In this powerful WP Minute+ episode, Matt hosts Angela Jin, a seasoned WordPress community leader and now a leadership coach, to discuss how business owners and freelancers can lead through times of change and conflict. Drawing from her years at Automattic and her current work in leadership development, Angela shares why conflict and change are not only inevitable but also essential forces that shape outstanding leadership.

Angela explores key frameworks and mindsets leaders can adopt to navigate today’s chaotic world, including “stretch collaboration,” embracing experimentation over control, and leading with awareness and empathy. Whether you’re dealing with organizational uncertainty, WordPress community tensions, or high-stakes business shifts, Angela offers a calming and actionable roadmap for showing up with clarity, purpose, and humanity.

Note: Angela’s presentation was part of an exclusive webinar for members of The WP Minute. Sign up today to access more top-notch content!

Key Takeaways

Change is Inevitable, Conflict is Natural:

• Leadership begins with accepting that both are part of the journey, not problems to avoid.
• Great leaders focus first on how they show up internally before addressing external dynamics.

Embrace “Stretch Collaboration”:

• When agreement isn’t possible, progress depends on engaging across differences.
• Let go of the illusion of control and focus on experimentation and iteration.

Three Leadership Shifts to Practice:

1. Connect: Name your priorities and listen to others.
2. Experiment: Act without knowing the outcome – momentum matters.
3. Change: Leadership starts by reflecting on your role in the dynamic.

Actionable Reflections for Leaders:

• In your current challenge, how are you engaging and asserting?
• What small step can you take today to move forward?
• What are you willing to change in yourself to shift the situation?

Important Links

• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
• Connect with Angela Jin
  Twitter/X: https://x.com/angelasjin
  Website: https://angelasjin.com/
• Book a coaching session with Angela: https://calendly.com/angelajincoaching/freecoachingsession