What if the most powerful leadership skill… wasn’t speaking more, but asking better questions?

In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with renowned psychologist, leadership professor at IMD, and former hostage negotiator Dr. George Kohlrieser to explore what the world of hostage negotiation can teach us about leadership, trust, communication, and change.

From negotiating with armed hostage takers to coaching top executives at IMD, George has spent decades studying what truly moves people. And his message is clear: great leaders do not command, over-explain, or try to control. They build trust, stay calm under pressure, ask powerful questions, and help people feel safe enough to engage honestly.

Whether you lead a team, manage change, want to communicate with more clarity, or simply want to stop rambling and start resonating—this episode is packed with wisdom.

Resources & Mentions:

• Dr. George Kohlrieser’s book Hostage at the Table
• Dr. George Kohlrieser’s book Care to Dare

Check out episodes featuring past guests:
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Megan Dalla Camina, Dr. Stephen Porges, Sarah Baldwin, Dr. Lucy Hone, Dan Millman, Bruce Lipton, Kristen Butler, and more!

Music by: Flood (Instrumental) by RYYZN

💌 Get your guide on storytelling for communicating change here

What if the resistance you’re facing… isn’t about the change itself, but how you’re communicating it?

In this episode of RESONATE, I break down one of the most frustrating challenges leaders face: explaining a change clearly, logically, and convincingly - yet still getting pushback, silence, or slow execution.

After working with hundreds of leaders across organisations like Nestlé, Nespresso, and IMD Business School, I’ve seen the same pattern again and again: smart, capable professionals unintentionally create resistance through the way they communicate.

This episode introduces a powerful, research-backed framework—FORCE—that explains why people resist change and what you can do differently to finally get real buy-in.

If you lead transformation, pitch ideas, or want your team to actually follow through—this episode will change how you communicate.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 5 hidden drivers of resistance (FORCE framework)
• Why “more data and logic” often make resistance worse
• The critical shift from convincing to de-risking
• How to reduce fear, overload, and skepticism in your messaging
• A simple communication approach that increases commitment and execution

Resources & Mentions:

• Daniel Kahneman — Thinking, Fast and Slow (loss aversion)
• Simon Sinek — on comfort vs. uncertainty in change
• Dr. George Kohlrieser — leadership & resistance to change

Check out episodes featuring past guests:
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Sarah Baldwin, Megan Dalla Camina, Dr. Lucy Hone, Dan Millman, Bruce Lipton, Kristen Butler, and more!

Music by: Flood (Instrumental) by RYYZN

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If you’re known as “the nice one” at work, this can quietly limit your influence more than you realise.

In this video, I break down the difference between being nice and being kind, and why avoiding discomfort often leads to being overlooked, overextended, or under-respected.

You’ll learn how to communicate with clarity and courage, handle difficult conversations earlier, and build respect without becoming harsh or performative.

I share a simple framework I use with clients inside global organisations to help them move from avoidance to clear, grounded communication — so their ideas are heard and acted on.

If you're new here: I’m Shannon Jenkins, a leadership communication trainer and keynote speaker trusted by organisations such as Nestlé, Nespresso and IMD Business School.