Podcast
Radical Candor: Communication at Work
Hosted by Kim Scott, Jason Rosoff & Amy Sandler · EN
Ready to love your job, crush your career goals, and become the kind of leader everyone actually wants to work with?
Welcome to the Radical Candor podcast, where you'll learn how to kick ass at work without losing your humanity. Host Amy Sandler and Radical Candor co-founders Kim Scott and Jason Rosoff to break down how you can Care Personally and Challenge Directly — the deceptively simple but powerful formula for building stronger teams, giving (and getting) better feedback, and leading with heart and clarity.
Each episode is packed with real talk, relatable stories, and actionable tips to help you do the best work of your life while building the best relationships of your career. Whether you’re a manager, a team player, or dreaming bigger for your future, this is the podcast that will change how you show up at work — and in life. P.S. Don’t forget to check out Kim Scott’s New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity! Want even more Radical Candor? Join the Radical Candor Community — free forever.
54episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Becoming a Not-So-Secretly Candid Leader with Chloé van Bergen 7 | 24
Jun 11, 2025Summary readyFun fact: this episode exists thanks to a few pints and a little Radical Candor in the wild. Our audio engineer Nick met today’s guest, Chloé van Bergen, VP of Operations at Secretly Group, at his brother’s stag do. One loud London pub and an honest conversation later—we knew we had to get her on the show. Join Kim and Amy for a candid conversation with Chloé about what it really takes to lead change inside a legacy-driven music company. She gets real about navigating unionization, confronting indifference, and learning—sometimes the hard way—that being “nice” isn’t the same as being kind. From UK-style politeness to Dutch directness, Chloé shares what worked (and what didn’t) when rolling out Radical Candor across continents. Spoiler: no sugarcoating here — just straight up kind and clear. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Chloé van Bergen | LinkedIn Nick Carissimi Secretly Group Secretly Canadian | Info Granny Alice Avoid The Feedback Sandwich | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 15 Toxic Positivity | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 27 Navigating Radical Candor and Cultural Differences How To Navigate Feedback Conversations On Diverse Teams | Radical Candor Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect | Will Guidara Scaling People: Tactics for Management and Company Building | Claire Hughes Johnson Pivot: Eight Principles for Transforming your Business in a Time of Disruption | Will Page Secretly Group: Workers at Indie-Music Company Begin Efforts to Unionize | Rolling Stone Secretly Group Union Earns Contract In Major Milestone for Indie Music Organizing | Rolling Stone Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce Chloé van Bergen, VP of Operations at Secretly Group. (00:01:04) From Stag Do to Podcast Guest How a chance meeting at a UK pub led to Chloé joining the show. (00:05:25) What Is Secretly Group? The structure, history, and collaborative ethos of Secretly Group. (00:09:05) Discovering Radical Candor Being introduced to Radical Candor and the mindset shift it inspired. (00:10:42) Struggling with Direct Feedback Using Radical Candor to move past the fear of being too blunt. (00:12:43) Giving Feedback Across Borders Navigating cultural differences in feedback styles across countries. (00:17:25) Practicing Vulnerability Through Action Building confidence by starting to speak up, one moment at a time. (00:20:07) Pandemic Leadership & Operational Overhaul Navigating starting during COVID and legacy infrastructures. (00:25:13) Rockstar vs. Superstar: Rethinking Growth Learning not everyone wants to climb—some excel where they are. (00:29:50) Unionization During COVID How a union announcement led to a company-wide listening reset. (00:34:57) Adapting to AI & Industry Shifts Staying open by staying honest—even without having all the answers. (00:36:28) Kind ≠ Nice: Facing Hard Truths How kindness isn’t niceness—and can slow down change. (00:39:33) Chloé’s Radical Candor Tip Having the courage to say the thing, even if it feels uncomfortable. (00:42:46) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Leading Through Chaos With Stephanie Chung 7 | 22
