Curious Leadership with Dominic Monkhouse

Martin Gonzalez, Principal of Organizational Leadership Development at Google, discusses the challenges and importance of people and organisational dynamics in startups. He shares insights from his book, The Bonfire Moment, and the workshops he runs for founders. The workshops focus on addressing the people factor in startups, including co-founder conflict, team culture, and building the right management team. Martin emphasises the need for founders to evolve from being chief bricklayers to chief architects as their companies grow. He also explores the question of whether founders should remain as CEOs or bring in professional CEOs. The conversation explores the challenges of scaling a startup and maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit. It discusses the importance of codifying the founder's spirit without stifling innovation and the need for continuous self-reflection and self-awareness. The workshop described in the conversation focuses on creating clarity, having tough conversations, and addressing sources of conflict within the leadership team. The conversation also touches on the role of trust in team dynamics and the potential pitfalls of overemphasising trust-building activities. Who is Martin Gonzalez Martin Gonzalez is the creator of Google’s Effective Founders Project, a global research program that decodes the factors that enable startup founders to succeed. He also works closely with Google’s engineering and research leaders on org design, leadership, and culture challenges. Martin is a frequent lecturer at Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD, and has advised leaders across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He studied organisational psychology and behavioural science at Columbia University and the London School of Economics.TakeawaysThe people factor is a major reason for startup failure, and founders often struggle with addressing people and organizational challenges.Founders need to evolve from being chief bricklayers to chief architects as their companies grow.Building the right team culture and management team is crucial for startup success.There is a need for more research on how founders can remain as CEOs and lead their companies through the scale-up phase. Scaling a startup while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit is a challenge.Codifying the founder's spirit can lead to a company of rule followers and a loss of entrepreneurial spirit.Continuous self-reflection and self-awareness are essential for effective leadership.Creating clarity, having tough conversations, and addressing sources of conflict are crucial for a healthy leadership team.Trust-building activities may not always address the root causes of trust issues.Recommended books for further reading: 'The Founder's Dilemmas' and 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things'.Chapters(00:29) Selective Upgrades and Performance Outcomes(03:59) The Need to Change the World of Work(08:04) Trusting Data Over Intuition(13:07) The People Factor in Startup Failure(15:31) Founder Obsession with Product and Lack of Tools for People Dynamics(18:39) The Importance of Bullshit as a Founder(23:24) Founder CEOs and the Transition to Chief Architect(26:03) The Impact of Founder CEOs on Business Success(26:43) Maintaining an Entrepreneurial Spirit(28:08) The Challenge of Codifying the Founder's Spirit(29:49) Creating Clarity and Addressing Conflict(37:30) The Bullshit Circle and Real Talk(45:38) Learning Leadership from Cult Leaders(54:30) The Myth of External EnemiesAbout Martin GonzalezPrincipal of AI Talent Development at Google, Martin was previously a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. He is also a lecturer at Stanford d. school on scaling organisational culture in startups and is guest editor at the Journal of Organization Design, published by Springer.Mentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

SummaryThe conversation explores the topic of dyslexia and its connection to entrepreneurship. Jamie Waller, The dyslexic entrepreneur and advocate, shares his insights and experiences. He discusses the challenges faced by dyslexic individuals in the education system and society, as well as the unique strengths and traits they possess. The conversation also touches on the importance of changing the narrative around dyslexia and empowering individuals with dyslexia to pursue their goals. Waller emphasises the need for support and understanding, both in education and the business world. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Waller's upcoming adventures, including a trip to space. Jamie Waller, The Dyslexic Entrepreneur, discusses his plans to take a two-year trip around the world with his children and the challenges of balancing work and family life. He shares his experience as a serial entrepreneur and investor, highlighting the importance of curiosity and being open to new ideas. Waller also talks about his struggles with sleep due to ADHD and offers tips for managing sleep challenges. He emphasises the need for kindness in business and challenges the myth that you have to be ruthless to succeed. Waller recommends the books 'Good to Great' and 'Strength to Strength' for personal and professional development.TakeawaysDyslexia is a learning difference that affects individuals in various ways, but it is not a measure of intelligence.Dyslexic thinkers often possess unique strengths, such as explorative thinking and a strong sense of justice.Entrepreneurship can be a natural fit for dyslexic individuals due to their risk-taking mindset and ability to think outside the box.Changing the narrative around dyslexia is crucial to empower individuals and promote understanding and support.Supporting dyslexic individuals in education and the business world can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities for success. