Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Workplace with Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond

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

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