“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

What are the hard conversations business owners are avoiding?

This week, Chris and Lucie interview Nicky Billou, a bestselling author and entrepreneur, to talk about the hard conversations most business owners aren’t having – and what happens when they don’t. Nicky shares his passion for entrepreneurship and shares a story of a business partnership that didn’t work out and how it resulted in the loss of a friendship. He also shares about running a business with a romantic partner and a new way to thinking about sales. This week, we cover:

• Difficult conversations can lead to better business outcomes if handled properly.
• Maintaining boundaries in personal and business relationships is crucial.
• Partnerships should be based on clear expectations and mutual respect.
• Sales should be reframed as an act of service rather than a transaction.
• Self-belief is vital for success and everyone needs someone to believe in them.
• Sometimes difficult conversations won’t have a positive outcome.

Nicky is the author of the books: Finish Line Thinking™: How to Think and Win Like a Champion, The Thought Leader’s Journey: A Fable of Life, and The Power Of Connecting: How To Activate Profitable Relationships By Serving Your Network. A two-time New York Times bestselling author, he is an in-demand and highly inspirational speaker to corporate audiences such as RBC, Lululemon, Royal LePage, and TorStar Media. He is an advisor and confidante to some of the most successful and dynamic entrepreneurs in Canada. He is the founder of eCircle Academy (www.eCircleAcademy.com) where he runs a yearlong Mastermind & Educational program working with Coaches, Consultants, Corporate Trainers, Clinic Owners, Realtors, Mortgage Brokers and other service-based Entrepreneurs, positioning them as authorities in their niche.

He also hosts the #1 podcast in the world on Thought Leadership, The Thought Leader Revolution.

Connect with Nicky here:

Website: https://www.ecircleacademy.com/appointment

The Thought Leader Revolution Podcast: www.TheThoughtLeaderRevolution.com

Connect with us:

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

In this week’s episode, Chris flies solo without Lucie and interviews Heather Garbutt to discuss the intricacies of difficult conversations in relationships. They explore the importance of trust, commitment, and self-awareness, as well as the skills necessary for effective communication. The conversation delves into recognizing red flags, understanding triggers, and the significance of intentional discussions to navigate conflicts. Heather shares:

• Communication is key to fostering deeper connections
• What it means to be mutually intentional in relationships
• How to better identify and understand your triggers
• A simple date night template can help maintain connection and address issues

Who is Heather?

A world-renowned Psychotherapist and Coach specialising in Love and Relationships, Heather Garbutt brings swift and effective change to people struggling in their romantic life. Her hybrid model, blending coaching, psychotherapy, visioning and inner child work, provides deep and permanent results for her clients. She shines a light on the challenges and solutions to healthy relating, how to heal past hurts, and gives powerful tools to transform unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behaviours to create a richer and happier love life.

Heather is on a mission to improve the quality of love relationships worldwide with the goal of empowering 10 million people to create true, loving, mutually supportive partnerships.

Contact Heather:

Podcast: Revolutionise Your Love Life - https://heathergarbutt.com/podcast/breakup-brain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyinlifeandheart

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-garbutt-44a62b22/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather.garbutt.77/

Website: Www.heathergarbutt.com

Email: Heather@heathergarbutt.com

Connect with us:

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

In this episode, Chris and Lucie talk with Jannine MacKinnon, a certified sex, love, and relationship coach, to explore the complexities of difficult conversations surrounding sex. They talk about the societal taboos that hinder open communication about sex and the challenges faced in long-term relationships. Jannine’s approach emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue, understanding the impact of pornography, and fostering self-love and body positivity. She also provides practical advice for parents on discussing sexuality with their children and highlights the significance of connection over solely physical pleasure. We cover:

• Sex is a taboo topic that needs to be addressed.
• Long-term relationships can face challenges with intimacy.
• Societal expectations can create feelings of inadequacy.
• Starting conversations about sex outside the bedroom is key.
• Pornography can negatively impact relationships and self-image.
• Using straightforward language about sex can help ease discomfort.
• Sacred sexuality focuses on connection rather than just physical acts.
• Parents should engage in open discussions about sexuality with their children.
• Creating a safe space for conversations fosters deeper connections.

