Supercommunicators with Charles Duhigg
3. How to Have the Hardest Conversations
Mar 12, 2025
Vernā Myers, former vice president for inclusion strategy at Netflix, shares her insights on navigating challenging conversations. She recounts the fallout from an executive's use of a racial slur and the subsequent internal discussions at Netflix about workplace language and racial sensitivity. Myers emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and personal storytelling in fostering understanding during tough dialogues. Listeners gain strategies for transforming difficult discussions into opportunities for growth and inclusivity.
30:40
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Quick takeaways
- Avoiding tough conversations often leads to worse outcomes, but engaging in them can be productive and less confrontational than anticipated.
- Sharing personal experiences during difficult discussions fosters empathy and understanding, enabling deeper connections and cultural shifts within organizations.
Deep dives
The Beginning of Conflict at Netflix
In February 2018, a discussion about a controversial comedy special sparked a major internal conflict at Netflix. The chief communications officer raised concerns about the slurs used in the comedy special and their potential to offend, emphasizing the need for employees to take complaints seriously. This led to a divisive response within the company, as opinions varied on whether the usage of a racial slur in a non-offensive context warranted the firing of a top executive. Some viewed the decision as an overreaction, while others believed it highlighted a disconnect in understanding the impact of such words on employees of color.
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