Curious how to handle tough conversations without losing your cool—or your power? We are re-releasing this episode of The Grit Show while host, Shawna, continues her healing from breast cancer surgery.

This episode spotlights internationally acclaimed mediator Hesha Abrams, who shares secrets from decades of resolving high-conflict cases. You’ll hear surprising, practical strategies to “hold the calm,” neutralize workplace tension, and manage challenging relationships—from dealing with difficult bosses to family drama at the dinner table.

Shawna reflects on the life-changing impact Hesha’s tools have had on her own coaching and training. Wondering how to disarm a gaslighter, stop a meeting hijacker in their tracks, or break free from toxic work dynamics? You’ll want to catch the memorable analogies (hint: spaghetti sauce) and actionable tips—like why “calm down” is the worst thing to say in heated situations, and how to lead with curiosity instead of judgment. Ready to upgrade your conflict resolution skills and empower yourself? Tune in!

Hesha Abrams is a professional peacemaker, an internationally acclaimed master attorney mediator, negotiator, and author, known for crafting highly creative settlements and resolutions in very difficult matters. With 30+ years in the trenches of resolving human conflict, she has recently distilled her skills into an easy-to-use tool kit, her new book, "Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension." Through stories and examples, she shares her secrets enabling anyone to learn how to approach tense situations to prevent explosions, disarm conflicts, and reduce drama. It is her mission to help make our world, our businesses, and our relationships less acrimonious and more harmonious.

Connect with Hesha

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hesha-abrams/

Facebook: Hesha Abrams

Youtube: Hesha Abrams - Holding The Calm

Website: www.holdingthecalm.com

Get your copy of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension HERE

When Shawna Rodrigues discovered that women hosted only 27% of podcasts, she knew something had to change. After leaving her award-winning public sector career in 2019 and launching The Grit Show, she founded the Authentic Connections Podcast Network with one bold mission: 37 by 27—raising that percentage to 37% by 2027. Because really, shouldn't it be closer to 50%?

Now she helps purpose-driven solopreneurs find their ideal clients through podcasting, starting with her proven first step: guesting on podcasts - check out her tip sheet.

Currently facing her biggest plot twist yet—a breast cancer diagnosis in early 2025—this year is about her fight, victory, and healing. Join her warrior community Being Honest and check out the podcast episode where she shares more.

Connect with her journey:

Instagram @ShawnaPodcasts | Everything else: https://linktr.ee/37by27

Stay Connected to The Grit Show

Follow us on Instagram: @The.Grit.Show or Shawna @ShawnaPodcasts

Grab your copy of our Self-Care Coloring Pages & as a bonus, you’ll get weekly email reminders when episodes come out!

https://ColoringPages.TheGritShow.com

You can also purchase the full-size gift worthy Color of Grit Adult Coloring Book here bit.ly/TGSMermaid

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