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but it's important to make time for experiences and adventures with loved ones.Curiosity and openness to new ideas are key traits for entrepreneurs and investors.Managing sleep challenges, especially for individuals with ADHD, can be aided by supplements like GABA and creating a conducive sleep environment.Kindness is an important quality in business; success does not require ruthlessness.Planning for life after exit is crucial for entrepreneurs to maintain purpose and fulfilment.Chapters(03:25) Exploring the Connection Between Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship(08:27) Changing the Narrative: Empowering Dyslexic Individuals(10:28) Unique Strengths of Dyslexic Thinkers(19:37) Supporting Dyslexic Individuals in Education and Business(25:45) Adventures and Challenges: Dyslexia and Personal Growth(31:26) Taking a Two-Year Trip Around the World(35:00) The Curiosity and Openness of an Entrepreneur(38:03) Managing Sleep Challenges with ADHD(46:55) The Importance of Kindness in Business(52:09) Planning for Life After ExitAbout Jamie WallerJamie was born dyslexic, with ADHD, colour blind, poor and raised in Bethnal Green, East London. Jamie benefited from the supportive efforts of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team and the Prince’s Trust, both charities strive to improve the lives of underprivileged young people, and they remain dear to Jamie’s heart. Upon retiring from the Imps after eleven years of service at age sixteen, Jamie started his first business. Since then, he has launched and sold multiple businesses throughout the world demonstrating the limitless power of thinking differently as a dyslexic entrepreneur. Jamie is the Founder and past Chair of the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Network, sponsor of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team and author of ‘Unsexy Business (2017)’ and ‘The Dyslexic Edge (2024)’. Jamie is an advocate for those with dyslexia and lobbies for change through his media brand, The Dyslexic Entrepreneur. When not at work, Jamie can be found completing some of the world’s most exciting adventures like sailing oceans, climbing mountains and riding motorcycles across the world.Mentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

SummaryJames Ashford shares his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of creating amazing customer experiences. He emphasises the need for systemization and continual improvement to deliver exceptional service. Dominic Monkhouse highlights the significance of sales in business success and the fear of rejection that holds many businesses back from increasing their prices. They discuss the value of simplifying the sales process and closing deals on the spot. James also shares his experience with Go Proposal, a pricing proposal software for accountants, and how it helped streamline the sales process. James Ashford shares his experience of building and selling his software business, GoProposal, and the importance of creating a sales culture and simplifying the sales process. He emphasises the need for businesses to focus on providing a great customer experience and highlights the value of being exit-ready. James also discusses the challenges he faced after selling his business and the importance of understanding the true reason why entrepreneurs do what they do.TakeawaysCreating amazing customer experiences is crucial for business success.Systemisation and continual improvement are key to delivering exceptional service.Many businesses fear increasing their prices due to a lack of self-worth and fear of rejection.Simplifying the sales process and closing deals on the spot can lead to faster business growth.Go Proposal, pricing proposal software, helps streamline the sales process for accountants. Instead of relying solely on a sales team, focus on creating a sales culture in your business.Simplify the sales process to provide a better customer experience and increase efficiency.Be exit-ready by systemising your business, having a playbook, and extracting yourself from day-to-day operations.Understand the true reason why you do what you do as an entrepreneur and honour that passion.Surround yourself with positivity and block out negativity to maintain a positive mindset.Chapters(02:51) Creating Amazing Customer Experiences(10:04) Overcoming the Fear of Rejection and Increasing Prices(19:07) Simplifying the Sales Process for Faster Business Growth(22:50) Streamlining the Sales Process for Accountants with Go Proposal(29:17) Creating a Sales Culture and Simplifying the Sales Process(35:55) The Value of Being Exit-Ready(51:51) Understanding the True Reason Why Entrepreneurs Do What They DoMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

