Conversations Worth Having: How Better Dialogue Builds Regenerative, Productive Teams with Cheri Torres & Jackie Stavros

In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane Groeneveld sits down with Cheri Torres and Jackie Stavros, co-authors of Conversations Worth Having and co-founders of the Conversations Worth Having Institute.Cheri and Jackie share how their 25-year journey with Appreciative Inquiry led them to a powerful framework for transforming communication in teams, communities, and everyday life.

Together, they explore how the kinds of conversations we have – whether they build up or break down – shape our relationships, leadership, and ability to collaborate. Whether you're leading a team, navigating family dynamics, or rethinking how to give feedback, this episode offers actionable insights into how meaningful dialogue can spark productivity, trust, and positive change.

•  Enjoy 30% off the CWH Foundations Course with the code: FUTUREOFTEAMS 

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast

01:40 Meet the Guests: Cheri Torres and Jackie Stavros

02:18 The Journey to Conversations Worth Having

02:36 Understanding Appreciative Inquiry

03:26 The Power of Conversations in Building Relationships

04:41 Practical Applications of Appreciative Inquiry

05:12 The Infinite Game: Moving Beyond Competition

06:04 Curiosity in Leadership

06:55 The Two Methods for Conversations Worth Having

09:10 Implementing Conversations Worth Having in Teams

11:47 The Conversations Worth Having Institute

15:18 Expanding the Impact of Conversations Worth Having

16:04 The Importance of Feedback and Feet Forward

21:07 Transforming Internal Dialogue

25:36 Operationalizing Conversations Worth Having

26:32 Moving Forward with Organizational Change

27:12 Appreciative Inquiry and the Five Ds

30:12 SOAR Framework Explained

31:10 Balancing Individual and Collective Aspirations

34:41 Implementing Rapid SOAR in Meetings

39:45 Prototyping and Strategic Conversations

43:16 Leadership and Control in Strategic Conversations

45:05 Getting Started with the Two Practices