POWERED BY: Think Kindness / SchoolCulture.org
In this powerful episode of the Rockstar Teacher Podcast, host Brian Williams sits down with leadership expert and three-time bestselling author Brenda Neckvatal to tackle one of the most challenging aspects of education: dealing with difficult people. Whether it's challenging students, demanding parents, or complicated coworker dynamics, Brenda delivers battle-tested strategies that educators can implement immediately.
Brenda shares real-world stories from her 30+ years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and over 1,000 leaders, revealing the difference between treating symptoms versus addressing root causes of conflict. From her famous "Help me understand" technique to the empowering "I'm the prize" mindset shift, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom that will transform how you approach difficult conversations and challenging personalities in your school environment.
Learn why being "nice" might be sabotaging your boundaries, discover the power of commanding under pressure without wielding a heavy hand, and understand why you need to stop owning other people's baggage. This isn't just another inspirational talk—it's a practical toolkit for reclaiming control when difficult people threaten your success and well-being.
Connect with Brenda:
Books available at: https://brendaneckvatal.com (also on Amazon)
Music Mentioned
"Holy Ghost" by Sons of Sundays
A high-energy Christian worship song with raw, authentic sound that Brenda credits as her current motivational anthem. The song features an old-fashioned feel recorded with a live, wooden ballroom aesthetic.
Listen on major streaming platforms or download at:https://open.spotify.com/track/6iz66XKAS4xVSDAHRa77Bj?si=79a81142376446ba