SummaryRenan de Villiers, CEO and co-founder of OSS Ventures, discusses his niche in B2B SaaS for manufacturing. He explains that manufacturing accounts for 25% of the world GDP and highlights the importance of software in factories. Renan shares his experience as a former factory director and how it led him to start a venture builder and investment firm focused on SaaS B2B for manufacturing. He emphasises the challenges of scaling executive talent in mature companies and the need for better incentive packages in the VC world. Renan also discusses the state of the economy, de-globalisation, and the future of manufacturing. The conversation explores the importance of hardware in tech companies, the challenges of scaling businesses, and the myths and realities of venture capital. It also delves into the personal journey of the guest and his sources of inspiration.takeawaysManufacturing accounts for 25% of the world GDP, making it a significant niche for B2B SaaS.Scaling executive talent is a challenge in mature companies, and better incentive packages are needed in the VC world.The US is decoupling from China, and there is a trend of reshoring and nearshoring in manufacturing.Energy and chip production are becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing industry. Hardware will play a significant role in the success of tech companies in the future.Scaling a business involves two major breaking points: transitioning from founder-led chaos to a more structured approach and managing the challenges of communication and processes as the company grows.Founders need to be willing to adapt and change as their company scales, and sometimes, that means letting go of the chaotic energy that fuelled the early stages.Ideas do matter in business, but they are nothing without execution.Success in life is measured by the impact you have on others.Recommended books: 'No Rules Rules' by Reed Hastings and 'Hunger, Famine, and Wealth' by London philosopher.Recommended podcast: 'Revenue Builder' for insights on revenue generation in B2B SaaS.Chapters(00:00) Introduction and Niche in B2B SaaS for Manufacturing(02:11) Scaling Executive Talent in Mature Companies(06:21) Challenges in Incentive Packages for VC-backed Companies(13:22) The Decoupling of the US from China(24:07) The Importance of Energy and Chip Production in Manufacturing(25:55) The Role of Hardware in Tech Companies(30:25) Scaling Challenges and Breaking Points(32:17) Adapting as a Founder During Growth(39:37) The Importance of Ideas and Execution(45:22) Measuring Success in Life(49:08) Timeless Inspiration from 'Meditations'(49:53) Debunking the Myth: Ideas Do MatterMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

SummaryTim Cameron-Kitchen, founder of Exposure Ninja, discusses the impact of AI on search and the future of Google. He highlights the emergence of Chat GPT and TikTok as potential threats to Google's dominance. Google responded by integrating AI functionality into its search engine, including Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Perspectives. Tim's agency was one of the first to figure out how to optimize for SGE. However, Google's release of AI overviews, which provide generative AI answers to user queries, received negative feedback. Tim believes that while AI can potentially disrupt search, Google is adapting to stay relevant. In this conversation, Tim Cameron-Kitchen and Dominic Monkhouse discuss the future of search engines and the role of AI in marketing and business. They explore the impact of generative AI on search engine results and the challenges faced by new search engines in competing with Google. They also discuss the use of AI in business operations, such as using AI models to analyse documents and transcripts for better decision-making. The conversation touches on the importance of video presence in remote interviews and the significance of attention to detail in online interactions. Tim shares his favourite books and podcasts for learning and offers insights into measuring success in life.TakeawaysThe emergence of Chat GPT and TikTok poses potential threats to Google's dominance in search.Google has responded by integrating AI functionality into its search engine, such as SGE and Perspectives.Exposure Ninja was one of the first agencies to optimise for SGE and share the process with others.Google's release of AI overviews, which provide generative AI answers to user queries, received negative feedback.While AI has the potential to disrupt search, Google is adapting to stay relevant. Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize search engine results, but it has not yet posed a significant threat to Google's dominance.AI models like ChatGPT and Claude can be used to analyse documents and transcripts, providing tailored and fast results for complex queries.Video presence and attention to detail are crucial in remote interviews and online interactions.Success can be measured by the balance of health, family, and business, with a focus on avoiding regret in the future.Chapters(29:57) Threats to Google's Dominance(31:49) Negative Feedback on AI Overviews(34:04) Generative AI in Search Engine Results(36:16) The Dominance of Google and the Challenges Faced by New Search Engines(39:14) AI in Business Operations: Analysing Documents and Transcripts(46:02) The Importance of Video Presence and Attention to Detail in Remote Interviews(51:12) Recommended Books and Podcasts for Learning and Inspiration(54:26) Measuring Success: Health, Family, and BusinessMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

Summary🎙️ Get ready for a transformative episode of the Mind Your F**king Business podcast with Dominic Monkhouse! This week, Dominic sits down with leadership guru Kyle McDowell, author of the revolutionary book, 'Begin With We'. Dive deep into their dynamic discussion on overturning traditional corporate hierarchies and embracing a principle-based leadership style that champions collaboration and authenticity.🌟 From Kyle's own radical shift from conventional management to leading with principles to tackling the pervasive challenges of toxic work cultures, this conversation is packed with insights. They explore the seismic impact of shifting from a 'me' to a 'we' mindset, underscore the importance of genuine connections within the C-suite, and dissect the destructive nature of office gossip.