In this lively episode, Brian Nelson-Palmer sits down with Jess Pettitt—speaker, author, and founder of Good Enough Now—to uncover the hidden productivity killer most teams overlook: the conversations they’re avoiding.

Drawing on years of experience with organizations nationwide, Jess explains how curiosity, vulnerability, and a willingness to get uncomfortable can unlock real productivity and stronger teams.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools—like Jess’s three-part conversation framework—and fresh perspective on handling feedback, workplace disagreements, and team communication.

Want to go deeper? Check out the show notes and resources linked in the episode!

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Links & References In This Episode

Good Enough Now – goodenoughnow.com (Jess’s main website and resource hub)

JessPettitt.com (Personal/professional speaking and author site)

Jess Pettitt’s LinkedIn Profile – LinkedIn Profile

Jess’s Social Media

Twitter/X: @JessPettitt

Instagram: @goodenoughnow

Facebook: Good Enough Now

Books and Concepts Referenced:

Almost Doing Good by Jess Pettitt (on how organizations can prepare for disruption and uncertainty)

Good Enough Now by Jess Pettitt (practical guide to authenticity and real conversations)

Jess’s Three-Part Framework (Prepare, Recognize, Respond) – overview and speaking resources

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Conversations That Matter

02:08 The Importance of Humor in Difficult Conversations

04:42 Perfectionism and Productivity

07:09 Curiosity Over Judgment

09:24 The Role of Questions in Communication

11:49 Navigating Differences in Opinions

16:00 Real-Life Impact of Difficult Conversations

23:07 Framework for Taking Responsibility in Conversations

26:47 Understanding Patterns in Human Behavior

29:18 Navigating Difficult Conversations

32:17 The Complexity of Language and Identity

34:15 The Art of Giving Feedback

41:14 Embracing Imperfection in Communication

42:25 The Current Landscape of DEI Work

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Today’s Guest: Jess Pettitt

Jess Pettitt is a sought-after speaker, author, and the founder of Good Enough Now, a consultancy dedicated to helping teams and organizations spark authentic conversations that drive real results. With a unique blend of humor and insight, Jess draws from years of experience as a standup comic and diversity educator, making even the toughest topics accessible and actionable for audiences nationwide.

Over the past two decades, Jess has delivered keynotes, workshops, and leadership training for organizations in higher education, business, government, and non-profit sectors. Known for her “safe different” approach, she equips teams with the tools to move past perfectionism, embrace curiosity, and have the conversations that truly matter—boosting both productivity and workplace connection.

Beyond her professional work, Jess is a proud dog mom, cheese enthusiast, and a self-described nerd who loves everything from codebreaking biographies to local Nerd Nite meetups. Whether she’s on stage or sharing stories over queso, Jess is passionate about helping people do the best they can with what they’ve got—some of the time.

Connect with her at:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesspettitt

Website: goodenoughnow.com

Conversations That Matter: The Hidden Productivity Killer You're Ignoring - With Jess Pettitt