This week Mike is sitting down with Michael Bungay Stanier to chat about leadership, coaching, and how we can all build better relationships. Michael is best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century and recognized as a classic. His most recent book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, shows how to build the Best Possible Relationship with the key people at work. Michael was a Rhodes Scholar, and was recently awarded the coaching prize by Thinkers50, “the Oscars of management”.

In this episode they dig into the power of asking the right questions—because sometimes, just one powerful question can completely shift how we lead and connect with others. Mike and Michael highlight how having clear intent behind our conversations can make all the difference, especially when we’re navigating tricky interpersonal dynamics. The conversation touches on the importance of choosing relationships over ego, setting boundaries to keep those relationships healthy, and embracing vulnerability to foster deeper connections. Michael introduces his idea of the 'keystone conversation,' a simple but powerful framework that can help us navigate relationships more effectively, alongside five essential questions we can all use to improve how we communicate.

They also talk about understanding different types of conflict and how this awareness can lead to better communication. It’s all about reducing assumptions, getting to a place of shared understanding, and keeping curiosity at the center of it all. At the end of the day, improving relationships is a journey—not something we just check off the list—and being intentional about how we relate to others can truly be transformative.

Episode Resources:

Michael Bungay Stanier: Website

The Coaching Habit

How to Work with Almost Anyone

ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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E20 Building Better Relationships with Michael Bungay Stanier