Believe it or not, even corporate juggernauts aren't immune to the jitters when it comes time to have some tough conversations.
Yup, you heard that right.
From delivering bad news to confronting their teams, it can be hard for even the most seasoned professionals to work up the courage to face a difficult dialogue.
Luckily for us, Paru Radia, C-Suite Whisperer, execution Ninja, speaker and author is here to give us tips on how to navigate those rocky waters.
If you ask Paru's clients what sets her apart, they are likely to respond that not only does she get it, she gets to the root of the problem quickly and provides sound guidance, based on real world experience.
One of the things we love most about Paru though is that her approach isn't formulaic. She instead focuses on who her client is and what their actual needs are allowing them take control of their businesses, careers, and lives, while staying true to who they are.
So, if you struggle with finding the right words for those tricky conversations, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.
https://www.pharus.consulting/paru">Check out Paru's Website
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paruradia/">Connect with Paru on LinkedIn
If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie
To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com
Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole) Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
"Don't self-filter and be apologetic about something. It is what it is. Just be straight that, "oh, okay, this happened" or "oh yes, I messed this up, or "I don't like this or "I don't like that."
"If you are not confident about the things that you don't like about yourself, you are giving people ammunition to also dislike you. Just own it."
"Magic happens in momentum."
"The magic won't happen if something is standing still. You need other things to happen for the reaction to happen, which equates to magic."
Podcast: b CAUSE Work Doesn't Have To Suck
Episode Topic: Authentic leadership, tough conversations, executive confidence, and finding clarity in your career
00:00 When you're speaking to someone, avoid saying "you," because it can feel aggressive. Keep the conversation business-focused and ask questions. Don't go straight into assumptions — get curious about the other person.
Who are they? Why are they behaving the way they are? Why did they make that choice? Ask them.
What happens when a former corporate CEO and a do-gooding executive walk into a recording studio? You get career therapy, comedy, and a whole lot of authenticity.
01:04 Erin introduces executive strategist and business consultant Paru Radia, known as the "C-Suite Whisperer."
Erin shares that even after being a CEO, leading a major turnaround, and being called a badass, she still struggles with tough conversations — whether it's with employees, clients, or even at home.
The conversation focuses on how we can stop dreading difficult conversations and start approaching them with curiosity, clarity, and authenticity.
04:49 Paru explains how she got the nickname "C-Suite Whisperer."
She describes her work as translating what executives say into what people actually hear — similar to the idea of a "ghost whisperer," but for leaders.
Her role is helping executives understand their mindset, patterns, behaviors, strengths, and success criteria so they can get clear on what they truly want.
06:16 Erin asks what gets lost most often when leaders communicate.
Paru says the biggest issue is intention.
People at every level — even executives — deal with the same human challenges: wanting to be understood, wanting to look good, wanting to be liked, and wanting their work to succeed.
The stakes may get higher as people rise in their careers, but the human emotions remain the same.
08:17 Paru shares how her childhood experiences shaped the leader and coach she became.
Growing up in a conservative Indian household in racist Britain, she experienced discrimination and bullying. Those experiences taught her to observe deeply, read situations, and understand people.
Today, that ability helps her coach executives because she notices things others may miss.
11:18 Paru explains that people need to stop hiding the parts of themselves they don't like.
Her advice: own everything about yourself.
When you are uncomfortable with something about yourself, you often give others power over it. When you accept yourself fully, those things lose their ability to hold you back.
12:24 Erin and Paru discuss one of the biggest workplace challenges: difficult conversations.
Paru explains that she actually enjoys tough conversations because they create the opportunity for change.
Her advice for having better conversations:
16:42 Paru explains her approach to coaching: start with the outcome and work backward.
Instead of focusing on every obstacle along the way, define where you want to go first.
Once the desired outcome is clear, the steps become easier to identify — and ego gets less involved.
19:34 Erin and Paru discuss how managers can handle inconsistent performers.
Instead of asking broad questions like "How do you think you're doing?" leaders should get specific.
Ask:
Clarity creates better conversations.
25:46 Paru shares one of her favorite principles: "Magic happens in momentum."
When something good happens — a connection, an opportunity, positive feedback — don't wait. Continue the energy while it is still alive.
Momentum creates more momentum.
Whether it's responding to someone who loved your book, following up after a great meeting, or acting on an opportunity, timing matters.
30:33 Paru discusses her upcoming book, Messes Behind Successes.
The book focuses on the reality behind achievement — the struggles, mistakes, setbacks, and challenges people experience before reaching success.
Her goal is to share real stories so people understand that successful people also navigate uncertainty, failure, and difficult moments.
35:15 Paru shares where listeners can find more of her work.
Follow Paru on LinkedIn and visit her website to learn more about her executive strategy and coaching work.
36:30 Erin thanks Paru for sharing her wisdom, honesty, and perspective on authenticity, leadership, and navigating difficult conversations.
The biggest takeaway: better conversations start with curiosity, clarity, and the willingness to understand what is really happening beneath the surface.