May 28, 2025Summary readyLeadership sounds empowering—until you're navigating chaos, clunky systems, and a team giving you major side-eye. Amy and Kim talk with Stephanie Chung—trailblazing exec, leadership strategist, and accidental trust-builder—about the messy reality of stepping into high-stakes roles. Stephanie gets candid about what it’s really like to walk into a company mid-crisis, how to lead teams that don’t look, think, or operate like you, and why asking the right questions beats having all the answers. From decoding broken sales processes to building authentic relationships, her approach blends Radical Candor with radical curiosity. Her book Ally Leadership isn’t just a guide—it’s a wake-up call for anyone ready to lead with heart, backbone, and an open mind. If you’ve ever doubted your instincts or feared saying the wrong thing, this episode is your invitation to lead anyway—and lead better. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Stephanie Chung and Associates, Inc. | LinkedIn Stephanie Chung The Radical Candor Guide to Leading Through Uncertainty Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Amy introduce leadership expert Stephanie Chung. (00:01:31) Leading Through Change: Where to Start The process of evaluating and addressing organizational challenges. (00:05:43) Diagnosing Sales Challenges How process inefficiencies—not people—often hinder sales teams. (00:07:21) Building Trust as a New Leader Strategies for establishing trust with new teams from day one. (00:10:07) Transforming JetSuite: From Commodity to Luxury Lessons from leading cultural and brand transformation. (00:11:46) Feedback & Self-Awareness in Leadership The importance of vulnerability and inviting radical feedback. (00:17:50) Ally Leadership & Generational Diversity Why curiosity is key to leading across generations and identities. (00:24:20) Being an Underrepresented Leader Navigating workplace bias and building allyship in leadership. (00:30:11) Courageous Leadership & Using Your Voice The importance of speaking up and building leadership muscle early. (00:33:27) Neuroscience of Bias & Rewiring the Brain How to overcome in-group bias through exposure and curiosity. (00:38:13) Asking Questions to Build Trust Using questions to uncover personal connections and build rapport. (00:40:26) Listening to Understand, Not to Respond Tactics for active, empathetic, and observant listening. (00:43:07) Where to Find Stephanie Leadership legacy, travel tips, and connecting with Stephanie. (00:47:08) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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I'm the 'Cool' Boss and It's Not Working 7 | 19
May 7, 202500:38:12Summary readyAre you the cool boss that everyone loves, but no one respects? Join Kim and Jason as they address a pressing question from a production supervisor struggling with their team's lack of accountability. Learn the importance of sharing personal stories, soliciting feedback, and giving timely criticism, all while remembering that accountability is an act of kindness. If you're struggling with setting boundaries and holding people accountable, we've got your back. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Why Being a “Cool Boss” Backfires — And What to Do Instead Stuck In a Ruinous Empathy Rut 5 | 11 Navigating Workplace Tensions: Stuck Between Ruinous Empathy and Obnoxious Aggression Managing Resistance: How to Reset Expectations With Challenging Direct Reports Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Bluesky Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Kim and Jason introduce a listener’s question from a self-described “too nice” boss. (00:01:23) The Difference Between Nice and Kind The distinction between being "nice" and being "kind" in leadership. (00:03:13) Holding People Accountable How accountability is a core leadership skill, not an act of cruelty. (00:06:33) The Cost of Avoiding Accountability Why Leadership requires addressing difficult behaviors early. (00:11:39) Two Kinds of Respect: Earned vs. Given The two definitions of respect and how managers can earn it. (00:14:45) Emotional Labor of Leadership How management is giving more than you get—by design. (00:19:16) Confusing Strictness with Respect Challenging the misconception that punishment creates respect. (00:23:45) Holding Yourself Accountable Using vulnerability to open a dialogue and reset expectations. (00:25:44) Share Your Radical Candor Story Sharing personal stories to introduce a cultural reset. (00:28:27) Create a Shared Culture and Vocabulary Advice on resetting workplace culture and team alignment. (00:32:26) Radical Candor Tips Actionable steps for building a culture of Radical Candor. (00:33:24) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Returning to the Office & Remembering Why We Left 7 | 18
