The Better Conversations Podcast

Struggling to give honest feedback without feeling awkward, anxious, or overly emotional? You're not alone—and you're not a bad leader for dreading it. In this episode of The Better Conversations Podcast, Kara List shares her proven 3-step framework that makes hard conversations at work feel more natural, confident, and effective.

Whether you’re managing underperformance, addressing behavior issues, or just trying to com...

After a year of connecting with so many of you, one truth stands out: culture is built in the everyday conversations we have at work. And if we want a better culture, we need better conversations.

In this short episode, I’m sharing why I’m making a big change, what’s coming next, and how this podcast (and my new weekly newsletter!) will help you lead with more clarity, confidence, and connection—one conversation at a time.

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For years, I struggled with giving honest feedback. I thought I had to be perfect, have all the answers, or sugarcoat what needed to be said. But what I’ve learned is that mindset beats method. And these 5 truths? They make feedback so much easier—and far more effective.✅ Why the goal of feedback is not your comfort

✅ How to shift from monologue to meaningful conversation

✅ Why “you might be wrong” is the best leadership stance

✅ Wha...

Feeling like you’re not qualified to lead? Struggling with imposter syndrome as a new or growing leader? In this video, leadership coach Kara List shares the truth about what makes someone truly qualified—and it’s probably not what you think.

Whether you're managing a team, running a project, or stepping into leadership for the first time, this episode will help you feel empowered and equipped to lead well—right where you ar...

Even if you love your team, you might be asking yourself, “Is this as good as it gets?” Or maybe you feel stuck with the “B team.” Here’s a hard truth: if your team isn’t performing like you want, it might not be their fault. It might actually be yours—not because you’re a bad leader, but because you may be unknowingly creating 4 common roadblocks that hold your team back from becoming the A team.

In this episode of The Culture Keep...

Want to improve your workplace culture and boost team morale in 2025? In this episode of The Culture Keepers Podcast, leadership coach Kara List shares 7 practical strategies to build a positive, high-performing team culture—even if your team feels disengaged or burned out. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you’ll learn how to build trust, encourage feedback, foster connection, and drive engagement without need...

Today, we’re tackling one of leadership's hardest and most important moments: what to do when someone on your team drops the ball. You’ll learn a 4-step framework to handle missed goals with compassion and clarity—without shaming your team or lowering your standards. We’ll talk about the emotional tension between kindness and accountability, and how to navigate it with confidence.You'll walk away with:-A clear script for na...

Want to build a stronger, more motivated team? Most leaders default to vague praise like “good job”—but that’s not enough. In this episode, leadership coach Kara List shares 3 practical coaching strategies that will completely shift how your team hears feedback and responds. You’ll learn how to train your brain to spot what’s going right, how to coach for connection, development, and culture, and how to use everyday moments to crea...

Your employee just got defensive—now what? In this episode, you'll learn exactly what to say and do when a team member shuts down, pushes back, or gets emotional during feedback conversations.If you've ever struggled with employees who take feedback personally or derail productive conversations, this is for you. Whether you're a new manager, experienced leader, or HR professional, these communication tips will help you stay calm, b...

In today's episode, I'm sharing the real reason being a nice boss might be holding you — and your team — back.

We’ll discuss why “nice” leadership often leads to frustration, resentment, and underperformance and how to shift toward kind leadership that drives real growth, trust, and results.

You’ll learn:

✨ The difference between being nice and being kind

✨ How to handle missed deadlines or tough conversations without lo...

Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur trying to grow your team—but you’re buried in tasks and have zero time to figure it all out?

This episode is your lifeline.In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Layla Pomper of ProcessDriven to talk about:

✅ How to delegate when you're overwhelmed

✅ What roles you should be wearing as a founder

✅ The first steps to building a team you trust

✅ How to create systems and SOPs th...

What is momentum and how do we get it and keep it as business leaders? Today, John Meyer joins the Culture Keepers Podcast to give some actionable tips to help us figure out what is working and KEEP DOING IT!Videos & resources mentioned in this episode:🔗 John Meyer's "30 DAY MONTH OF LESS" CHALLENGE: https://leadmore.kit.com/less

🔗 Connect with John on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntmeyer/

🔗 Connect with John on I...

If you want a thriving workplace culture, the best way to get there is through simple, everyday habits of culture building. This episode walks you through how to consistently strengthen your workplace culture with small, manageable steps.

Learn how to break free from the all-or-nothing trap, overcome setbacks, and build habits that empower your team to thrive. You'll also get actionable tips on how to make culture-building easy,...

There is A LOT of leadership advice out there—some really good, and some I am glad I passed on.  Not all advice works in real life, and as leaders, it’s crucial to filter out what truly helps you and your team.  Today I share 5 pieces of bad leadership advice that I’m glad I didn’t listen to—and I’m excited to share why these leadership tips can actually make leadership harder, not easier!

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Are you more of a leader or a manager, and which one is actually better? In this insightful conversation with Mark Beebe, we explain why great leadership requires both strong management (systems and structure) and effective leadership (culture and people). Without either, you get complete chaos. But if you tip the scale too far in one direction, y...

What really drives top-performing teams? Is it talent, productivity, innovation, or funding? While those factors matter, the true secret to team success is something unexpected—connection. In this episode, I share why workplace connection is the key to boosting employee engagement, retention, and productivity.

👥 Feeling disconnected at work? Studies show that nearly 60% of employees feel disengaged, leading to low morale, high ...

Do you know the difference between empathy and sympathy? It’s a distinction that can make or break your leadership. I’ve seen many leaders who think they’re being empathetic—but are they really? Today, we’re breaking it down: what empathy truly is, what it isn’t, and how you can start practicing it in your workplace this week. Let’s dive in!

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Want to be a strong, connected leader? Vulnerability in leadership isn’t weakness—it’s a superpower. In this episode, I break down how to be authentic, build trust, and create a culture of psychological safety. Learn how to admit mistakes, ask for input, and lead with confidence while staying professional. Plus, discover how leaders like Arianna Huffington used vulnerability to drive success.

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Is your team too dependent on you? Learn how to empower your team, build confidence, and create a thriving workplace culture. Try these 3 simple leadership habits today!

If you feel like every decision, roadblock, and problem lands back on your plate, this episode is for you. Today, we’re talking abouthow to empower your team so they can work independently, make confident decisions, and stop relying on you for every answer.

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