336: Tools to Tackle Tough Conversations

336: Tools to Tackle Tough Conversations

336: Tools to Tackle Tough Conversations

What if you could navigate even the most challenging conversations with calmness, clarity, and confidence? This in-depth conversation with David Wood explores just that, diving into how to communicate more effectively in high-stakes moments, whether at work or in life. David shares his unique approach to coaching and communication, combining emotional awareness with practical tools. His latest innovation, WhisperLead AI, helps leaders role-play difficult conversations, receive coaching prompts, and even get real-time support during live interactions.

Our discussion goes beyond mechanics to emphasize authenticity and vulnerability as leadership strengths. David unpacks common pitfalls in conflict—like poor framing, making assumptions, or avoiding others’ perspectives—and offers techniques for building trust and achieving shared outcomes. Whether you’re leading a team or seeking better communication in your personal life, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and fresh ideas you can start using immediately.

David left behind a high-powered career as a Consulting Actuary for Ford, Sony Music, and Chanel—trading Park Avenue boardrooms for a mission to transform lives and businesses. He didn’t just start a coaching business; he built the world’s largest coaching business at the time, ranking #1 on Google for “life coaching”, serving 150,000 coaches globally.

But David’s story is about more than success—it’s about resilience. He’s survived a paraglider collapse and a fractured spine, battled anxiety and depression, and most recently, took on acting in Hollywood! Today, he helps leaders 4X their clarity AND productivity, and to love their life.

You’ll discover:

  • A powerful method for framing difficult conversations with positive intent
  • Why asking for the other person’s perspective first can shift everything
  • How AI tools like WhisperLead can coach you in real-time
  • The link between vulnerability and stronger leadership
  • A practical model for brainstorming solutions collaboratively

Watch the episode:

David’s Resources

Website

Focus.ceo

WhisperLead coaching tool

Free business/life assessment

Book

The Mouse in The Room—Because the Elephant Isn’t Alone

 

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Leader-team communication and character skills

Grow Strong Character

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335: How a Shared Family Legacy Shaped a Purpose-Driven Business

335: How a Shared Family Legacy Shaped a Purpose-Driven Business

335: How a Shared Family Legacy Shaped a Purpose-Driven Business

What happens when a mother and daughter build a business grounded in legacy, love, and leadership? June Perry-Stevens and Krystle Rogers share the powerful story of their mother-daughter business partnership, rooted in a family lineage that dates back to ancestors who were enslaved.

Their bond is built on mutual respect, deep trust, and a shared commitment to community, excellence, and generational leadership. Their company, Best Ed Business, has evolved through intentional partnerships and a clear focus on delivering exceptional service, all while staying grounded in values passed down through generations.

Together, June and Krystle model what it means to lead with integrity and love. Their conversation touches on honoring the past while building for the future, the importance of empowering women, and the role of relationship-building in business success. With a lineage of strength behind them and a heart for service, they demonstrate how legacy can be both a source of pride and a call to purpose.

You’ll discover:

  • The power of intergenerational leadership built on respect and trust
  • Why leading with love and service creates lasting customer relationships
  • The importance of appreciating differences and individual strengths
  • How one family lives into a history of resilience and excellence
  • Practical ways to empower women and uplift communities through business

Watch the episode:

 

Connect with June and Krystle

      

Resources

Website

Best Ed Business

Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Spotify
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Amazon
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Pandora
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on YouTube
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on iheartradio
Leader-team communication and character skills

Grow Strong Character

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.

Order from Amazon
Connect with Your Team Book - Grow Strong Leaders

Connect with Your Team

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell
Order from Amazon
Connect with Your Team Book - Grow Strong Leaders

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

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333: The Go-Giver Approach to Leadership

333: The Go-Giver Approach to Leadership

333: The Go-Giver Approach to Leadership

What if the secret to success is giving more? In this episode, Meredith Bell speaks with Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, about why shifting your focus to consistently providing value leads to greater fulfillment and profitability. Bob explains the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and how they apply to entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams.

You’ll come away inspired by Bob’s deep insights on value-based leadership, the true meaning of influence, and why receptivity is just as important as giving. Whether you’re growing a business or leading a team, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and equip you with timeless, practical wisdom.

The Go-Giver has sold well over a million copies and has been translated into 30 languages. Bob has created The Go-Giver Academy online learning portal featuring The Go-Giver® Success Vault, which includes all of his online courses and other business-building resources.