💡 Plus, don't miss Kyle's breakdown of the 10 cardinal principles of leadership that could redefine your approach to team dynamics and personal accountability. Learn why embracing vulnerability and authenticity isn't just good practice—it's essential for creating a culture of excellence and trust.🔥 Tune in as they reveal how true leadership means leading by example, owning your mistakes, and stepping up to challenges head-on. This isn't just another leadership discussion; it's a call to fundamentally change how you lead. TakeawaysLeadership principles are essential for creating high-performing teams and organizations.Collaboration is crucial in the C-suite and throughout the organization.There is often a disconnect between leaders' perceptions and the reality of their teams' experiences.Toxic work environments can have a detrimental impact on individuals and the overall success of the organisation.Creating a culture of excellence requires a focus on both internal and external service. Transitioning from a 'me' to a 'we' mindset in leadership is challenging but essential for building genuine connections with team members.Leaders should lead by example and avoid negative conversations about team members in their absence.The 10 principles of leadership outlined in 'Begin With We' include leading by example, taking action, owning mistakes, and embracing challenges.Relatability, authenticity, and vulnerability are key in building trust within teams.Leaders should focus on outcomes rather than activity and be open to challenging and being challenged by team members.Attention to detail is crucial for delivering exceptional experiences and establishing a strong brand.Chapters(02:58) The Power of Leadership Principles(07:46) Collaboration in the C-suite(13:20) Bridging the Disconnect Between Leaders and Teams(21:33) Creating a Culture of Excellence(25:36) The Challenge of Transitioning to a 'We' Mindset(27:15) The Impact of Gossip and the Importance of Leading by Example(31:33) Creating a Culture of Vulnerability and Support(37:11) Focusing on Outcomes and Avoiding Busyness(38:40) Challenging and Being Challenged for Growth(39:37) The Power of Attention to DetailMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

Dominic Monkhouse explores the importance of intentional leadership and creating a strong company culture with John DiJulius from The DiJulius GroupA recent survey of 4,500 UK workers by the Chartered Management Institute found that 82% of those in management positions are 'accidental managers', and have little training or qualifications. The problem is that to be an effective leader you need to develop a whole new set of skills and competencies. John and Dominic highlight the need for formal training for managers and the lack of training in areas such as difficult conversations and interviewing. Their conversation also delves into the concept of purpose in the workplace and the changing attitudes towards hustle culture. The recruitment process is discussed, emphasising creating a unique and engaging experience for candidates. The importance of knowing employees' aspirations and helping them achieve their goals is also emphasised. In this conversation, John DiJulius and Dominic Monkhouse discuss the importance of encouraging and believing in others to help them reach their full potential. They also talk about the power of positive thinking, the impact of personal experiences on leadership, and the value of creating a remarkable customer experience. John shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges and how he has used his experiences to inspire and motivate others. They also touch on the concept of making price irrelevant and the importance of treating customers and employees based on their individual needs.Keywordsleadership, company culture, formal training, difficult conversations, interviewing, purpose, hustle culture, recruitment process, employee aspirations, encouragement, belief, potential, positive thinking, leadership, customer experience, personal journey, challenges, price irrelevant, individual needsTakeawaysLeaders should be intentional and create a strong company culture.Managers should receive formal training, especially in areas like difficult conversations and interviewing.The concept of purpose in the workplace is important for all generations.The recruitment process should be unique and engaging to attract top talent.Knowing employees' aspirations and helping them achieve their goals is crucial for employee retention. Encouraging and believing in others can help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.Positive thinking and a strong belief in oneself can overcome challenges and lead to success.Creating a remarkable customer experience is essential for business growth and customer loyalty.Treating customers and employees based on their individual needs is more effective than treating them how you would like to be treated.Making price irrelevant by focusing on the value and experience you provide can lead to loyal customers and increased sales.Chapters(00:00) Creating an Intentional Company Culture(09:38) The Importance of Formal Training for Managers(13:16) Redefining Purpose in the Workplace(23:43) Supporting Employee Aspirations for Long-Term Retention(31:13) Unlocking Potential: The Power of Encouragement and Belief(36:45) Overcoming Personal Obstacles: A Journey of Resilience(43:28) Creating Remarkable Customer Experiences for Business Growth(49:08) Making Price Irrelevant: The Value of Customer ExperienceMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

