Conflict is inevitable, but how leaders handle it makes all the difference. In this episode, vicki abadesco! shares a real-world example of a well-known organization struggling with team conflict and how small miscommunications can escalate when left unresolved. She explains how our upbringing shapes our approach to conflict and why developing emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. Through her work with both executives and young children, vicki highlights the importance of clear communication, emotional awareness, and accountability in building strong teams and relationships.

vicki also introduces practical tools like the “emotional balloon” and the “cleanup process” to help individuals recognize their emotions, take responsibility for their actions, and repair relationships when mistakes happen. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply striving to communicate better, this episode will provide insights and strategies to help you lead with empathy, transparency, and authenticity.

vicki is a nonprofit leader and mentor renowned for her unwavering commitment to growth and lifelong learning. Through her organization, Soul Shoppe, she and her team have touched the hearts and minds of over one million elementary school students with their conflict resolution and peacemaking curriculum. vicki has created a lasting impact, nurturing a generation of emotionally intelligent individuals who can build strong relationships and foster inclusive communities.

You’ll discover:

• Why conflict resolution is a critical leadership skill
• How early life experiences shape communication habits
• The “emotional balloon” metaphor for managing emotions
• A 5-step process for acknowledging mistakes and making amends
• How teaching emotional intelligence to kids can inspire better leadership in adults

Watch the episode:

Connect with vicki

vicki’s Website

Soul Shoppe

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147: How to Transform Conflict into Connection

Do you know of a leader who worked with the same team of people for 12 years? Russel Lolacher achieved that feat. In this interview, Russel reveals exactly what he did to create the environment that caused every person to want to stay and give their best effort. You’ll learn valuable strategies that you can implement immediately with your own team.

Russel is an international speaker and the founder and host of Relationships at Work Podcast.  It’s the leadership guide to creating a workplace we love. On his show, Russel digs into timely and relevant topics with global experts on how to be better leaders and create healthy workplace cultures.

He’s held successful leadership and communication roles for almost 25 years, retaining one team for almost 12 years. Russel’s work and expertise in building employee and customer trust has been recognized on international stages and in multiple publications. He’s been named 4 times  as a Top Thought Leader by the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI).

You’ll discover:

• Why Russel uses Air, Land, and Sea to describe the 3 levels of awareness that leaders must have
• How Russel created a psychologically safe work environment for his team
• What’s missing in most organizations after the onboarding process, to complete employee’s journey with an organization
• The long-term impact of poor leadership on people, even after they leave the organization
• Key take-aways Russel has learned from the guests on his podcast

Watch the episode:

Connect with Russel

Russel’s Resources

Website

Russel Lolacher

Podcast

Relationships at Work

Do you feel pressured to show up with clients as someone who has it all together? My guest Aaron Young argues that always showing the “shiny” version of your life is not as compelling as being transparent. Aaron is Chairman and CEO at Laughlin Associates, and his life’s work is to arm business owners with success formulas that immediately provide exponential growth and protection. His personal history includes a year spent in prison. His willingness to share that with audiences and prospective clients has had the effect of bringing him more business.

You’ll discover:

• Why it’s OK to be open with clients about your own challenges
• How to stand out and be compelling by leverage your unique past
• What entrepreneurs do that often get in the way of success
• How to ensure your business thrives even during tough economic times
• Why so many coaches don’t earn the money they’d like to

Watch the episode:

Connect with Aaron

Websites

The Freedom Formula – free guide

Aaron Scott Young