Sticky From The Inside is the go-to podcast for anyone looking to transform their workplace into a thriving, competition-crushing powerhouse. We’re on a mission to change the fact that 65% of employees worldwide are disengaged from their work—because that’s not just bad for business, it’s a waste of time and talent.
Each episode, we bring you dynamic conversations with global experts, thought leaders, and innovative thinkers who share their strategies, stories, and secrets for building a “Stickier Business”—a place where employees are passionate, customers are loyal, and success is the norm.
If you’re ready to boost employee engagement, create an unbeatable workplace culture, and lead with impact, tune in and discover how to build a business that people love from the inside out.
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Sticky From The Inside is the go-to podcast for anyone looking to transform their workplace into a thriving, competition-crushing powerhouse. We’re on a mission to change the fact that 65% of employees worldwide are disengaged from their work—because that’s not just bad for business, it’s a waste of time and talent.
Each episode, we bring you dynamic conversations with global experts, thought leaders, and innovative thinkers who share their strategies, stories, and secrets for building a “Stickier Business”—a place where employees are passionate, customers are loyal, and success is the norm.
If you’re ready to boost employee engagement, create an unbeatable workplace culture, and lead with impact, tune in and discover how to build a business that people love from the inside out.
Having Tough Conversations: What Leaders Can Learn From the Locker Room
The Sticky From The Inside Podcast
46 minutes
3 weeks ago
Having Tough Conversations: What Leaders Can Learn From the Locker Room
Imagine walking into a locker room just moments after a crushing defeat. Players are angry, deflated, maybe even in tears — and then a sideline reporter steps up and asks the question nobody wants to hear.
That’s where Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and communications coach Jen Mueller thrives. With 25 years in Sports Journalism, covering high profile sports teams such as the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners, and as founder of Talk Sporty to Me, Jen has mastered the art of having tough conversations under pressure.
In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, Jen reveals what leaders can learn from the sports world about facing into tough conversations with clarity, honesty, and respect. From avoiding false praise to creating psychological safety, she shares practical tools to help managers and teams tackle difficult moments without damaging trust.
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Key Takeaways
Avoidance erodes trust. Not having tough conversations leaves people guessing — and usually assuming the worst.
Be honest with praise. Empty compliments damage credibility; accurate feedback builds respect.
Clarity reduces fear. Preparation and specific goals make difficult conversations easier and more effective.
Respect the person. Tough moments handled with care can strengthen relationships, not break them.
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Key Moments
The key moments in this episode are:
0:01:10 – Why tough conversations matter more than ever in leadership0:02:43 – Meet Jen Mueller: Emmy-winning sports journalist and communications coach0:05:19 – From the side lines to the office: lessons from 25 years in sport0:09:27 – Why leaders avoid tough conversations (and the cost of silence)0:15:04 – The danger of false praise and how it kills credibility0:21:14 – “If you’re not willing to have that conversation, you lose trust”0:26:41 – Clarity, preparation, and why leaders shouldn’t “wing it”0:32:38 – Respect, emotions, and reading the room under pressure0:38:16 – Turning tough conversations into relationship-building moments0:43:55 – Jen’s three Sticky Notes of advice
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Join The Conversation
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Useful Links
Follow Jen Mueller on LinkedIn here
Follow Jen Mueller on Instagram here
Follow Jen Mueller on X here here
Find the "Talk Sporty To Me" website here
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Full Episode Transcript
Get the full transcript of the episode here
The Sticky From The Inside Podcast
Sticky From The Inside is the go-to podcast for anyone looking to transform their workplace into a thriving, competition-crushing powerhouse. We’re on a mission to change the fact that 65% of employees worldwide are disengaged from their work—because that’s not just bad for business, it’s a waste of time and talent.
Each episode, we bring you dynamic conversations with global experts, thought leaders, and innovative thinkers who share their strategies, stories, and secrets for building a “Stickier Business”—a place where employees are passionate, customers are loyal, and success is the norm.
If you’re ready to boost employee engagement, create an unbeatable workplace culture, and lead with impact, tune in and discover how to build a business that people love from the inside out.
