288. Art of Difficult Conversations - Mary J Nestor

288. Art of Difficult Conversations - Mary J Nestor

From IDEAS+LEADERS by Dr Elena Paweta

March 9, 2026 · 32 min

About this episode

Mary J. Nestor discusses the importance of handling difficult conversations with clarity and compassion.

In episode 288 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Mary J. Nestor, leadership consultant, executive coach, and author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Say It Now! Say It Right!: How to Handle Tough or Tender Conversations . With more than 25 years of experience in organizational development and communication, Mary has helped thousands of leaders and teams, including those at Coca-Cola, Coach, and Coldwell Banker, learn how to communicate with clarity, courage, and compassion. We talk about why so many people avoid difficult conversations, how silence quietly damages relationships at work and at home, and why honesty, when delivered with care, is often the most powerful form of leadership. In this episode, we discuss: Why avoiding difficult conversations often creates bigger problems How honesty can strengthen relationships rather than harm them How to balance truth, timing, and tact when speaking up The connection between self-talk and leadership communication How leaders can create cultures of openness and trust Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about communication, courage, and learning to say what truly matters. You can connect with Mary here: Home | Mary J. Nestor…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Elena Paweta

Guest: Mary J. Nestor

Topics covered

  • difficult conversations
  • leadership communication
  • organizational development
  • honesty in leadership
  • building trust
  • self-talk

Keywords

  • communication
  • leadership
  • difficult conversations
  • trust
  • self-talk
  • honesty
  • organizational development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Coca-Cola, Coach, Coldwell Banker

Books & works: Say It Now! Say It Right!

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