Apr 30, 202500:44:21Summary readyFrom malfunctioning WiFi to epic commutes and offices mysteriously out of toilet paper, the “return to office” era is serving up workplace absurdity on a silver platter. Jason and Amy blow past the corporate spin and get Radically Candid about the “back to the office” push: why it’s often more about control than collaboration, how companies overlook basic human needs, and the ways these policies can quietly erode trust, productivity, and psychological safety. From generational gripes to the myth that face time means innovation, they call out the real reasons so many leaders want butts in seats—and why those reasons rarely hold up. Who’s actually benefiting from all this office hoopla? Because at Radical Candor, we believe real leadership means listening, adapting, and making work suck a whole lot less—even if it means challenging the status quo. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Cockroaches And Working In A Closet: Inside Trump's Return-To-Office Order | Reuters No Toilet Paper And No Privacy: Returning To The Office, Federal Workers Walk Into Chaos | The New York Times Return To Office. Not Sure What To Do, A Bit Stressed. : R/Fednews What Happened At Your Org After They Implemented Their Return To Work Policy? : R/Jobs The Official List Of Every Company’s Back-To-Office Strategy | Hubble Federal Workers Ordered Back To Office Find Shortages Of Desks, Wi-Fi And Toilet Paper Does Returning To The Office Support Your Company’s Strategy? | HBR How To Get Return To Office Right | McKinsey RTO Mandate Trends In 2025: Why Forcing Employees Back To The Office Hurts Business | Hub Staff New Research Suggests Remote Jobs Are Best For Company’s Bottom Line | Forbes The Strength Of Weak Ties | Stanford Report Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Jason and Amy introduce the episode’s topic on return to office trends. (00:01:28) The Radical Candor Remote Philosophy Why the company is remote-first and the downsides of in-person work. (00:06:41) Office Productivity & Innovation Whether productivity and innovation improve when in office. (00:10:27) Navigating Unwanted Change Advice for employees facing unwanted return-to-office changes. (00:16:13) Should You Stay or Should You Go? Evaluating if you should start job hunting or try to adapt to the new reality. (00:19:17) Burnout, Hybrid, and Hidden Costs Research on burnout and the importance of workplace social connections. (00:24:19) The Cost of Constant Interruptions Challenges with distractions and productivity in office environments. (00:30:22) Generational and Gender Gaps Differences in RTO satisfaction in different demographics. (00:32:07) Having Effective RTO Conversations Advocating for your needs and establishing new office processes. (00:35:29) Radical Candor Tips Tips for employees and managers navigating return-to-office mandates. (00:39:48) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Cost of the Move-Fast-Break-Things Mentality 7 | 17
Apr 23, 202500:47:33Summary readyMove fast, break things, and hope no one notices? Not so fast. In this episode, Kim and Jason rip into the shiny promise of speed at all costs—and the very real damage it leaves behind. From slashing vital research to chasing clicks with outrage bait, they expose how a lack of debate, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making can spiral into chaos. This isn’t just about tech; it’s about what happens when leaders skip the hard conversations and dodge the consequences. Drawing from their own experiences, they make the case for cultures that value learning over ego, action over excuses, and why psychological safety isn’t just nice to have—it’s non-negotiable. It’s a no-BS look at what happens when no one’s allowed to say, “Hey, maybe let’s not.”Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.Episode Links: Transcript How To Get Shit Done | Radical Candor Podcast 4 | 2 Leaders Can Move Fast And Fix Things CEO Of $4.2 Billion Tech Giant Says Defying Silicon Valley's ‘Move Fast And Break Things’ Mantra Was Essential To Growing His Business | Fortune Amy Edmondson—The Science Of Failing Well | Radical Candor Podcast 5 | 18 The Measurement Problem—Development Versus Management | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 7 Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim and Jason introduce the episode's topic of the "move fast and break things" philosophy.(00:00:31) Mistakes, Innovation, and SafetyWhy admitting errors is key to progress—even in high-stakes fields.(00:02:44) Ebola Funding FalloutA case study in reckless decisions and real-world impact.(00:05:08) When Speed Isn’t the AnswerHow context matters—from search engines to nuclear plants.(00:08:10) Accountability & PowerThe erosion of checks and balances in tech and government.(00:10:30) Scale Changes the StakesWhy today’s tech giants can’t play by startup rules.(00:14:40) Metrics That MisleadHow measuring engagement drives harmful content.(00:20:01) Debate Fuels InnovationWhy creating space for disagreement leads to better outcomes.(00:23:43) Power, Politics, and PlatformsHow tech companies avoid regulation and the need for public input(00:28:52) Inside Content ModerationKim’s Google stories and the need for democratic input.(00:36:46) Why Oversight Is So HardThe difficulty of encouraging informed debate in organizations.(00:41:37) Radical Candor TipsTips for moving fast without breaking what matters most.(00:42:52) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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From Bottlenecks to Buy-In: Overcoming Bureaucracy 7 | 16
