its own, but together making something unforgettable. From major conferences like the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, AFP ICON, and AFP Lead to training rooms everywhere from Walt Disney World to the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Frank has reached thousands of folks with narratives that just hit different, leaving each group invigorated with his unique blend of storytelling magic, quick wit, and social justice fire! As the Founder of 4 Da Hood and the visionary behind the Ascending Leaders in Color leadership program, Frank forges pathways for Peeps of Color to step into their power - authentically, courageously, and with unapologetic joy. Because for Frank, advancing equity isn’t just a job - it's about thriving in a world our ancestors dreamed for us, a world where communities of color have the same access and opportunity to build their generational wealth. And he's doing it one connection, one story, one courageous conversation at a time. Connect with Frank:
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| How to use Restorative Justice Circles to lead better groups (Part 1 with Frank Velasquez Jr.) | 23 juin 2026 | 00:20:33 | |
In this week’s episode, Frank Velásquez Jr. joins Chris and Lucie to share his journey into restorative justice, leadership as a person of color, and how restorative circles can transform organizational culture. Discover practical insights on authentic leadership, facilitation, and creating safe spaces for difficult conversations.
About Frank (He/Him/His) Storyteller Extraordinaire, Social Justice Warrior, and Relationship Cultivator! In relentless pursuit of racial and gender equity, Frank’s warmth brings folks together to talk through the tough stuff. To Frank, every person’s story matters like each ingredient in a yummy bowl of gumbo. Each standing on its own, but together making something unforgettable. From major conferences like the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, AFP ICON, and AFP Lead to training rooms everywhere from Walt Disney World to the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Frank has reached thousands of folks with narratives that just hit different, leaving each group invigorated with his unique blend of storytelling magic, quick wit, and social justice fire! As the Founder of 4 Da Hood and the visionary behind the Ascending Leaders in Color leadership program, Frank forges pathways for Peeps of Color to step into their power - authentically, courageously, and with unapologetic joy. Because for Frank, advancing equity isn’t just a job - it's about thriving in a world our ancestors dreamed for us, a world where communities of color have the same access and opportunity to build their generational wealth. And he's doing it one connection, one story, one courageous conversation at a time. Connect with Frank:
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| How to Communicate as a Leader when Times are Tough | 16 juin 2026 | 00:21:34 | |
In this episode, Will Hobart shares insights on leadership, transparency, managing anxiety, and building trust within organizations. Discover practical strategies for effective communication and authentic leadership in challenging times. About our guest:Will Hobart is an education leader, strategist, and nonprofit executive with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex challenges, build strong partnerships, and create opportunities for student success. His career has included roles as a middle school teacher, school district administrator, and nonprofit leader, providing a unique perspective on how communication, trust, and collaboration drive meaningful change. Throughout his career, Will has led efforts to expand college access, strengthen career pathways, and improve outcomes for young people. He is passionate about bringing people together across diverse perspectives to solve complex problems and create lasting impact. Will believes that many of the most important breakthroughs in organizations and communities begin with honest, courageous conversations. He has led teams through periods of growth, uncertainty, and transformation, and has seen how empathy, curiosity, and clarity can strengthen relationships and move people toward shared goals. Contact Will: Connect with us:
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| When your team isn't on the same page | 09 juin 2026 | 00:38:38 | |
How do you align a team that doesn't seem to be reading the same page, or even the same book? In Part 1 of our conversation with nonprofit leader Will Hobart, we dig into one of the hardest tensions in leadership: caring deeply about your people while still driving toward clear goals and results. Will shares the lessons that shaped him, from a fifth-grade conflict-resolution program to the rigid, resource-constrained world of public education, to scaling a 90-year-old nonprofit. Along the way, he gets honest about the moment hard feedback forced him to confront the gap between his intent and his impact, and how he learned that his team's different needs and ambitions weren't a lack of drive but just a different seat at the table. If you've ever felt pulled between the strategy you're accountable for and the empathy your team needs from you, this one's for you. About our guest:Will Hobart is an education leader, strategist, and nonprofit executive with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex challenges, build strong partnerships, and create opportunities for student success. His career has included roles as a middle school teacher, school district administrator, and nonprofit leader, providing a unique perspective on how communication, trust, and collaboration drive meaningful change. Throughout his career, Will has led efforts to expand college access, strengthen career pathways, and improve outcomes for young people. He is passionate about bringing people together across diverse perspectives to solve complex problems and create lasting impact. Will believes that many of the most important breakthroughs in organizations and communities begin with honest, courageous conversations. He has led teams through periods of growth, uncertainty, and transformation, and has seen how empathy, curiosity, and clarity can strengthen relationships and move people toward shared goals. Contact us:
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| Unlock Your Potential with CIDER Strategies: A Step-by-Step Guide | 02 juin 2026 | 00:24:25 | |
In this interview with leadership coach Lucie Tesarova, Tina Paulus-Krause shares her transformative methodology, CIDER strategies, designed to help individuals achieve clarity, set intentions, maintain discipline, and manage energy for personal and professional growth. Discover practical tools for self-awareness, overcoming burnout, and creating a meaningful leadership legacy. 00:04 The CIDER Methodology for Transformation 12:16 Self-Awareness and Grace in Leadership 16:11 Key Takeaways and Legacy in LeadershipResources & Links Connect with Tina: Contact us:
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| From Burnout to Bliss: Transformational Leadership and Self-Awareness with Tina Paulus Krause (part 1) | 26 mai 2026 | 00:33:21 | |
In this inspiring interview, Tina Pullous Kraus shares her transformative journey from burnout and personal struggles to becoming a transformation trainer. Discover practical insights on emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and how to create lasting change in your life and relationships. Chapters 00:00 From Burnout to Bliss: A Personal Journey 04:54 Generational Healing and Transformation 10:18 Awareness and Emotional Intelligence 13:47 Difficult Conversations: Starting with Ourselves 18:18 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Shame 23:11 Redefining Leadership: Collaboration Over Control 25:05 Defining Core Values Resources & Links Connect with Tina: Contact us:
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| How to address underperformance when the employee is a friend (Part 2 with Ashley Cox) | 19 mai 2026 | 00:20:59 | |
In our follow up to last week’s episode, Ashley and Chris continue talking about navigating difficult conversations, especially when dealing with friends or family in a professional setting. Especially when they start bringing things back up or get more defensive, it can feel like you’re on the edge of losing an employee AND a friend. Hear how Ashley walks us through: - How to address underperformance in friends or family. - How to maintain your humanity to be an effective leader. - How to set clear boundaries and expectations prevent future conflicts. - How to use empathy and understanding to resolve issues with friends or family. - How to take ownership to turn problems into opportunities for growth.
