Negotiate Anything Brian Ahearn: The Hard Talks We Avoid—And Why We Need Them
Feb 17, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Brian Ahearn, Chief Influence Officer at Influence People, shares his journey of reconciling with his late father, a Vietnam veteran. He explores how understanding trauma can build empathy and strengthen family ties. Brian emphasizes the importance of having tough conversations, offering techniques to navigate sensitive topics with care. His personal anecdotes reveal how deeper connections can emerge from vulnerability, especially when addressing generational challenges and miscommunication.
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Brian's Story
- Brian Ahearn's book, "His Story, My Story, Our Story," details his complex relationship with his late father, a Vietnam veteran.
- Their relationship, marked by initial turmoil, eventually reached a point of reconciliation and understanding.
Empathy Disconnect
- Humans are naturally self-centered, making it hard to empathize with others' experiences, especially traumatic ones like combat.
- Understanding another's perspective requires stepping outside oneself and considering their circumstances.
Understanding Trauma's Impact
- Reading "The Body Keeps Score" helped Ahearn develop empathy for his father's struggles with unexpressed trauma.
- Consider how trauma can manifest in various ways, not always directly.
