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PODCAST

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations

Chris Wong & Lucie Tesarova

Ever had to have that difficult conversation with someone that you dreaded? You are not alone. Join us to explore how to improve how you handle difficult conversations with your team or loved ones. When we communicate better, we lead better, we perform better, we have better relationships, results and ultimately, a better life. Ready to learn? Make sure you subscribe so you don"t miss any future episode. Want to be a guest on our podcast? Let us know! https://bit.ly/3z4Sn5w

business management

All Episodes

21:30

How to Advocate for Self and Others - Roleplay (Part 2)

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/04/07

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: Inclusive leadership strategies Advocacy and storytelling, Handling difficult workplace conversations Role of HR in diversity and inclusion Mediation and escalation processes Guest Gift

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29:49

How to Speak Up When the System Wasn't Built for You...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/03/31

Episode OverviewIn 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. Guest Gift Tshuma (He/Him) Advocacy Specialist,

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22:58

How to make difficult conversations simpler (Part 2...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/03/24

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: Ask questions instead of making assumptions to understand others better. Use silence intentionally to give space for

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27:14

How to make difficult conversations simpler (Part 1...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/03/17

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

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32:49

How to deal with overbearing parents (Part 2 with...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/03/10

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

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19:21

How to set boundaries with your family (Part 1 with...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/03/03

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

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19:53

Roleplay: Dealing with Inappropriate Jokes in the...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/02/24

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/ www.PLATTinumconsulting.com About Rachel: Rachel Platt brings 20+ years of

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31:25

How to Navigate Disrespectful Behavior in the...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/02/17

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

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28:03

Roleplaying Performance conversations with Peter...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/02/10

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 Performance conversations can be approached without discomfort. Role-playing scenarios

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34:58

How to Address Performance Issues with Peter Vinge...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/02/03

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

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31:30

How to Create Teams that Innovate (Part 2 with...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/01/27

In the 2ndpart 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

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25:17

How to Create Teams that Innovate (Part 1 with...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/01/20

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

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24:25

How to Fix Organizational Silos (Part 2 – with Julian...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/01/13

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

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27:58

How to fix organizational silos (Part 1 with Julian...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2026/01/06

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

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180:44

Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Psychological...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2025/12/30

What does leading with emotional intelligence look like in practice? That’s what we’re exploring in today’s special compilation of The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations.You’ll hear highlights from four episodes: – Dr. Rick Fearnbaugh on growing as an emotionally intelligent leader, – Kelly Meerbott on creating psychological safety, – Chris Wong on helping your team take ownership and accountability, – and Dr. Summer Miller on handling layoffs in a compassionate and ethical

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146:13

Honest Conversations in Love: Open Communication,...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2025/12/23

Episode Description: In this special compilation episode of The Art & Science of Difficult Conversations, we’re taking a break from work conversations and turning toward the relationships that matter most outside of work.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

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75:57

Finding Your Voice Under Pressure: Courage, Conflict...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2025/12/16

Say the Hard Thing: Courageous Conversations Under PressureMost difficult conversations don’t fail because we don’t know what to say. They fail because fear shows up, emotions escalate, or we lose clarity under pressure. 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

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64:56

How to give performance feedback (Compilation Episode)

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2025/12/09

How do you give feedback that actually builds a high-performing team? That’s the theme of our compilation episode today.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

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28:37

How to give feedback to your boss (Part 2 with Sara...

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2025/12/02

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

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22:16

How to Manage Up (Part 1 with Laurel Engbretson)

The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations ·

2025/11/25

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

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