Bob is an advocate, supporter, and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.

You’ll discover:

  • The meaning of a “go-giver”
  • Why giving value is more profitable than chasing money
  • How to lead with authenticity without using it as a crutch
  • The difference between genuine influence and manipulation
  • How being open to receiving fuels your ability to give more

Watch the episode:

 

Connect with Bob

        

Bob’s Resources

Website

Bob Burg

Daily Impact email

The Go-Giver (books)

The Go-Giver Academy/Success Vault

Saleswise Live™ Sales Mastery

The Go Giver Academy

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Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Spotify
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Amazon
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Pandora
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on YouTube
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on iheartradio
Leader-team communication and character skills

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Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.
Order from Amazon
Connect with Your Team Book - Grow Strong Leaders

Connect with Your Team

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell
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Connect with Your Team Book - Grow Strong Leaders

Peer Coaching Made Simple

Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell
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332: Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence

332: Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence

332: Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence

Are your leadership habits helping you adapt…or holding you back? Kevin Eikenberry shares highlights from his new book, Flexible Leadership, and explores what it truly means to lead with confidence in uncertain times.

Using the powerful image of a tree, deeply rooted yet able to bend, Kevin offers a fresh take on how leaders can stay grounded in their values while adapting their approach. The discussion covers the essential elements of mindset, skillset, and habitset, and how each one shapes a leader’s ability to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.

This conversation brings practical wisdom and real-life application to the forefront. The concept of the “confidence-competence loop” offers a hopeful reminder that growth builds momentum. Whether you’re leading a team, managing change, or working on personal development, you’ll find actionable insights for growing stronger through flexibility.

Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership and learning company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a team across the United States. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations and leaders from at least 53 countries become more effective.

You’ll discover:

  • How to stay grounded in your values while adapting your approach
  • The power of “it depends” in shifting perspective
  • What the confidence-competence loop means for leaders
  • Why resistance isn’t a problem—it’s an invitation
  • How to use questions to unlock better decisions

Watch the episode:

Connect with Kevin

        

Kevin’s Resources

Website

The Kevin Eikenberry Group

Free Masterclass on Building Confidence

Podcast

Blog

Books

Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence

The Long-Distance Team: Designing Your Team for Everyone’s Success

The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere

The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership

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Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Amazon
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Pandora
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on YouTube
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on iheartradio
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Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.

Order from Amazon
Connect with Your Team Book - Grow Strong Leaders

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and Meredith M. Bell
Order from Amazon
Connect with Your Team Book - Grow Strong Leaders

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Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.,
and Meredith M. Bell

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331: How Self-Leadership Shapes Your Personal Brand

331: How Self-Leadership Shapes Your Personal Brand

331: How Self-Leadership Shapes Your Personal Brand

What if the only thing standing between you and stronger leadership is the way you see and lead yourself? In this conversation, Ben Albert shares how losing his job during the pandemic became the catalyst for his growth as an entrepreneur and podcaster.

We explore why self-leadership matters, especially when no one else is steering the ship, and how habits, relationships, and honest feedback can help you grow. Ben also explains how self-care, personal branding, and seeking out mentors can transform your impact on others and yourself.

We also discuss overcoming fears, turning weaknesses into strengths, and the power of empathy and curiosity in personal development. Ben describes building a supportive community of growth-minded leaders and why genuine connections are the foundation of lasting success. Whether you’re looking to lead more effectively or become a better version of yourself, you’ll find practical ideas and inspiration in this episode.

Ben hosts a network of 5 podcasts called “Real Business Connections,” ranked in the top 1% globally. He also runs a massively successful marketing firm, Balbert Marketing. Ben is on a mission to move the needle on one million lives, one conversation at a time.

You’ll discover:

  • How self-leadership can empower you during times of uncertainty and change.
  • The role of self-care in supporting both personal growth and your ability to lead others.
  • Why personal branding matters and how to shape the way others perceive you.
  • Practical ideas for overcoming fears and turning past weaknesses into strengths.
  • The benefits of joining a growth-minded community for networking and ongoing development.

Watch the episode:

 

Connect with Ben

      

Ben’s Website

Real Business Connections

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Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on Pandora
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on YouTube
Listen to the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast on iheartradio
Leader-team communication and character skills

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and Meredith M. Bell
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