In this episode, Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond tackle one of the most challenging—and essential—skills for People Experience leaders: how to approach difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence.

Whether it's a one-on-one with a struggling team member, a tense group discussion, or a cross-cultural misunderstanding, Vicki and Jeff offer practical frameworks to help you lead through conflict without creating division.

In this conversation, they explore:


Why avoiding conflict drives it underground—and how leaders can defuse it instead


How to build psychological safety as a foundation for honest dialogue


The impact of cultural communication styles on conflict resolution


Tools and techniques like the Four-Second Rule, the phrase “Tell me more,” and the AAPP framework (Acknowledge, Agree, Pivot, Perspective)


The power of curiosity, emotional regulation, and listening as trust-building tools

This episode is a must-listen for leaders committed to strengthening culture, modeling openness, and building resilient, people-first teams.

Learn more or reach out at peoplefirstelevation.com

In this episode, Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond tackle one of the most challenging&mdash;and essential&mdash;skills for People Experience leaders: how to approach difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence.
Whether it's a one-on-one with a struggling team member, a tense group discussion, or a cross-cultural misunderstanding, Vicki and Jeff offer practical frameworks to help you lead through conflict without creating division.
In this conversation, they explore:
<ul data-start="730" data-end="1211">
<li data-start="730" data-end="819">
Why avoiding conflict drives it underground&mdash;and how leaders can defuse it instead
</li>
<li data-start="820" data-end="897">
How to build psychological safety as a foundation for honest dialogue
</li>
<li data-start="898" data-end="972">
The impact of cultural communication styles on conflict resolution
</li>
<li data-start="973" data-end="1123">
Tools and techniques like the Four-Second Rule, the phrase &ldquo;Tell me more,&rdquo; and the AAPP framework (Acknowledge, Agree, Pivot, Perspective)
</li>
<li data-start="1124" data-end="1211">
The power of curiosity, emotional regulation, and listening as trust-building tools
</li>
</ul>
This episode is a must-listen for leaders committed to strengthening culture, modeling openness, and building resilient, people-first teams.
Learn more or reach out at&nbsp;<a href="https://peoplefirstelevation.com" data-start="1388" data-end="1448">peoplefirstelevation.com</a>

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship – the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement – it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.

Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.

This show is produced in collaboration between Chat With Leaders Media and End of the Line Productions. 

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship &ndash; the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.
Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement &ndash; it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.
Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.
This show is produced in collaboration between <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com/">Chat With Leaders Media</a> and <a href="https://www.eotlproductions.com/">End of the Line Productions</a>.&nbsp;

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores leadership as stewardship—the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

The Steward Chair

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.

Through our podcasts – The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia – we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.

This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.
Through our podcasts &ndash; The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia &ndash; we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.
This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.