Want Better Relationships? Get Curious. Brigham Blackham on the Power of Discomfort

What if stronger relationships, better leadership, and more success all start with one skill: being brave enough to connect?

In this insightful and energizing episode, success strategist and keynote director Brigham Blackham (https://linktr.ee/brighamblackham )  joins Anne to explore the power of discomfort, curiosity, and communication in building meaningful relationships. From learning Mandarin in Taiwan to coaching high-performance speakers, Brigham shares how stepping into the unfamiliar has shaped his confidence, leadership, and ability to help others communicate with clarity and impact.

Brigham reveals how “story asking”(intentionally drawing out other people’s experiences) creates deeper human connection than any perfectly polished self-introduction. He and Anne dig into the post-pandemic communication slump, the myth of “soft skills,” and why real success is built on conversations, not credentials.

With stories ranging from middle-school theatre to bilingual parenting to a broken car key fiasco, Brigham shows how approaching life with curiosity and flexibility (a.k.a. unclenching!) helps us grow resilience, strengthen relationships, and lead with emotional intelligence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How discomfort and curiosity strengthen communication and leadership
• The difference between story telling and story asking (and why the latter wins)
• Why soft skills aren’t soft—they’re the foundation of trust and influence
• How confidence is built on competence, preparation, and genuine interest in others
• Practical ways to make networking feel natural, not painful
• How learning new languages teaches adaptability, humility, and EQ
• A simple mindset shift for staying flexible when things don’t go as planned

Why this episode matters:

If you want to lead better, connect faster, or just feel more confident walking into a room full of strangers, this conversation gives you actionable tools rooted in emotional intelligence and real human connection. Whether you’re navigating global business, a family gathering, or a tough conversation at work, Brigham’s insights help you step out of your comfort zone and into more meaningful relationships.

Want more from Brigham?

thefinalpercent.com/brighamblackham
https://linktr.ee/brighamblackham 

Brigham is a value-driven storyteller and success strategist who helps leaders turn their stories into breakthroughs. A former teacher and father of four, he brings humor, heart, and a knack for making connections that stick. With over 100 podcast episodes and five years as an Airbnb Superhost, he understands how small actions drive big results. Brigham helps you craft bold, unforgettable messages that move people and build momentum.