About Ashley Ashley Cox, PHR, SHRM-CP is a leadership mentor for ambitious women business owners who have a team but no time. She empowers them to become courageous and confident leaders, and build high-performance teams they can trust and rely on (without constantly chasing them to get things done). Ashley is also a sought-after speaker, author of the book Transform Your Stories, and host of The Impact Ripple Podcast
Connect with Ashley
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| How can women in leadership thrive? (Part 1 with Ashley Cox) | 12 mai 2026 | 00:21:26 | |
In this week’s interview, Ashley Cox, a leadership mentor and expert in women in business, joins Chris to share her insights on leadership, gender dynamics, and building successful, people-centered businesses. Lucie, unfortunately couldn’t make it, but Ashley and Chris still had a great time talking about the specific barriers that women face. Together, Ashley talks about:
About Ashley Ashley Cox, PHR, SHRM-CP is a leadership mentor for ambitious women business owners who have a team but no time. She empowers them to become courageous and confident leaders, and build high-performance teams they can trust and rely on (without constantly chasing them to get things done). Ashley is also a sought-after speaker, author of the book Transform Your Stories, and host of The Impact Ripple Podcast Connect with Ashley
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| How to deal with difficult emotions in Difficult Conversations (Part 2 with Laura Morgan) | 05 mai 2026 | 00:18:14 | |
If last week was helpful (or if you didn’t watch it, go back now and listen!), this week kicks it up to the next level. In part 2 of their conversation with Laura Morgan, she helps us navigate some tricky situations: - What if someone is yelling at you? - What if they start crying? - What if they’re using crying intentionally to manipulate and get out of consequences? - What if they keep harping on “how things used to be”? Laura is the real deal, and she gives us some great strategies to navigate the hardest situations. About Laura Laura Morgan began her career as a psychotherapist, where she developed a deep understanding of human behavior, transformation, and the conditions that allow people to grow and thrive. That clinical foundation continues to shape her work today, informing a leadership approach grounded in empathy, insight, and intentional design. Laura is currently the Director of Human Resources at Meketa Investment Group, where she partners with senior leaders to shape talent strategy, compensation philosophy, and organizational culture. She is passionate about building systems and environments where clarity, trust, and purpose enable both people and organizations to reach their full potential. Contact Laura: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-m-morgan/ Contact us:
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| How to get comfortable with emotions in difficult conversations (Part 1 with Laura Morgan) | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:19:19 | |
One of the most common questions we get is “how do we manage the emotions that inevitably come up in difficult conversations?” And our guest this week, Laura Morgan, knows exactly how to deal with it. With a background as a mental health therapist and now as an HR Director, she’s no stranger to heavy emotions in difficult situations of all kinds. But, as she describes it – emotions aren’t a bad thing, and we need to learn how to lean into them. Laura walks us through how: - Emotions are data, not obstacles, in conversations. - Preparing for the emotional aspects is as just as important as the content. - Ownership of emotions involves acknowledgment and responsibility. - Pausing and grounding techniques help regulate emotional responses - People aren’t robots, and while we don’t have to dig into every aspect of their personal lives, we have to acknowledge what makes them human. About Laura Laura is Director of HR at Meketa Investment Group. She’s passionate about reshaping organizational landscapes, bringing a holistic approach to shaping organizational dynamics. Her journey from a psychotherapist to HR leadership has equipped her with a profound understanding of human behavior, resilience, and growth.
