Difficult conversations shape culture. In this episode, host Dustin Odham sits down with Todd Davis to unpack why relationships are the operating system of leadership and how trust grows through specific, repeatable behaviors. They translate big ideas into concrete moves, from framing purpose and positive intent to the small language shifts that make feedback clearer and more helpful.

You will leave with a practical cadence you can start this week: listen to understand, name your purpose, state positive intent, and pause when the moment gets heated so the relationship stays primary. Try one behavior today, then build your rhythm so trust compounds over time.

Download the free handout:

Host: Dustin Odham

Guest: Todd Davis, FranklinCovey Senior Consultant and Thought Leader

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:40) Why hard talks matter

(00:40 - 01:37) Meet Todd Davis

(01:37 - 02:23) What do you love about the work

(14:36 - 15:13) Feedback as growth, not threat

(15:13 - 16:03) Blind spots and real help

(16:57 - 17:30) Assume good intent

(17:43 - 18:49) Balance courage and consideration

(18:49 - 19:22) Start with purpose, then intent

(19:22 - 20:21) Make it constructive, not confusing

(24:04 - 25:21) Pause, reset, and seek to understand

(29:48 - 30:29) Say the care out loud

(38:29 - 39:07) The bumper sticker test

(39:20 - 40:06) One honest conversation at a time