Apr 16, 202500:48:10Summary readyCut through workplace red tape—without burning bridges. Ever feel like getting anything done at work means running a marathon through molasses? You’re not alone. In this episode, Amy and Jason go full throttle on the soul-sucking systems that slow teams down and wear people out. Sparked by a listener stuck in a tangle of outdated processes, they unpack how well-meaning rules morph into momentum killers—and what to do when speaking up feels like you’re just making it worse. With a blend of straight talk, lived experience, and a whole lot of Radical Candor, they offer a new playbook: lead with curiosity, advocate with clarity, and stop waiting for permission to fix what’s broken. This one’s for anyone who's tired of navigating systems built to say "no" when the work is begging for a "hell yes." Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Aman Kochar Change Enabler | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 9 Get Shit Done Step 4 — Push Decisions Into the Facts 4 | 10 How to Practice Radical Candor With Your Boss 3 | 9 How To Give Candid Feedback With the Radical Candor CORE Method Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionJason and Amy introduce a listener’s question about streamlining approval processes.(00:01:36) When Process Becomes a Trust KillerHow approval bottlenecks erode trust and lead to burnout.(00:02:46) Approvals That Make SenseDifferentiating between meaningful and meaningless approvals.(00:06:10) The Inertia of BureaucracyWhy process isn’t evil—but rarely gets reexamined when it should.(00:07:50) Communicating Up Without EscalatingHow to discuss change without putting managers on the defensive.(00:13:22) What Problem Is the Process Solving?A practical script for questioning approval thresholds constructively.(00:15:45) Software Purchase SagaA story about approvals that made no one’s life better.(00:20:19) Getting Specific vs. Talking in PatternsWhy it’s better to present one example rather than broad frustration.(00:26:01) Role Play: The Rental Car ScenarioHow to challenge a flawed process without triggering a shutdown.(00:34:38) Finding a Third WayCreating solutions that meet both employee and organizational goals.(00:37:45) Radical Candor TipsTips to help you navigate bureaucracy with clarity, care, and results.(00:43:34) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How NDAs Protect Power Instead of People 7 | 15
Apr 9, 202500:45:05Summary readyWhen contracts hide misconduct, it’s not policy—it’s a cover-up. What do NDAs, forced arbitration, and emotionally manipulating teenagers have in common? Sadly, more than you'd hope. Kim, Jason and Amy rip the lid off the corporate culture of hush-hush harm, legal gymnastics and why emotional manipulation is a feature—not a bug—in some marketing strategies. They dig into the story behind Careless People by Sara Wynn-Williams, the book someone definitely doesn’t want you to read, and expose how companies use contracts to silence the truth and protect power—not people. From creepy ad targeting to leaders who dodge accountability like it’s dodgeball, the crew gets real about why “just business” is a lazy excuse for bad behavior. Kim even owns up to the time she played the NDA game—and why she’ll never do it again. Because real leadership doesn’t mean covering your ass—it means doing the damn right thing, even when it costs you. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Watch the episode Meta Tries To Stop Sarah Wynn-Williams From Further Selling Scathing Memoir | The New York Times Meta Tries To Bury A Tell-All Book | Wired Radical Respect Newsletter Ex-Meta Executive: ‘People Deserve To Know What This Company Is Really Like’ | CNN Business Careless People: A Cautionary Tale Of Power, Greed, And Lost Idealism | Sarah Wynn-Williams Lift Our Voices Lessons From A Whistleblower: Susan Rigetti | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 44 She Said | Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey Catch And Kill | Ronan Farrow Ellen Pao: Tech’s Meritocracy Is Broken | Radical Candor Podcast 7 | 3 The Facebook Whistleblower Book Mark Zuckerberg Doesn’t Want You To Read | Vox How Mandatory Arbitration Weakens Workplace Laws And Lets Employers Off The Hook | Nelp Facebook’s Secrets, By The Insider Zuckerberg Tried To Silence | The Times Speaking Truth To Power: The Cost-Benefit Analysis | Radical Respect Jennifer Joy Freyd, PhD. The Best Bookstore In Palm Springs Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim, Jason, and Amy introduce the topic of NDAs and forced arbitration.