
S4-Episode 5-Connecting Across Differences-James Borishade
From Calm and Confident Leader Podcast by Jason Stonehouse
March 10, 2026 · 24 min · Season 4 · Episode 5
About this episode
In this episode, Jason Stonehouse interviews Dr. James Borishade about understanding conflict and communication in leadership through personal stories and experiences.
What if the person on your team who frustrates you the most isn’t the problem… but the clue? In this episode of the Calm and Confident Leader Podcast , host Jason Stonehouse sits down with Dr. James Borishade , author of Connecting Across Differences , to unpack why so many leaders struggle with conflict and communication, and what they might be missing. Dr. Borishade brings a fascinating perspective shaped by leading in high tension environments, serving as CEO of Circle Urban Ministries, becoming the first African American CEO in the challenge course and zip line industry, and helping organizations rethink how people work together. Together, Jason and James explore a powerful idea. What if the behaviors that irritate us in others are actually rooted in their story, their experiences, and even their unique design? In this conversation you’ll discover: • Why many relational struggles begin with the belief that something is wrong with us • The difference between God designed uniqueness and emotional immaturity • How trauma and personal stories shape workplace behavior • Why the silent tension in a team can be more dangerous than open conflict • Practical ways leaders can create…
People in this episode
Host: Jason Stonehouse
Guest: Dr James Borishade
Topics covered
- conflict resolution
- communication
- leadership
- team dynamics
- personal development
Keywords
- trauma
- emotional immaturity
- workplace behavior
- team safety
- deployment of talent
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Connecting Across Differences
Books & works: Connecting Across Differences, the Calm and Confident Leader Podcast
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