Contact Laura: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-m-morgan/ Contact us:
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| How to Deliver Bad News Effectively with Dr. Toby Campbell (Part 2) | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:20:01 | |
Explore effective strategies for delivering bad news, managing difficult conversations, and fostering a supportive team culture with our guest today, Toby Campbell. Learn practical techniques, metaphors, and leadership insights to improve communication skills. About Dr. Toby CampbellDr. Toby Campbell is Professor of Medicine, Thoracic Oncologist, Chief of Palliative Care and the Ellen and Peter O. Johnson Chair in Palliative Care at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. An award-winning doctor, writer, and podcaster, he conducts the most difficult, "once in a lifetime" type conversations with people and families every day and translates those skills into lessons for anyone who wants to make their hard conversations go better. His communication tools have been featured on NPR, The Colbert Report, and Armchair Expert. He is currently writing A Doctor's Guide to Hard Conversations (Post Hill Press) and created the Extraordinary Conversations podcast, exploring the rare and pivotal moments when lives intersect around organ donation and transplantation. Dr. Campbell created and hosts the Palliatively Speaking podcast, where he interviews inspirational figures from the field of hospice and palliative care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Warm-Up Make sure you listen to part 1 of this interview here. We cover:
Resources:
Connect with the Hosts
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| How to Deliver Bad News: Insights from end-of-life conversations (Part 1) | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:29:19 | |
In this episode, Dr. Toby Campbell, an oncologist and expert in serious illness conversations, shares insights on how to navigate difficult medical discussions, especially around delivering bad news and organ donation. Discover practical frameworks, emotional engagement techniques, and the importance of communication skills in high-stakes situations. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Warm-Up 00:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations in Healthcare 08:25 The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Practice 09:20 Exploring the Transplant Experience 10:13 The Evolution of Organ Donation 13:17 The Emotional Journey of Donor Families 15:03 Training for Difficult Conversations 18:34 Empathy in Communication 22:27 Navigating Emotional Conversations 27:09 Delivering Bad News Effectively 29:14 Creating a Supportive Team Culture About Dr. Toby CampbellDr. Toby Campbell is Professor of Medicine, Thoracic Oncologist, Chief of Palliative Care and the Ellen and Peter O. Johnson Chair in Palliative Care at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. An award-winning doctor, writer, and podcaster, he conducts the most difficult, "once in a lifetime" type conversations with people and families every day and translates those skills into lessons for anyone who wants to make their hard conversations go better. His communication tools have been featured on NPR, The Colbert Report, and Armchair Expert. He is currently writing A Doctor's Guide to Hard Conversations (Post Hill Press) and created the Extraordinary Conversations podcast, exploring the rare and pivotal moments when lives intersect around organ donation and transplantation. Dr. Campbell created and hosts the Palliatively Speaking podcast, where he interviews inspirational figures from the field of hospice and palliative care. Connect with the Hosts
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| How to Advocate for Self and Others - Roleplay (Part 2) | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:21:31 | |
In this insightful interview, Gift Tshuma shares practical strategies for inclusive leadership, effective advocacy, and navigating difficult conversations in the workplace. Discover how to approach accessibility issues, support marginalized employees, and foster a more inclusive environment. Key topics:
Guest Gift Tshuma (He/Him)
Connect with the Hosts Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
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| How to Speak Up When the System Wasn't Built for You (Part 1) | 31 mars 2026 | 00:29:49 | |
Episode Overview
In this powerful Part 1 conversation, hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova sit down with Gift Tshuma — disability rights advocate, accessibility specialist, musician, and co-founder of Tshuma Consulting — to explore what advocacy really means, why storytelling is its foundation, and how to navigate the difficult conversations that come with pushing for inclusion in organizations and systems that weren't designed for everyone. GuestGift Tshuma (He/Him)
Key Topics Discussed
Notable Quotes "Access isn't something that you just give. It's not served on a silver platter. You have to fight for it. And you have to sometimes build it yourself." "Advocacy isn't charity work. It's not about being a hero. It's about shifting the power and building disability literacy." "When you are not telling your story, you are robbing someone for their life to be changed." "I'm not arguing about ramps or software. I'm arguing about whose time matters, whose comfort level matters, whose productivity is treated as a default." "We are community-based beings that need support from everyone. Don't be ashamed to ask for help." This Week's ChallengePick one thing you've been wanting to advocate for. Be it at work, in your community, or in your personal life, and practice telling that story to someone you trust. Start in a low-stakes environment, just like Gift did. Get comfortable with your story before you bring it to the room that needs to hear it. Connect with the HostsEmail – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Next Episode Preview Coming Next Week: Part 2 of our conversation with Gift Tshuma — including role play scenarios that bring these advocacy conversations to life. Remember: When you communicate better, you live better. | |||
| How to make difficult conversations simpler (Part 2 with Travis Dalrymple) | 24 mars 2026 | 00:22:59 | |
Summary: In part 2 of their conversation, Chris, Lucie, and Travis walk through practical strategies for having difficult conversations, asking effective questions, and improving communication in leadership. They also role play a performance conversation to show how asking questions and remaining curious can lead to powerful insights. In this episode, learn how to:
About Travis: Travis Dalrymple is a leadership advisor, author of How To Suck As A Leader, and the founder of The Leadership Lab—a program that helps small business owners and team leads stop managing people and start actually leading them. From placing 3rd on America’s Got Talent to leading high-performing teams in the business world, Travis blends entertainment, strategy, and real-life leadership lessons to help people become the kind of leader others actually want to follow—not just tolerate. He’s coached over 1000 entrepreneurs, fixed broken cultures, and taught teams how to lead themselves first, without the corporate jargon or BS. When he’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find him golfing, hanging out with his family, or turning hard truths into Instagram reels.
You can find him on IG @travdalrymple and you can grab your copy of How To Suck As A Leader at https://bit.ly/HowToSuckAsALeader. How to Suck as a Leader (Book) - https://a.co/d/09hOMoHQ Travis Dalrymple on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdalrymple
Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to make difficult conversations simpler (Part 1 with Travis Dalrymple) | 17 mars 2026 | 00:27:14 | |
Summary: This week, join Lucie and Chris as they interview Travis Dalrymple, a leadership coach and former entertainer, who shares his unconventional journey through various careers. He wrote a fun leadership book “How to Suck As a Leader” and shares his insights on leadership, communication, and culture, and practical strategies for difficult conversations and creating a positive organizational environment. He talks us through: - Why leaders tend to over-complicate things - Most organizational cultures are unintentional and reflect the personality of the leader. - How to get better at identifying your blind spots. - How to communicate more clearly - How to prepare for hard conversations
About Travis: Travis Dalrymple is a leadership advisor, author of How To Suck As A Leader, and the founder of The Leadership Lab—a program that helps small business owners and team leads stop managing people and start actually leading them. From placing 3rd on America’s Got Talent to leading high-performing teams in the business world, Travis blends entertainment, strategy, and real-life leadership lessons to help people become the kind of leader others actually want to follow—not just tolerate. He’s coached over 1000 entrepreneurs, fixed broken cultures, and taught teams how to lead themselves first, without the corporate jargon or BS. When he’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find him golfing, hanging out with his family, or turning hard truths into Instagram reels.