(00:02:11) Why Careless People MattersThe impact of NDAs and the importance of supporting the author.(00:03:17) Understanding Forced ArbitrationA breakdown of arbitration and its role in silencing workplace harm.(00:06:20) Emotional Targeting at FacebookA disturbing passage about targeting vulnerable teens.(00:09:43) Harm, Silence, and ScapegoatsThe role of toxic cultures and fear play in keeping employees silent.(00:17:40) The Measurement ProblemHow profit-driven metrics ignore the human harm they cause.(00:22:14) Loyalty vs IntegrityBalancing between professional loyalty and moral responsibility.(00:26:29) Kim’s NDA RegretA candid story of using an NDA to silence an employee.(00:32:40) Building Better SystemsStrategies for leaders to design accountability into workplace culture.(00:34:42) A Better Way ForwardWhy transparency and early action are more effective than silence.(00:38:02) Culture Is DesignHow treating culture like a product helps fix systemic issues.(00:39:49) Radical Candor TipsTips for eliminating NDAs, ending forced arbitration, and building trust(00:41:30) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Surviving Assholes and Building Better Organizations with Bob Sutton 7 | 14
Apr 2, 202501:01:23Summary readyBeing the boss isn’t about power trips—it’s about leaving your jerk card at the door. Turns out, surviving the workplace often comes down to one simple rule: don’t be an asshole. Kim Scott and Amy Sandler sit down with Stanford’s Bob Sutton, author of The No Asshole Rule and The Friction Project, to talk about how real leadership means treating people like people, not just cogs in a machine. Bob gets straight to the point about why toxic behavior kills productivity, how organizational “friction” can be both helpful and harmful, and what it takes to build teams that fight fair and thrive together. They also tackle why efficient isn’t always effective, how to spot—and stop—assholes before they do lasting damage, and why the best bosses aren’t afraid to show up with both candor and care. As Kim puts it, sometimes it’s better to have a hole than an asshole. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to survive one, this conversation is your reminder that treating people with decency is never optional—and if you're stuck choosing between keeping an asshole or leaving a hole, always go with the hole. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Radical Friction: The Editor/Author Relationship Books | Bob Sutton Work Matters | Bob Sutton How To Get A Radically Candid Boss | Radical Candor Podcast 3 | 12 Don't Let A Bad Boss Derail You | Radical Candor Podcast 6 | 18 Are Assholes More Effective? Bob Sutton Weighs In Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim and Amy introduce Stanford Professor Emeritus Bob Sutton.(00:01:35) The No Asshole Rule Origin StoryHow Bob’s research into organizational decline led to a focus on workplace jerks.(00:07:02) Layoffs Done Right (And Wrong)Kim and Bob trade stories on compassionate vs. catastrophic layoffs.(00:11:16) Good Friction vs. Bad FrictionThe Friction Project and why not all efficiency is actually efficient(00:16:23) Building Emotional TrustHow emotional trust grows and fuels creative partnerships.(00:24:58) The Asshole Survival Guide: 4 Ways to DealStrategies for handling difficult people and navigating toxic environments.(00:29:50) Certified vs. Clueless AssholesRecognizing the moments when you might actually be the asshole.(00:33:47) It Happens at the Listener’s EarHow context shapes whether something feels candid or cruel.(00:38:59) Decision-Making, Simplicity & ReversibilityQuestions friction-fixers ask to decide when to slow down or speed up.(00:46:15) Gossip as a Strategic ToolThe ways gossip can help you avoid toxic work environments.(00:52:03) Fixing Friction at StanfordBob shares his current work helping Stanford reduce internal friction.(00:55:54) Where to Find Bob SuttonWhere to find Bob and his books — plus a final note on long emails.(00:56:50) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The Wild Courage to Get What You Want, With Jenny Wood 7 | 13
