When most people think about persuasion, they go straight to education (“if they just understood, they’d agree”), inspiration (“let me tell you an inspiring story”), or force (“do this now”).

But there’s a big difference between persuasion, influence, power, and warmth — and understanding that difference can change how you get things done.

This episode, inspired by a fable I read to my son, breaks down why subtlety often beats force, how warmth can shift behavior faster than pressure, and what that means in real-world situations.

Whether you’re a manager trying to get buy-in, a coach pushing for compliance, or anyone who needs to move people from point A to point B, you’ll get practical takeaways you can use immediately.

Don’t forget:

You’re never going to get better at dealing with challenging personalities—or improving your own communication—unless you actually come practice it in a hands-on setting.

Check out one of our live, immersive workshops at:

www.artofcoaching.com/events

Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12 (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26 (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™)

And to stay sharp, subscribe to our newsletter at:

www.artofcoaching.com/begin

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

These days, it feels like everyone is calling someone a narcissist.

Ex-partner? Narcissist. Difficult boss? Narcissist. Confident stranger on Instagram? Must be a narcissist.

The term has been thrown around so loosely that it’s lost its meaning—and worse, it’s become a lazy way to avoid reflection or real understanding.

In this episode, we cut through the noise and get to the core of what narcissism really is—and what it isn’t.

You’ll learn:

• Why narcissism exists on a spectrum—and why we all have narcissistic traits
• The difference between clinical, subclinical, and just human behavior
• The 4 distinct types of narcissism you’ll likely encounter in life or work
• How narcissistic traits show up in covert, communal, and even “insecure” ways
• Tactical ways to respond to each type—without losing your mind
• Why spotting narcissism in yourself isn’t something to fear—but something to work with

If you’ve ever struggled to deal with someone manipulative, overly self-focused, or exhausting to be around…

Or if you’ve ever wondered “wait… am I the problem?”—this one’s for you.

Don’t forget:

You’re never going to get better at dealing with challenging personalities—or improving your own communication—unless you actually come practice it in a hands-on setting.

Check out one of our live, immersive workshops at:

www.artofcoaching.com/events

And to stay sharp, subscribe to our newsletter at:

www.artofcoaching.com/begin

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Wait... when did this become my fault?

Why do I feel like I’m being indicted?

That’s not at all what I meant when I said that.

I have no idea how we got to the point where I’m the one feeling guilty.

We’ve all been in this situation before. You thought you were having an honest conversation—but somehow, things flipped. Now it’s uncomfortable.

You must have said something that offended them… right?

But did you?

How did what you said get twisted into that? And now, out of nowhere, you’re the bad guy.

People can be simple, complex, complicated, and convoluted—all at the same time. Sometimes we send a clear input through someone, and because of ego, insecurity, or other unresolved stuff, it comes out the other side as something completely different, leaving them defensive. Now they’re projecting. And now you’re stuck dealing with the fallout.

It’s more common than ever in the world we live in today—so let’s break it down. What kinds of tactics can we use to lower the temperature and get back on solid ground? How can we preemptively shield ourselves and make sure the signal doesn’t get lost in the noise?

In this episode Brett covers:

• What projection is and why people resort to it
• How to frame your words for someone who internalizes everything
• Go-to scripts and phrases to use when things start heating up
• Strategically call out dramatic behavior and get to the root of the pattern
• Setting realistic expectations when someone isn’t ready to face themselves—and you have to choose between being right or being happy

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at info@artofcoaching.com and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops: 📍 Melbourne, AU – Aug 23‑24 (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Phoenix, AZ – Oct 11‑12 (Speaker School™) 📍 Murfreesboro, TN – Oct 25‑26 (The Apprenticeship™) 📍 Charlestown, MA – Nov 15‑16 (The Apprenticeship™)

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach. We’re here when you’re ready.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Related Episodes:

E313 | How To Communicate With Someone Who Shuts Down or Stonewalls

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

It can be one of the most frustrating things in the world.