Connect with Jannine:

Jannine MacKinnon is a Certified Sex, Love, and Relationship Coach and host of the Unapologetic with Jannine MacKinnon podcast. Known for her grounded, real-talk approach to sacred sexuality, she helps women navigate intimacy, embodiment, and the hard conversations that lead to deeper connection and confidence.

• Want to reconnect with your sensuality? Start with Jannine’s free Honey Pot Meditation: https://JannineMacKinnon.com/honey-pot
• Craving real talk on sex, feminine power, and sensual embodiment? Listen to Unapologetic with Jannine MacKinnon https://JannineMacKinnon.com/podcast
• Discover Jannine’s offers and deeper work at https://JannineMacKinnon.com

Email: info@janninemackinnon.com

Instagram: @Jannine.MacKinnon

Connect with us:

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

How much "knowledge" and information do you daily consume, but don't apply?

Join us for a reflection & celebration episode, where Chris and Lucie reflect on their clients' powerful wins and real-world transformations made possible by having one honest, courageous conversation. From ethical layoffs to overcoming perfectionism and burnout, this episode offers insight into how small shifts in communication and mindset can create big ripple effects in leadership and life.

What You'll Hear:

• How a nonprofit saved multiple jobs after applying lessons from Episode 37 on compassionate layoffs

• Why clarity is a leadership superpower (and how one leader created better team dynamics in just 20 minutes)

• A client story of parting ways with a misaligned contractor—with compassion and self-respect

• How perfectionism and people-pleasing sabotage well-being, and one leader’s journey to reclaim her time and energy

A reminder: What’s the one conversation you might be avoiding—and what might change if you finally had it?

Resources & Mentions:

• Episode 37: How to Have Layoffs with Compassion featuring Summer Miller

• Positive Intelligence framework (PQ) for understanding saboteurs

• Brene Brown's wisdom: “Clarity is kindness.”

🔔 Bell of Wins:
Lucie and Chris ring the metaphorical bell for courageous clients who dared to have the hard conversations—and invite you to share your own story with them, too!

Connect with us:

Email – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com
Chris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhc https://myleadershippotential.com/
Lucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova, www.mindfittery.com

What does it really take to transition from military life back into the civilian world—and how do you talk about the trauma that comes with it?

And equally important – how do you talk with a veteran about their experiences?

This week, Chris and Lucie sit down with Ryan Casavant, a Marine Corps veteran who now works with Home Base, a program dedicated to helping veterans heal from PTSD and trauma-related challenges. In this deep and powerful conversation, we explore:

• How military service shapes identity
• The emotional toll of transitioning to civilian life
• Why open conversations and community are critical to healing

Ryan shares his personal story of service, struggle, and growth—and how finding the right kind of support made all the difference. From casual conversations that spark deeper healing to the power of moral injury and emotional awareness, this episode is a masterclass in empathy, understanding, and transformation.

Key Takeaways

• Sharing personal experiences can unlock deeper healing.
• Trauma looks different for everyone—and that’s okay.
• Casual settings often lead to the most meaningful conversations.
• The transition from military to civilian life is complex and emotional.
• Mental health support isn’t optional—it’s essential.
• Growth often begins where your comfort zone ends.
• Family and friend support is a vital part of recovery.
• Genuine connection saves lives—literally.
• The way we talk about trauma is changing, especially in the military.
• Asking the hard questions opens doors to deeper understanding.
• Teenagers are surprisingly good at emotional honesty—we can learn from them.
• Superficial conversations often stem from emotional discomfort.
• Transitioning between military and civilian life requires more than just a change in job—it’s a change in identity.
• Resources for veterans and families are out there—and worth exploring.

About Ryan and Home Base

Ryan is a Marine Corps veteran and advocate for veteran mental health. He currently works with Home Base, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans, service members, and their families struggling with the invisible wounds of war—like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and moral injury.

With firsthand experience navigating the emotional and psychological challenges of military service and transition, our guest brings empathy, insight, and actionable advice for veterans and civilians alike. His passion for helping others stems from his own journey and a deep belief in the power of human connection and healing.

Learn more about the programs:

Home Base – https://www.homebase.org

Reach Ryan - rcasavant@mgh.harvard.edu

Did something resonate with you in this episode?

Do you have a story about transition, trauma, or healing to share?

We’d love to hear from you. Tag us on social media or drop us a note at tas.difficultconversations@gmail.com