You can find him on IG @travdalrymple and you can grab your copy of How To Suck As A Leader at https://bit.ly/HowToSuckAsALeader. How to Suck as a Leader (Book) - https://a.co/d/09hOMoHQ Travis Dalrymple on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdalrymple Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to deal with overbearing parents (Part 2 with Roberta Dombrowski) | 10 mars 2026 | 00:32:49 | |
In part 2 of their interview with Roberta Dombrowski, Chris and Lucie pick her brain on how to deal with the guilt trips and the reality that sometimes these conversations happen over and over again – often pushing your boundaries. Roberta was so nice to role play with us and Chris and Lucie had SO MUCH FUN channeling their own moms to really see how to better handle these conversations. Listen as they talk about: - How to deliver difficult news to your parents - Techniques for boundary setting and maintaining peace - Handling family pushback and guilt tripping - Grounding and embodiment practices for presence - Expect and accept emotional reactions as part of the process. - Revisiting conversations over time helps in acceptance.
About Roberta Roberta Dombrowski is a dynamic coach, consultant and mindfulness teacher dedicated to helping leaders thrive from the inside out. She has over a decade of experience spanning tech, non-profits, and academia. Her work has been featured by the Association of Talent Development, Learning Guild, and Product School. She holds PCC accreditation through the International Coaching Federation, CPCC through Co-Active Training Institute. Her unique approach blends the wisdom of the head, heart, and body - guiding clients to rediscover joy, resilience, and connection in their work and lives. By fostering deeper self-awareness and authentic leadership, Roberta helps individuals reshape how they relate to their careers, themselves, and their teams. Her personal experience as a transracial adoptee and over functioning tech executive heavily influences her approach to business. Resources Roberta’s In Her Words Podcast - https://www.learnmindfully.co/in-her-words Roberta’s Website - https://learnmindfully.co Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (Book) - https://a.co/d/06JpDwi4 (we’re not affiliates and have no connection to this book or author) Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to set boundaries with your family (Part 1 with Roberta Dombrowski) | 03 mars 2026 | 00:19:21 | |
Summary: In this week’s episode, Chris and Lucie get the privilege to interview Roberta Dombrowski, a coach who helps leaders function at their best. She’s also experienced in setting boundaries, both at work and in her personal life. she shares her journey from burnout to coaching, focusing on reclaiming confidence, setting boundaries, and improving communication in personal and professional relationships. In part 1 of their interview, learn why it’s so hard to set boundaries and what it takes to confidently step into them. Key Takeaways
Follow Roberta LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertadombrowski Website - https://www.robertadombrowski.com In Her Words podcast - https://www.learnmindfully.co/in-her-words
Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| Roleplay: Dealing with Inappropriate Jokes in the Workplace (Part 2) | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:19:53 | |
Rachel Platt shares practical strategies for addressing disrespectful behavior, giving effective feedback, and fostering respectful workplace environments. This episode covers handling difficult conversations, timing feedback, and maintaining emotional regulation.
Connect with Rachel: rplatt@PLATTinumconsulting.com https://calendly.com/plattinumconsulting/intro-networking https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelplatt/ About Rachel: Rachel Platt brings 20+ years of experience helping organizations and individuals achieve enduring success through strategic human resources leadership. Through her roles as a Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President, and Regional Director in diverse organizational structures and industries, she built her reputation on her track record of developing pragmatic solutions to meet complex organizational and people challenges. Rachel founded PLATTinum Consulting in 2018 to guide leaders in creating People Strategy initiatives in the areas of employee engagement, leadership development, culture assessment and improvement, performance management, staff training, communications, talent acquisition, HR process improvement, inclusion and coaching. As a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), PLATTinum serves small and medium sized non-profits and commercial businesses across the US. PLATTinum partners with clients to maintain a transparent, ongoing, open dialogue. We provide a data-driven, responsive, organized approach. But most importantly, we are proactive, optimistic, approachable and occasionally funny. We place outcomes before egos and work with clients who share similar values.
Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to Navigate Disrespectful Behavior in the Workplace with Rachel Platt (Part 1) | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:31:26 | |
In this conversation, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova engage with Rachel Platt, a people strategist, to explore the dynamics of difficult conversations in the workplace. They discuss the importance of addressing disrespectful behavior, the role of leaders in fostering a respectful culture, and the balance between achieving results and maintaining a positive work environment. Rachel shares insights on navigating difficult conversations, identifying signs of disrespect, and modeling appropriate leadership behavior. The discussion emphasizes the need for curiosity, understanding, and proactive communication in creating a healthy workplace culture. Takeaways:
Connect with Rachel: rplatt@PLATTinumconsulting.com https://calendly.com/plattinumconsulting/intro-networking https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelplatt/ About Rachel: Rachel Platt brings 20+ years of experience helping organizations and individuals achieve enduring success through strategic human resources leadership. Through her roles as a Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President, and Regional Director in diverse organizational structures and industries, she built her reputation on her track record of developing pragmatic solutions to meet complex organizational and people challenges. Rachel founded PLATTinum Consulting in 2018 to guide leaders in creating People Strategy initiatives in the areas of employee engagement, leadership development, culture assessment and improvement, performance management, staff training, communications, talent acquisition, HR process improvement, inclusion and coaching. As a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE), PLATTinum serves small and medium sized non-profits and commercial businesses across the US. PLATTinum partners with clients to maintain a transparent, ongoing, open dialogue. We provide a data-driven, responsive, organized approach. But most importantly, we are proactive, optimistic, approachable and occasionally funny. We place outcomes before egos and work with clients who share similar values. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation 00:57 The Journey into HR and People Strategy 04:51 Navigating Difficult Conversations 12:42 Identifying Disrespectful Behavior in the Workplace 16:51 Balancing Results and Respect in Leadership 20:00 The Impact of Communication on Workplace Culture 23:58 Self-Reflection and Understanding Triggers 27:39 Understanding Intent vs. Impact 29:23 The Leader's Responsibility in Addressing Disrespect Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| Roleplay: Performance conversations with Peter Vinge (Part 2) | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:28:03 | |
How do you tell someone they are not performing at the level you expect or need them to, without crushing them or demotivating them, and instead making them feel supported and motivated to improve? Hear how Peter Vinge does it in the different performance feedback roleplays with Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova. Missed part 1 of this conversation on performance discussions? Check out part 1 here. takeaways
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Performance Conversations 00:06 Role-Playing Difficult Conversations 07:15 Empathy in Leadership 15:25 Building Empathy and Understanding in Leadership 19:31 The Importance of Self-Leadership About Peter Vinge Peter Vinge is the founder of TORBAY Consulting and a leadership advisor focused on helping leaders have clear, confident, and productive conversations. He works with executives and teams to strengthen accountability, alignment, and culture by addressing challenges head-on. Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to Address Performance Issues with Peter Vinge (Part 1) | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:34:59 | |
In this conversation, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova engage with HR consultant Peter Vinge to explore the complexities of performance conversations in leadership. They discuss the importance of clear communication, the distinction between kindness and niceness, and the necessity of addressing performance issues promptly. Vinge shares insights on how to prepare for feedback sessions, manage emotions, and navigate sensitive situations, including those involving protected classes. The discussion also covers the effective use of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) and the significance of building trust within teams.