Mar 26, 202500:54:23Summary readyStop playing it safe—embrace the bold, unexpected traits that actually get you ahead. Success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who take it. For years, you’ve been told to be humble, play nice, and wait your turn. Jenny Wood says that’s exactly why so many talented people stay stuck. As a former Google executive turned author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, she’s here to expose the real traits that drive success—ones that might make you uncomfortable. Forget the polite career playbook, being selfish, obsessed, even a little manipulative (the right way) can actually be your biggest advantage. Jenny gets radically candid with Kim and Amy on why risk-taking beats waiting for permission, why saying “no” is a career superpower, and how to self-promote without sounding like a jerk. If you’re sick of playing it safe and watching others pass you by, this episode is your permission slip to take bigger swings and get what you want. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Wild Courage by Jenny Wood The Story of “How About Never” | The New Yorker Newsletter | Jenny Wood Watch on YouTube Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionKim and Amy welcome Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It.(00:1:02) The Nine Traits That Will Get You AheadNine controversial traits that are actually career superpowers.(00:4:26) The Subway Story That Changed EverythingJenny shares a story on ignoring self-doubt and taking action.(00:10:16) Calculated Risks vs. Playing It SafeWhy taking smart risks is essential for personal and professional success.(00:13:04) The Google Factor: How It Shaped Wild CourageHow Google built confidence, encouraged risks, and sparked creativity.(00:17:09) Owning Your WeirdAdvice for staying authentic in workplaces that don’t naturally foster it.(00:21:38) Identifying Your Power AssetsIdentifying your power assets to make self-promotion feel natural.(00:25:22) Managing Up, Higher, and DiagonallyA tactical guide to workplace influence through strategic senior connections.(00:31:54) Overcoming Bias in the WorkplaceStrategies to counter workplace biases in recognition and self-promotion.(00:36:56) Why Saying No is a SuperpowerHow learning to say no without guilt protects your time and energy. (00:42:40) Get in Front of the Right PeopleThe importance of standing out and getting noticed by leadership.(00:44:57) Pull It and Bullet ItThe “Pull It and Bullet It” method for impactful, time-saving emails.(00:48:05) Where to Find Jenny WoodWhere to get Wild Courage and find Jenny for keynotes and workshops.(00:49:41) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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How to TALK So People Actually Listen with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks 7 | 12
Mar 19, 202500:48:38Summary readyDitch the awkwardness and start owning every conversation. Talking to people shouldn’t feel like a struggle—but let’s be honest, it often does. Maybe you’re stuck in small talk hell, getting ignored in meetings, or watching conversations die mid-sentence. Why is this so hard? Amy sits down with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, to expose the hidden science behind great conversations—and why most of us are getting it wrong. They break down the TALK framework (Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness) and unpack the subtle mistakes that make people tune out, disengage, or just not like talking to you. Whether you want to command the room, sound sharper in meetings or just stop replaying every interaction in your head, Alison delivers straight-shooting, science-backed strategies to help you talk better, connect faster, and stress less. Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast. Episode Links: Transcript Alison Wood Brooks Talk: The Science Of Conversation and the Art Of Being Ourselves Alison Wood Brooks | LinkedIn Connect: Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Chapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionAmy Sandler welcomes Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation.(00:01:44) The Power of Connection in ConversationHow small, personal connections can create deeper conversations.(00:02:53) What Inspired Talk?Dr. Wood Brooks shares how she became fascinated with conversation science.(00:07:25) Giving Conversation FeedbackWhy most people receive little feedback on their conversational skills.(00:13:17) The Hidden Coordination GameHow small, unconscious decisions shape every conversation.(00:18:54) The TALK FrameworkTopics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—the four keys to better conversations.(00:20:24) Practicing ListeningGuided exercises and listening techniques from the Talk course.(00:21:39) The Science Behind Mind-WanderingWhy we tune out during conversations and how to stay present.(00:29:06) The Challenges of Group ConversationsWhy group conversations are harder to manage than one-on-one talks.(00:34:05) Digital vs. In-Person TalkHow virtual communication changes conversations.(00:36:51) Designing Better MeetingsStrategies for leaders to create inclusive and effective meetings.(00:39:37) Boomer AskingThe conversational habit that makes people disengage.(00:44:28) Where to Find Dr. Wood BrooksDr. Wood Brooks shares where to find her work and book tour details.(00:45:32) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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