In this thought-provoking episode, Elena engages in a deep and insightful conversation with seasoned leadership coach Nephi Niven. Together, they unpack the intricacies of navigating hard conversations - those challenging but essential dialogues that arise in both professional and personal contexts. They explore the pressing issues facing today’s executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations.

Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.

The episode offers a structured framework for approaching difficult conversations, emphasizing five key elements: clarity of purpose, self-awareness, shared agreement, vulnerability, and the importance of repair. Nephi shares his transformative journey from a thriving career in photography to becoming a leadership coach, demonstrating how coaching can empower leaders to cultivate compassionate and inclusive work environments.

Nephi underscores the importance of approaching difficult conversations with clarity and purpose. He highlights the role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence as critical components for creating productive discussions. Understanding one’s own emotional state, he explains, is key to setting the stage for a more constructive exchange. He also shares how establishing shared agreements at the outset of tough conversations can lay the foundation for respectful dialogue, reinforcing the necessity for vulnerability and courage when addressing conflicts.

Nephi emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace difficult emotions and foster healthy conflict within their teams, especially during times of crisis. He advocates for a somatic, body-based approach to leadership development, and reminds us that humor and joy are vital tools in this process. The power of coaching and its profound impact on organizational culture and effectiveness are highlighted throughout the conversation.

This empowering discussion equips leaders with essential skills while inspiring them to seek support and build more humane workplaces. Tune in to explore the vital intersection of leadership, emotional well-being, and the potential for transformative change within organizations.

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This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:

Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer

Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)

Jo van Eeden, Project Manager