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:

• Why is it so important?
• The 3 biggest misconceptions/myths about body language/nonverbal communication
• The 1 simple thing to be aware of that can make a big difference

What do you think?

Contact us:

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

SHOW NOTES:

More rest month! In this week’s compilation episode, feedback is on the menu – specifically, how do you give feedback that sticks? Chris and Lucie discuss five key elements that contribute to successful feedback and demonstrate how it could play out when an underperforming employee asks for a promotion they don’t qualify for.

Takeaways

• Effective feedback requires a structured approach.
• Understanding employee motivations is crucial for feedback.
• Specificity in feedback helps eliminate misunderstandings.
• Coaching should accompany feedback for better outcomes.
• Accountability structures are essential for follow-up.
• Feedback should be seen as a supportive tool, not a punishment.
• Managing emotions during feedback is key to effective communication.
• Regular check-ins can help maintain accountability and progress.

Contact us:

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:
USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988
Canada: Call 1-1-833-456-4566 toll-free, anytime – or text 45645 between 4 pm and midnight EST.
International Support info https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/

In this compilation episode, we are talking about a very difficult topic for many - suicide. Often, we avoid talking about it with someone else because of shame, or when someone mentions suicidal thoughts, we might want to cheer them up or change the topic.

This compilation episode will equip you with practical, compassionate guidance on how to recognize when someone is in distress and how to have the conversations that could make all the difference.

You will also hear Paula's story of grief, guilt, and healing that might give you understanding, compassion, and perhaps even your own healing.

Thank you for your courage to have these difficult conversations and for caring.

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova

“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday's logic.” – Peter Drucker

Welcome to this special compilation episode of The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, where we explore the emotional, strategic, and human side of leading through change.

This episode brings together powerful insights from five episodes across Season 2 to support you in navigating difficult transitions—whether you’re leading others through uncertainty or trying to find steady ground yourself.

You’ll hear from leaders, coaches, and professionals on:

• Transitioning from military to civilian leadership and the deep lessons in self-leadership and autonomy (with Rick Fearnbaugh)

• Navigating communication challenges and energy depletion in the digital era (with Purdeep Sangha)

• Turning your own layoff into a launching pad for purpose (with Kelly Meerbott)

• How to support team members who resist change—especially with new technology (strategy episode with Lucie & Chris)

• How to deliver layoff messages with dignity, compassion, and clarity (with Summer Miller)

Throughout this episode, we invite you to pause, reflect, and ask:
What insight can I take from this to lead myself or others through change with more clarity, empathy, and courage?

Navigating change isn’t easy. If you want help applying these tools or having your next difficult conversation, reach out to Lucie or Chris — contact info is below. We’re here to help.

Contact Lucie

If you’re interested in learning more about Lucie’s programs, visit her at www.mindfittery.com or email her at lucie@mindfittery.com

Contact Chris

If you’re interested in learning more about Chris’ live difficult conversation course this September, email him at myleadershippotential@gmail.com

Can you believe we are at the end of Season 2 of the Art & Science of the Difficult Conversations Podcast?

What a journey it has been! We have had many amazing guests and episodes on different difficult topics to talk about, both in our personal and professional lives.

Today we focused on sharing the highlights from 6 different episodes, that had something in common - they all touched on how to set boundaries, and what to do in these situations when some spoken or unspoken boundary has been crossed.

This compilation includes:

Episode 1: How to Confidently Set Boundaries with Becky Upchurch

• Boundary-setting and people-pleasing.

• Importance of authenticity and showing up as one's true self.

• Practical strategies for saying "no" without guilt or extensive explanation.

• How to start with small steps in boundary-setting.

Episode 2: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Trust Your Instincts with Emily Aarons

• Personal anecdote of setting boundaries within personal relationships and family expectations.

• Recognizing self-imposed limitations and setting boundaries with self-doubt.

Episode 3: Navigating Modern Dating with Whitney Kobrin

• Setting boundaries and recognizing emotional manipulation in dating.

• Importance of identifying one's own needs clearly.

• Authenticity in relationships and clearly communicating boundaries early on.

Episode 4: How to Talk to Your Partner About Their Unhealthy Eating

• Navigating sensitive conversations by setting respectful boundaries.
• Balancing care and concern without overstepping personal boundaries.
• Clear communication to maintain relational trust.

Episode 5: Navigating Conflict – Healthy Communication Strategies with Heather Garbutt

• Techniques for maintaining healthy emotional boundaries during conflict.

• How to communicate clearly without defensiveness.

Episode 6: How to Handle a Peer Stealing Credit for Your Work

• Practical strategies for addressing boundary violations professionally.

• How to assertively communicate without aggression or guilt.

• Importance of boundary clarity in maintaining professional respect.

Summary:

In this episode, Chris and Lucie do their annual round up and reflect on season 2 of their podcast. They discuss listener engagement, popular episodes, and personal insights gained from their conversations. Chris and Lucie also talk about how the guests have consistently highlighted the importance of difficult conversations in leadership and the impact of emotional intelligence. Towards the end, they share what to expect in season 3!

Takeaways:

- The podcast has seen significant growth in listeners and downloads, more than they expected.

- Emotional intelligence is a popular topic among listeners

- Listeners appreciate actionable advice and real-life examples.

Contact Lucie

If you’re interested in learning more about Lucie’s programs, visit her at www.mindfittery.com or email her at lucie@mindfittery.com

Contact Chris

If you’re interested in learning more about Chris’ live difficult conversation course this September, email him at myleadershippotential@gmail.com