About Peter Vinge Peter Vinge is the founder of TORBAY Consulting and a leadership advisor focused on helping leaders have clear, confident, and productive conversations. He works with executives and teams to strengthen accountability, alignment, and culture by addressing challenges head-on.
00:00 Introduction to Performance Conversations
Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
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| How to Create Teams that Innovate (Part 2 with Kristina Joy Carlson) | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:31:31 | |
In the 2nd part of their interview with Kristina, Chris and Lucie explore the importance of fostering a culture of productive disagreement within teams. Kristina shares strategies for transforming meeting dynamics, encouraging open dialogue, and the value of contrarian perspectives. She shares her advice on how to encourage people to speak up and she even goes through a role play in which she shows how a leader might handle someone pushing back on their idea. Takeaways - Creating a culture of productive disagreement is essential for team growth. - Asking the right questions can foster open dialogue. - Encouraging team members to find contrarian perspectives can lead to better decision-making. - Learning from criticism can provide valuable insights for improvement. About Kristina Joy Carlson Kristina Joy Carlson is a sought-after speaker and best-selling author of Essential Principles for Fundraising Success, and the soon-to-be released, Outrageous Kindness: A Mindset. A Method. A Movement, Kristina knows how to navigate change and turn challenges into opportunities. While leading businesses and driving global philanthropic growth, she managed nearly a decade of intense caregiving, profound grief, and her own cancer battle—an experience that reinforced the power of purpose, perspective, and action. Kristina has helped maximize the philanthropic engagement of former US Presidents and other heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs, Forbes 400 individuals, faith leaders, celebrities, and everyday people. Today, as founder and CEO of Outrageous Kindness, she is applying that wisdom to create a movement that inspires leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to take bold, high-impact action, embrace accountability, and experience the magic of small acts that create big results. Learn more about her: Her website Get her book, Outrageous Kindness:
Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to Create Teams that Innovate (Part 1 with Kristina Joy Carlson) | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:25:18 | |
This week, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova talk with Kristina Joy Carlson, founder and author of "Outrageous Kindness." There’s lots of talk around the idea of psychological safety. And one way that plays out in real life is a culture where open disagreement is not only accepted but encouraged. Kristina talks about how a culture of fear can stifle communication and innovation. She advocates for a mindset of generosity and constructive feedback, which is essential for personal and organizational growth. She highlights the detrimental effects of a 'yes-man' culture, where assumptions replace data-driven decision-making. Takeaways - If you want your teams to be good at communicating, you have to model that. - A culture of assumptions can cost organizations tremendous potential, money, and more - You have to commit to learning and hearing different perspectives. - How to interpret team silence About Kristina Joy Carlson Kristina Joy Carlson is a sought-after speaker and best-selling author of Essential Principles for Fundraising Success, and the soon-to-be released, Outrageous Kindness: A Mindset. A Method. A Movement, Kristina knows how to navigate change and turn challenges into opportunities. While leading businesses and driving global philanthropic growth, she managed nearly a decade of intense caregiving, profound grief, and her own cancer battle—an experience that reinforced the power of purpose, perspective, and action.
Through her executive leadership roles at Carter Global, Ketchum, and FundraisingINFO.com, Kristina guided transformational capital campaigns, raising billions of dollars around the globe while also creating bespoke training programs, and developing innovative technologies for some of the world’s largest nonprofit organizations including Habitat for Humanity International, World Vision International, Susan Komen and others. She has also helped maximize the philanthropic engagement of former US Presidents and other heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs, Forbes 400 individuals, faith leaders, celebrities, and everyday people. Today, as founder and CEO of Outrageous Kindness, she is applying that wisdom to create a movement that inspires leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to take bold, high-impact action, embrace accountability, and experience the magic of small acts that create big results. Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to Fix Organizational Silos (Part 2 – with Julian Chender) | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:24:26 | |
In part 2 of their conversation, Chris, Lucie, and Julian discuss the complexities of leadership and organizational design, emphasizing the importance of understanding resistance and fostering accountability. Like many things in life, organizational design is an ongoing process that requires regular assessment and adaptation. Julian encourages leaders to engage all levels of their organization in the design process to create a culture of collaboration and effectiveness, otherwise, it’s destined to fail. Other big things we learn today: - Organizational design is a continuous process, not a one-time event. - Resistance is better than apathy. Resistance indicates engagement and concern - Accountability is crucial for successful organizational change. - Regular assessments of organizational structure are essential for effectiveness. - The design of an organization should reflect its strategy and promise. - Hierarchy is not inherently negative; it can provide necessary structure. - Engagement from all levels of an organization is vital for successful design. About Julian Julian is the founder of 11A Collaborative, a social impact consulting firm dedicated to creating healthy society through healthy organizations. 11A supports purpose-driven businesses, nonprofits, foundations, public offices, and government agencies seeking to increase their impact by translating strategy into action through organization alignment. This means defining and refining strategy, designing the organization that will achieve the north star goals, and then stewarding the change to get there.
Connect with Julian 11A Collaborative – www.11acollaborative.com Connect with him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianchender/
Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| How to fix organizational silos (Part 1 with Julian Chender) | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:27:59 | |
This week, Chris and Lucie had the pleasure of chatting with Julian Chender, an expert in organizational design, to explore the difficulties of communication and structure within organizations. Julian shared his journey in organizational design, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment and the human elements that influence organizational behavior. Most importantly, he talked about how silos aren’t a 4-letter word, but leaders make common mistakes in managing change and fostering collaboration across silos. Big Takeaways - Organizational design is about setting the container in which an organization operates. - Silos are necessary structures that support organizational goals. - integration across silos is crucial for effective strategy execution. - Silos should be designed with 'doors' to facilitate collaboration. - Understanding the strategic purpose of silos can enhance organizational effectiveness. About Julian Julian is the founder of 11A Collaborative, a social impact consulting firm dedicated to creating healthy society through healthy organizations. 11A supports purpose-driven businesses, nonprofits, foundations, public offices, and government agencies seeking to increase their impact by translating strategy into action through organization alignment. This means defining and refining strategy, designing the organization that will achieve the north star goals, and then stewarding the change to get there. Over his career, Julian has consulted to purpose-driven organizations across sectors, from the Fortune 10 to nonprofits in education, arts, and public health, from intergovernmental European agencies to New York City public offices. He is a Certified Organization Design Practitioner and an ICF-Certified Coach who holds a master’s degree in Organization Development from American University and a B.A. in History from Swarthmore College. In 2020, he received the Emerging Practitioner Award from the Organization Development Network (ODN). He has served on the Board of Trustees of ODN and currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Organization Design Forum. Connect with us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Psychological Safety, Accountability & Compassionate Layoffs (Compilation) | 30 déc. 2025 | 03:00:44 | |
What does leading with emotional intelligence look like in practice? You’ll hear highlights from four episodes: Connect with us: | |||
| Honest Conversations in Love: Open Communication, Conflict & Dating (Compilation) | 23 déc. 2025 | 02:26:13 | |
Episode Description: You’ll hear three powerful clips on what it means to communicate honestly in love – with yourself, with a long-term partner, and in modern dating. Together, these conversations explore how to be more “you” in relationships, navigate conflict with care, and set boundaries that protect your energy and your heart. We revisit:
As you listen, notice this question: Where am I not bringing my honest self into the relationships that matter to me – and what might change if I did? In this episode, you’ll learn:
Guests featured in this compilation Grace Gavin – Communication expert and co-founder of Know Honesty, helping leaders simplify their communication and close divides inside organizations. Heather Garbutt – Psychotherapist and love & relationship coach, supporting people in healing past hurts and creating healthier, more supportive partnerships. Whitney Kobrin – Dating and relationship expert, guiding people to date with intention, confidence, and clear boundaries. If you enjoyed this episode
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| Finding Your Voice Under Pressure: Courage, Conflict & Leadership Conversations (Compilation) | 16 déc. 2025 | 01:15:58 | |
Say the Hard Thing: Courageous Conversations Under Pressure Most difficult conversations don’t fail because we don’t know what to say. In this compilation episode of The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, we bring together three powerful conversations that walk you through the full arc of a hard conversation — from finding the courage to speak up, to staying grounded when emotions rise, to navigating real-world leadership pushback. You’ll hear: What courage really looks like in communication How to respond when someone becomes defensive or angry A real-life leadership roleplay: handling pushback from a team member This episode is for you if:
Difficult conversations don’t require perfection — they require presence, courage, and practice.
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| How to give performance feedback (Compilation Episode) | 09 déc. 2025 | 01:04:56 | |
How do you give feedback that actually builds a high-performing team? In the first segment, you’ll hear a roleplay where one of our previous guests, Jevon Gondwe, gives performance feedback to Chris. In the next segment, Chris and I break down five practical steps you can use to give feedback that’s clear, honest, and supportive.
Connect with us: | |||
| How to give feedback to your boss (Part 2 with Sara and Laurel) | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:28:38 | |
In part 2 of their conversation with Laurel Engbretson, Chris and Lucie are joined by Sara Firestein. This is especially fun because Sara reports directly to Laurel and together, the four of them discuss not only the process of giving feedback to your boss, but how to receive feedback too! They explore the importance of building trust and psychological safety, the role of feedback culture, and the impact of empathy in communication. The discussion highlights personal experiences and strategies for giving and receiving feedback, emphasizing the need for openness and collaboration in fostering effective team dynamics. Takeaways - Feedback should be balanced with positive reinforcement. - Specific examples help clarify feedback. - Trust enhances team dynamics and collaboration. - Leaders should invite feedback to disrupt power dynamics.
About Laurel: Laurel Engbretson is the national Vice President of Strategy & Operations at LISC. In this role she leads LISC’s Strategy & Operations team to facilitate strategy development and drive operational excellence toward LISC’s enterprise-level priorities. Laurel started at LISC as a Program Officer in the Bay Area, where she lived for 30 years before moving to the East Coast to join LISC’s national office. Before LISC, Laurel worked at the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, JPMorgan Chase, the Oakland Mayor’s office, and in residential real estate. She has an MBA/MPP from Mills College and a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
About Sara: Sara Feierstein is a nonprofit strategy and operations specialist. Her work experience and education have focused on using data to drive impact in the nonprofit industry. She has spent the last several years working in the Community Development sector where she has been implementing strategies to help her organization align internal operations with programmatic goals. Sara has a Master in Business Administration from NYU’s Stern School of Business where she specialized in Business Analytics and Nonprofit Strategy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from New York University. Follow Laurel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurelengbretson/ Follow Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-feierstein-22878066/
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| How to Manage Up (Part 1 with Laurel Engbretson) | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:22:17 | |
This week, Chris and Lucie interview Laurel Engbretson, a VP of strategy and operations, discussing the complexities of difficult conversations in leadership. Together, they explore Laurel's journey and her journey to building the courage to give feedback to her own manager. Laurel is a big advocate in the role of trust and the gradual process of building confidence in difficult conversations. Together, they talk about: - Building trust is crucial for giving and receiving feedback. - Finding your voice takes time and practice. - Trust is built over time and through shared experiences. - Assuming positive intent can improve difficult conversations. - Personal growth can enhance professional effectiveness.