That discontent and confusion about your professional life and where it’s headed.

The feeling that keeps you up at night, scrolling job postings, revisiting all the “what if’s” from your past, and daydreaming about a complete 180 you’ve always thought about, but never acted on.

Staying in this mental space doesn’t just drain your energy, it leaves you lost, confused about your future and what a step forward even looks like.

Whether you’re burnt out, fed up with the bureaucracy, or simply craving a new challenge— you need definitive clarity about what you want, along with an honest map of the current landscape so you can make the next right move.

This episode will cut through the worry and wishful thinking as Brett lays out:

• How to identify which passion is worth acting on, even when your head is spinning with options
• A framework to pressure-test a career move—so you can dip a toe or get your foot in the door without blowing up your life
• The role of bridge jobs and the realistic steps needed to work your way toward that bigger goal (even if it feels far off right now)
• Ways to break out of the psychological paralysis that keeps people stuck in neutral
• How to bucket your tradeoffs so you don’t let fear creep in, remembering nothing is final

🔥 SUMMER SALE IS ENDING SOON! 🔥

Don’t wait. The Art of Coaching Summer Sale is almost over! No matter your learning style, setting, or any other constraints—take the next step and join our AOC family. Visit artofcoaching.com/summersale to lock in:

💻 30% OFF all Online Courses Plus an extra 10% OFF when you bundle Bought In and VALUED

🤝 10% OFF all Live Events This includes The Apprenticeship, Speaker School, Brand Builder, and more.

📱 Art of Coaching Membership Get insider access to:

• ✅ 20% OFF all courses, live events, and mentoring
• ✅ FREE entry into our private online community (a $240 annual value)

🎯 Whether you’re a coach, leader, mentor, or someone in transition—there’s never been a better time to invest in your development. Stop waiting, take action!

Related Episodes:

E376 | Tips If You Feel Stuck at Your Job and Need a Way Forward

E242 | Annie Duke: Quit! - The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away

Related Resources:

VAU(ED) and Blindspot - If you loved this episode and want to dive deeper, both of these courses were designed specifically for this topic. And they’re still ON SALE (ACT FAST!)

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Nothing will haunt you like the things you leave unsaid.

It’s a bold statement, and a chilling one—but unfortunately, most of us know exactly how true it is.

You owe it to them and to yourself to speak the truth about what they mean to you. No matter the regrettable things you’ve said or done to each other... the failures, the absences, the apologies never given, or the love you didn’t express—it needs to get out.

We’ve covered a wide range of topics since launching this podcast, but this one stands out as an evergreen.

It’s a conversation that will withstand the test of time and deeply resonate with YOU.

In this episode, Brett shoots straight from the heart and will explain:

• Why we often don’t say what needs to be said—how assumptions, pride, and fear keep olive branches from growing
• The danger of “safe” silence—and how it can quietly grow into full-blown regret
• How to make sure you’re not leaving yourself out of the conversation by silencing your own positive affirmations
• A practical strategy to turn that charged cluster of emotions and thoughts into something meaningful (SPOILER: Just say it messy!)
• Setting clear expectations and staying grounded in case the message isn’t received the way you hoped

🔥 SUMMER SALE EXTENDED 🔥

Don’t wait. The Art of Coaching Summer Sale is officially extended, but not for long. No matter your learning style, setting, or any other constraints—now is the time to take the next step and join our AOC family. Visit artofcoaching.com/summersale to lock in:

💻 30% OFF all Online Courses Plus an extra 10% OFF when you bundle Bought In and VALUED

🤝 10% OFF all Live Events This includes The Apprenticeship, Speaker School, Brand Builder, and more.

📱 Art of Coaching Membership Get insider access to:

• ✅ 20% OFF all courses, live events, and mentoring
• ✅ FREE entry into our private online community (a $240 annual value)

🎯 Whether you’re a coach, leader, mentor, or someone in transition—there’s never been a better time to invest in your development. Stop waiting, take action!

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb