Conflict doesn’t break relationships. What breaks them is unmanaged emotion. The moments where we shut down, get sharp, avoid the conversation, or expect other people to absorb what we haven’t dealt with ourselves. This episode is about that gap — between what we feel and how it lands — and why leadership always starts there.
I talk about growing up without language for feelings, how avoidance becomes a habit, and what happens when that habit follows us into teams, partnerships, and high-stakes conversations. We get clear on intent versus impact, why “that’s just how I am” isn’t neutral, and how easy it is to leave other people doing the emotional cleanup if we’re not paying attention.
You’ll also hear the practical side: how to notice early body cues, name specific triggers, and use simple pause and grounding practices when things heat up. Not to be calm for the sake of calm, but to stay present enough to choose your next move. Because when you can regulate yourself, conflict stops being a threat and starts becoming information — and that’s where trust, repair, and real leadership live.