About Laurel Laurel Engbretson is the national Vice President of Strategy & Operations at LISC. In this role she leads LISC’s Strategy & Operations team to facilitate strategy development and drive operational excellence toward LISC’s enterprise-level priorities. Laurel started at LISC as a Program Officer in the Bay Area, where she lived for 30 years before moving to the East Coast to join LISC’s national office. Before LISC, Laurel worked at the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, JPMorgan Chase, the Oakland Mayor’s office, and in residential real estate. She has an MBA/MPP from Mills College and a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Connect with us:
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| How to Overcome Networking Anxiety (part 2 with Jack Pittas) | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:28:26 | |
In part 2 of their conversation, Chris and Lucie dive even deeper into the intricacies of networking with Jack Pittas, discussing essential strategies for building connections, the importance of tracking contacts, and the effectiveness of elevator pitches. They even persuade Jack to role play how to approach two different people at networking events. Takeaways
About Jack: Jack is a partner at Ace Business Development, which offers fractional sales, networking, and business development services to help small businesses build their pipeline and GovCons break into the government market. Jack and the Ace team use a "boots-on-the-ground" approach and their vast connections to build relationships on behalf of their clients to ultimately drive revenue opportunities. Jack is also owner of PK Cyber Solutions which offers specialized content-writing on technical subjects including B2B tech, cybersecurity, and GovCon. Since 2020, Jack has generated a majority of his business via networking and building quality relationships.
Connect with Jack: Email: jack@acebusinessdev.com Website: https://www.acebusinessdev.com
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| How to overcome networking anxiety (Part 1 with Jack Pittas) | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:23:09 | |
This week, Chris and Lucie talk about the art and science of networking with expert Jack Pittas. They explore the importance of networking for professionals, especially for introverts, and provide practical tips on how to approach networking events, build relationships, and follow up effectively. Jack shares his insights on treating networking like a party, the significance of quality over quantity in relationships, and the long-term benefits of nurturing connections. Takeaways
About Jack: Jack is a partner at Ace Business Development, which offers fractional sales, networking, and business development services to help small businesses build their pipeline and GovCons break into the government market. Jack and the Ace team use a "boots-on-the-ground" approach and their vast connections to build relationships on behalf of their clients to ultimately drive revenue opportunities. Jack is also owner of PK Cyber Solutions which offers specialized content-writing on technical subjects including B2B tech, cybersecurity, and GovCon. Since 2020, Jack has generated a majority of his business via networking and building quality relationships. Connect with us:
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| Boundaries in Leadership with Angela Barnes - Part 2 (Roleplay) | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:29:07 | |
What's the difference when a leader has healthy boundaries vs when they don't? Join us for the second part of our interview with Angela Barnes, where we will roleplay and discuss the complexities of setting boundaries in leadership roles, particularly within the nonprofit sector. We explore the challenges of people-pleasing tendencies, the importance of having a strategic plan, and the role of professional development in establishing effective boundaries. Through role-playing scenarios, we illustrate how to navigate difficult conversations and highlight the need for accountability and clarity in leadership. Missed the first part of the interview? Check it out here. Key Takeaways:
Contact Angela: Connect with us:
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| Kind vs. Nice: The Boundary Difference That Changes Everything - Part 1 with Angela Barnes | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:21:56 | |
Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, hosts Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova welcome Angela Barnes, MBA, CFRE, to explore one of the most challenging aspects of workplace communication: setting and maintaining boundaries. Angela brings over a decade of fundraising expertise and shares hard-won lessons about navigating boundaries in nonprofit organizations. GuestAngela D Barnes, MBA, CFRE
Key Topics Discussed The Nonprofit Boundary Challenge
The Seven Areas of Boundaries Angela introduces her holistic framework for understanding boundaries across seven key life areas and explains why we often fail to bring our personal boundaries into the workplace. Common Boundary Mistakes
Kind vs. Nice: A Critical Distinction
Emergency Boundaries When boundaries aren't set proactively, you're forced into "emergency boundary" mode, which turns into crisis communications and difficult conversations. Key Takeaways✅ Start with organizational boundaries: Understand what boundaries exist (or don't exist) in your workplace before setting personal ones ✅ Communicate boundaries proactively: Don't wait until you're frustrated or angry to express your limits ✅ Boundaries don't require confrontation: Simple changes like email signatures can set expectations without drama ✅ Whining signals readiness (or unreadiness): If you're complaining repeatedly without action, ask yourself if you're truly ready to change ✅ Own your destiny: Your boundaries and the enforcement of them are your responsibility, not other people's Contact Angela: Connect with us:
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| Navigating Power Dynamics: Six Types of Power + Scripts to Manage Up, Down & Across | 21 oct. 2025 | 01:01:58 | |
Want a guide to follow while listening? Or notes for future reference? Download the free Power Dynamics Playbook here. Ever freeze in a meeting when the stakes are high? This episode demystifies power dynamics. We talk about what they are, how they hijack your nervous system, and exactly what to say when you need to push back, manage up, lead from the middle, or invite real feedback as a leader. You’ll learn the six types of power (beyond “positional”), why the same words land differently depending on who says them, and practical, word-for-word moves you can use today (yes-and framing, power-leveling questions, structural safety, and more).