SummaryThe conversation explores three main topics: business model resilience, AI, and environmental sustainability. The accessibility and democratisation of AI tools have made a significant impact on innovation and value creation. AI has the potential to propose better value propositions and even replace human managers. The integration of AI tools in consulting processes has resulted in faster results and improved efficiency. However, the development of better value propositions through the integration of different data sources is still a work in progress. In this conversation, Alex and Dominic discuss the potential of AI in innovation and business processes. They explore the idea of using AI to automate customer interviews and the impact it can have on the speed and efficiency of innovation. They also touch on the importance of environmental sustainability and the need for new business models that harmonize profit and impact. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of AI and the importance of regulation.Keywordsbusiness model resilience, AI, environmental sustainability, accessibility, democratisation, innovation, value creation, value propositions, AI tools, consulting processes, data sources, AI, innovation, business processes, customer interviews, speed, efficiency, environmental sustainability, business models, profit, impact, regulationTakeawaysThe accessibility and democratization of AI tools have revolutionized innovation and value creation.AI has the potential to propose better value propositions and even replace human managers.The integration of AI tools in consulting processes has resulted in faster results and improved efficiency.The development of better value propositions through the integration of different data sources is still a work in progress. AI can greatly speed up the innovation process by automating tasks like customer interviews.Businesses need to embrace environmental sustainability and find new business models that harmonise profit and impact.Financial sustainability and resilient revenue models are crucial for the success of a business.Experimentation with pricing and revenue streams is essential for business growth.The rapid pace of change in AI presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators.Regulation is necessary to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI.Chapters(02:22) The Impact of AI on Innovation and Value Creation(05:10) The Potential of AI in Proposing Value Propositions(10:42) Challenges in Developing Better Value Propositions with AI(30:30) Harmonising Profit and Impact: The Future of Business Models(37:27) Financial Sustainability and Resilient Revenue Models(42:28) Experimentation with Pricing and Revenue Streams(44:19) The Challenges and Opportunities of AIAbout Alex OsterwalderAlex Osterwalder is ranked in the top 10 on the Thinkers50 list of management thinkers worldwide. He is passionate about simplifying the complex challenges that today's leaders face. Along with Yves Pigneur, he invented the Business Model Canvas and other practical tools, which are now used by millions of practitioners around the globe.Strategyzer, the company Alex co-founded, provides technology-enabled innovation services to leading organisations, including Colgate-Palmolive, MasterCard and Merck. Alex spends most of his time advising leaders on how to scale their innovation efforts and get results. They already have the assets but lack the organisational design and innovation culture.His books include Business Model Generation, Value Proposition Design, Testing Business Ideas, The Invincible Company, and High-Impact Tools for Teams. Together with his children he created Biz4Kids, a comic book to promote entrepreneurship.Mentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

SummaryKen Rusk, the blue-collar entrepreneur, shares his insights on achieving success and living your best life. He emphasises the importance of having a clear purpose and maximising every opportunity. Ken believes that anyone can be an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur as long as they have a clear vision and take action. He also discusses the significance of creating a culture that supports individual goals and fosters entrepreneurial thinking. Ken encourages people to be specific and actionable in their goals, and he shares his method of using visual representations to create a brochure for their ideal life. Ken Rusk discusses the importance of visualising and manifesting one's goals, the value of collaboration and support in achieving success, and the benefits of financial literacy and trade skills. He also shares insights on creating a positive work culture and the impact of giving back to the community. Ken emphasises the need for individuals to take control of their own lives and make responsible choices. He encourages young people to consider trade careers and challenges the societal pressure to pursue traditional college education. Ken's new book, 'Cool Boss,' focuses on creating a positive work environment and attracting entrepreneurial thinkers.Keywordsblue-collar entrepreneur, purpose, maximising opportunities, vision, action, culture, entrepreneurial thinking, goals, specific, actionable, visual representations, visualisation, manifestation, collaboration, support, financial literacy, trade skills, work culture, giving back, self-reliance, responsible choices, trade careers, college education, positive work environment, entrepreneurial thinkersTakeawaysHaving a clear purpose and maximizing opportunities are key to achieving success and living your best life.Anyone can be an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur as long as they have a clear vision and take action.Creating a culture that supports individual goals and fosters entrepreneurial thinking is crucial for business success.Being specific and actionable in your goals is essential for making progress and achieving desired outcomes.Using visual representations can help