In this solo episode, I explore one of the biggest barriers to leadership and team performance: avoiding tough conversations. The truth is, the biggest problem in communication is often the illusion that it is happening. When difficult conversations are handled poorly, or not at all, we see misunderstandings, low morale, stalled innovation, and a breakdown of trust.
I share insights from psychology and neuroscience on why people shut down or get defensive under stress, and how leaders can shift conversations from threat to trust. We look at the difference between healthy debate and destructive conflict, and why creating psychological safety is the foundation of open dialogue and collaboration.
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In this solo episode, I explore one of the biggest barriers to leadership and team performance: avoiding tough conversations. The truth is, the biggest problem in communication is often the illusion that it is happening. When difficult conversations are handled poorly, or not at all, we see misunderstandings, low morale, stalled innovation, and a breakdown of trust.
I share insights from psychology and neuroscience on why people shut down or get defensive under stress, and how leaders can shift conversations from threat to trust. We look at the difference between healthy debate and destructive conflict, and why creating psychological safety is the foundation of open dialogue and collaboration.
In the latest Lead Well podcast episode, Nick Lawlor, founder of Employee Financial Wellness (EFW), recounts his entrepreneurial journey from establishing Lawlor Financial Planning in 2011 during Ireland's financial crisis to the recent acquisition of EFW by UK-based Wealth at Work.
Nick started his career helping individuals navigate financial turmoil, recognising the profound connection between financial stress and mental health. This experience inspired him to co-found a division at New Beginnings in 2014, focused on providing financial advice. Realising the need for proactive financial education, Nick launched EFW in 2017 to empower employees with the tools for financial planning and well-being. His dedication was underscored by completing a master's degree in workplace wellness, which has helped position EFW as a leader in Ireland's emerging financial wellness sector.
Nick's vision, accelerated by the Wealth at Work partnership, aims to address the cost of living crisis and enhance employee support through comprehensive financial education programs.
To learn more about Nick and EFW check out
https://employeefinancialwellness.ie/
Lead Well with Mark O'Reilly
In this solo episode, I explore one of the biggest barriers to leadership and team performance: avoiding tough conversations. The truth is, the biggest problem in communication is often the illusion that it is happening. When difficult conversations are handled poorly, or not at all, we see misunderstandings, low morale, stalled innovation, and a breakdown of trust.
I share insights from psychology and neuroscience on why people shut down or get defensive under stress, and how leaders can shift conversations from threat to trust. We look at the difference between healthy debate and destructive conflict, and why creating psychological safety is the foundation of open dialogue and collaboration.