Who it’s for
What you’ll learn
Key Takeaways
Resources Mentioned
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| How to build credibility as a leader Part 2 with Matt Brown | 14 oct. 2025 | 00:22:42 | |
Summary: In part 2 of their conversation, Matt Brown shares his insights on building credibility and trust within teams, overcoming skepticism in leadership roles, and navigating board dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of humility, active listening, and the willingness to learn from others. Matt discusses the responsibilities of leadership, particularly in maintaining the integrity of an organization while fostering growth.
Key Takeaways - It's tough to gain credibility, but humility helps. - Creating a learning environment is essential for team dynamics. - Overcoming skepticism requires demonstrating value through action. - Respecting and valuing each team member's expertise is crucial. - Building trust takes time and consistent effort. - Acknowledging others' contributions can build trust - Mistakes in leadership can be learning opportunities.
About Matt Matt joined OARS as Executive Director in 2024. Prior to OARS, he was Chief Operating Officer at Lowell House, Inc., an addiction treatment non-profit serving Merrimack Valley. Matt served on the Randolph Conservation Commission and Community Preservation Committee before moving to Westford, MA. He served on the Westford Affordable Housing Committee and coached youth baseball and basketball in Westford. Matt holds an MS in Non-Profit Management from Worcester State University and an MA in English from Clark University.
Contact Matt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-brown-0b9b21145/ Check out OARS: https://oars3rivers.org/
Interested in the difficult conversations course? Check it out here: https://www.myleadershippotential.com/trust Want to learn what kind of mind traps are sabotaging your communication and relationships with others? Go to https://www.mindfittery.com/befree to learn more. Contact Chris: chris@myleadershippotential.com Contact Lucie: lucie@mindfittery.com or https://www.mindfittery.com | |||
| How to turn critics into cheerleaders Part 1 (with Matt Brown) | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:26:23 | |
In this episode, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova interview Matt Brown, an Executive Director of a Watershed nonprofit, to discuss the intricacies of difficult conversations in leadership. They explore Matt's journey in the nonprofit sector, the challenges of navigating resistance from employees and board members, and the importance of understanding motivations behind resistance. Matt shares personal stories of hard lessons he’s learned over the years.
Takeaways - Practicing difficult conversations can lead to better outcomes. - Understanding motivations behind resistance makes a huge difference - Building trust requires open and honest communication.
About Matt Matt joined OARS (Organization for the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers) as Executive Director in 2024. Prior to OARS, he was Chief Operating Officer at Lowell House, Inc., an addiction treatment non-profit serving Merrimack Valley. Matt served on the Randolph Conservation Commission and Community Preservation Committee before moving to Westford, MA. He served on the Westford Affordable Housing Committee and coached youth baseball and basketball in Westford. Matt holds an MS in Non-Profit Management from Worcester State University and an MA in English from Clark University.
Interested in the difficult conversations course? Check it out here: https://www.myleadershippotential.com/trust Want to learn what kind of mind traps are sabotaging your communication and relationships with others? Go to https://www.mindfittery.com/befree to learn more. Contact Chris: chris@myleadershippotential.com Contact Lucie: lucie@mindfittery.com or www.mindfittery.com | |||
| Part 2: The Secret to Scaling Communities: Culture, Consistency, and Celebration (with Tasha Van Vlack) | 30 sept. 2025 | 00:28:32 | |
What does it take to build an international community? In part 2 of the conversation with Tasha Van Vlack, Chris and Lucie explore the intricacies of building and maintaining community within organizations, especially as they grow. Tasha shares her insights on navigating cultural differences in community engagement, emphasizing the importance of connection and flexibility. They also discuss the transition from management to leadership, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and the ability to celebrate team wins. Tasha's experiences provide valuable lessons for leaders looking to foster a sense of belonging and engagement in their teams. Takeaways - Maintaining connection in a growing community requires intentionality. - Cultural differences can impact engagement and communication. - Flexibility in participation is crucial for community members. - Celebrating team wins boosts morale and fosters connection. - Emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. - Vulnerability helps leaders connect with their teams. - Listening to community members is key to understanding their needs. - Consistency in communication builds trust and engagement. - Leaders should focus on visibility and value for their team members. - Community is an organic ecosystem that requires shared control. 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/ Join the Nonprofit Hive: www.thenonprofithive.com
Interested in the difficult conversations course? Check it out here: https://www.myleadershippotential.com/trust Want to learn what kind of mind traps are sabotaging your communication and relationships with others? Go to https://www.mindfittery.com/befree to learn more. Contact Chris: chris@myleadershippotential.com Contact Lucie: lucie@mindfittery.com or www.mindfittery.com | |||
| Part 1: How to Overcome Self-Doubt (With Tasha Van Vlack) | 23 sept. 2025 | 00:23:42 | |
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 | |||
| Roleplay: Boss to Employee - Performance Conversation with Jevon Gondwe (Part 2) | 16 sept. 2025 | 00:31:49 | |
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:
About Jevon: 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.
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| Building a Culture of Champions with Jevon Gondwe (Part 1) | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:29:23 | |
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:
Chapters About Jevon: 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:
Connect with us:
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| Transform crisis into an opportunity with Scott Harvey (Part 2 - Roleplay) | 02 sept. 2025 | 00:25:30 | |
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:
Contact us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com | |||
| Transform crisis into an opportunity with Scott Harvey (Part 1) | 26 août 2025 | 00:33:29 | |
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:
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 over As a business coach, Scott engages directly with entrepreneurs and leaders, Scott’s wife of over 27 years and their two grown daughters keep him grounded Contact Scott Harvey:
Contact us: Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
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| Part 2: How to talk about race and social justice (with Hilary Giovale) | 19 août 2025 | 00:26:35 | |
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.com | |||
| How to Talk about Race and Social Justice with Hilary Giovale | 12 août 2025 | 00:31:57 | |
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.
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
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| The SIMPLEST Way to read someone's nonverbals | 05 août 2025 | 00:15:12 | |
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:
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