create a clear vision and motivate individuals to work towards their ideal life. Visualize and manifest your goals to bring them into your life.Collaboration and support from peers can help in achieving success.Financial literacy and starting early with saving can lead to a secure retirement.Consider trade careers as they offer high demand and good earning potential.Create a positive work culture by recognizing and valuing employees.Giving back to the community can bring personal fulfillment and success.Take control of your own life and make responsible choices.Challenge the societal pressure to pursue traditional college education.Create a work environment that attracts entrepreneurial thinkers.Ken's new book, 'Cool Boss,' focuses on creating a positive work culture.Sound Bites"Sometimes it doesn't necessarily matter what you do for a living, as much as it does what you do with what you do for a living.""I think a blue collar entrepreneur is someone that possesses probably nine or 10 characteristics, which we all have, but they're just driven by where they want to go in their life.""Surround yourself with entrepreneurial thinking, and your company will take off way further than you can take it yourself.""If I know my favourite colour, my favourite car, my favourite house, my favourite sport, my favourite hobby, my favourite spiritual moment, my favourite vacation, why am I not putting that out into the universe?""You can't build a puzzle without the box. The box is the vision, the picture, the end, the goal, the conclusion.""I've had people high-fiving each other when they hit a goal. It's nice to see them getting advice from their peers."Chapters(03:36) The Importance of Purpose and Action(08:00) Defining a Blue-Collar Entrepreneur(11:14) Building a Culture of Entrepreneurial Thinking(15:07) Setting Specific and Actionable Goals(23:31) Visualizing and Manifesting Your Goals(25:08) The Power of Collaboration and Support(26:12) The Importance of Financial Literacy and Trade Skills(34:30) Creating a Positive Work Culture(36:32) The Benefits of Giving Back to the Community(40:51) Taking Control of Your Own Life(42:16) Challenging the Pressure to Pursue College Education(44:10) Attracting Entrepreneurial Thinkers with a Positive Work EnvironmentMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

SummaryOne of Dominic's favourite recordings yet! The conversation with Karin Hurt and David Dye explores the topic of workplace conflict and the importance of having productive conversations. They discuss the fear and discomfort associated with conflict, the need for connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment in resolving conflicts, and the power of using specific phrases to initiate and navigate these conversations. The conversation emphasises the positive aspects of conflict and the potential for growth and innovation that can result from addressing conflicts effectively. In this conversation, David Dye and Karin Hurt discuss the importance of de-escalating conflicts in the workplace and providing strategies for effective communication. They emphasise the power of phrases like 'tell me more' and 'I'm curious' to break the cycle of conflict and create a safe space for dialogue. They also highlight the significance of acknowledging emotions and using check-ins for understanding to ensure that everyone feels heard. The conversation explores the benefits of teams that handle conflict well, such as fostering innovation and creating a united front. David and Karin share personal anecdotes and recommend books like 'Tribes' by Seth Godin and '4000 Weeks' by Oliver Burkeman.Keywordsworkplace conflict, productive conversations, connection, clarity, curiosity, commitment, phrases, conflict resolution, workplace communication, deescalating conflicts, effective dialogue, acknowledging emotions, understanding, team dynamics, innovation, collaboration, leadershipTakeawaysConflict is not inherently negative; it is a difference of perspective that can lead to innovation and problem-solving.Having productive conversations about conflicts requires connection, clarity, curiosity, and commitment.Initiating conversations about conflicts can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for growth and improvement.Using powerful phrases, such as 'Tell me more' and 'What would a successful outcome do for you?', can facilitate productive conversations about conflicts.Conflict resolution requires understanding and addressing all parties' underlying needs and motivations. Use phrases like 'tell me more' and 'I'm curious' to deescalate conflicts and create a safe space for dialogue.Acknowledge emotions and use check-ins for understanding to ensure that everyone feels heard.Teams that handle conflict well foster innovation and have a united front.Effective communication and collaboration are essential for successful conflict resolution.Recommended books: 'Tribes' by Seth Godin and '4000 Weeks' by Oliver Burkeman.Chapters(02:59) The Need for Productive Conflict Conversations(09:04) Connection and Clarity in Conflict Resolution(13:38) Curiosity and Commitment in Addressing Conflict(16:24) Using Powerful Phrases to Navigate Conflict Conversations(24:04) Deescalating Conflicts: The Power of Effective Communication(27:27) Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue: Strategies for Conflict Resolution(29:29) The Benefits of Teams that Handle Conflict Well(31:47) Innovation and Collaboration: The Role of Conflict in Driving Change(36:37) War Stories: Examples of Conflict Resolution(42:18) The Importance of Psychological Safety and Challenging the Status Quo(46:38) Unpopular Opinions and Worst Business AdviceMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business