PeaceMaking on Purpose | Conflict Resolution,  Communication skills, Managing Anger, Stress, Reconciliation Win Win, Women, Common Ground

PeaceMaking on Purpose | Conflict Resolution, Communication skills, Managing Anger, Stress, Reconciliation Win Win, Women, Common Ground

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PeaceMaking on Purpose | Conflict Resolution, Communication skills, Managing Anger, Stress, Reconciliation Win Win, Women, Common Ground episodes

  • 37.0 LEADERSHIP & WORKPLACE CONFLICT FOR WOMEN: COMPASSION, ACCOUNTABILITY & DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

    Leadership conflict can be complicated.

    Behind every difficult workplace decision, there may be pressures, responsibilities, financial considerations, staffing challenges, and competing priorities that employees never see. At the same time, employees may have legitimate questions and concerns when they don't understand why decisions are being made.

    So how can leaders navigate workplace conflict while maintaining both compassion and accountability?

    In Part Two of my conversation with Canadian businesswoman and marketplace leader Nadine Torgerson, we take a deeper look at the challenges leaders face when conflict involves employees, expectations, performance, and workplace culture.

    We talk about:

    • The pressures that business owners and operators carry that employees may never see.
    • What employees may underestimate about decision-making at the ownership and leadership level.
    • Why leaders need to communicate the “why” behind their decisions and how transparency can build understanding and trust.
    • Some of the hardest conversations employers have to navigate.
    • How leaders can balance compassion with maintaining standards and accountability.
    • What to do when an employee is technically competent but emotionally difficult to work with.
    • Why technical competency alone isn't enough to create a healthy workplace culture.
    • The importance of clear expectations around how employees relate to and communicate with their coworkers.
    • Why people so often avoid direct conversations—even when avoiding the conversation allows the problem to grow.
    • One of the important themes throughout this conversation is that being a compassionate Christian leader doesn't mean avoiding accountability or difficult conversations.

      Healthy workplace culture requires both care for people and clarity around expectations.

      Nadine brings her years of experience as a business owner and marketplace leader to this conversation, offering practical insight for anyone navigating leadership, employee conflict, difficult conversations, and workplace relationships.

      If you're a Christian woman in leadership, a business owner, manager, or someone trying to navigate workplace conflict with wisdom and grace, this episode will give you practical perspective on how to approach the conversations that are often the hardest to have.

      REGISTER FOR THE FREE MASTERCLASS ON OCTOBER 8, 2026

      https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/

      WEBSITE: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/

       

       

      29 min
    • 36.0 WORKPLACE CONFLICT FOR WOMEN: WHEN SMALL TENSIONS BECOME BIG PROBLEMS

      Workplace conflict doesn't always begin with a major disagreement. Often, it's the everyday tensions—unclear expectations, communication breakdowns, small issues left unaddressed, or perceived inequity—that slowly create frustration and division.

      In Part One of my conversation with Nadine Torgerson, Canadian businesswoman and marketplace leader, we explore how Christian leaders can navigate these common workplace tensions with both clarity and grace.

      Nadine shares practical insights on:

      • How unclear expectations can create unnecessary workplace tension—and why employees also need to take initiative to clarify what they don't understand.
      • How much conflict may come from communication failures rather than bad intent.
      • Why focusing on the outcome instead of assigning blame can change the way we approach difficult situations.
      • What it means to be “tough on the issue but soft on the person.”
      • Why addressing small issues early can actually be kinder than allowing them to fester into bigger problems.
      • What to do when one employee feels another isn't pulling their weight.
      • Why Christian leadership does not mean ignoring inequity or poor performance.
      • How failing to address inequity can ultimately cost you your good employees.
      • Nadine brings a powerful perspective to the conversation: you can care deeply about people while still being willing to address the issues that are affecting the team.

        If you're a Christian woman navigating workplace tension, leading a team, or simply trying to handle difficult situations with wisdom and grace, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

        Listen to Part One of this practical conversation about workplace stress, communication, leadership, and conflict resolution.

        REGISTER FOR THE FREE MASTERCLASS https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/

        Website: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/

         

        39 min
      • 35.0 WHY DOES CHANGE CREATE SO MUCH DRAMA? 5 WORKPLACE TRIGGERS WOMEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

        Change in the workplace can create more than organizational disruption—it can create workplace conflict, stress, misunderstanding and tension between people.

        A new leader. Restructuring. Changing responsibilities. Staffing shortages. New systems. Unclear expectations. Communication gaps.

        Even when change is necessary or positive, these circumstances can leave employees wondering:

        Will I still have my job?

        What will my role look like?

        Who is responsible for what now?

        Why isn't leadership telling us what's happening?

        How much more am I expected to carry?

        And when people don't have answers, uncertainty can quickly become assumptions, frustration and conflict.

        In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle Pexa explores 5 key variables of workplace change that can contribute to conflict, including:

        • Uncertainty and ambiguity — when people don't know what change means for their job, role or future.
        • Leadership and direction — how changes in leadership, expectations and leadership styles can create misunderstandings and tension.
        • Changing roles, workload and capacity — what happens when responsibilities shift before staffing, systems and expectations have caught up.
        • Inadequate systems and workload pressure — how new processes, insufficient training, staffing gaps and increased responsibilities can lower our capacity and increase frustration.
        • Communication gaps and information vacuums — how a lack of timely communication can create assumptions, rumours and mistrust.
        • You'll hear practical workplace scenarios that demonstrate how organizational change can turn into interpersonal conflict—and why the conflict we see on the surface may actually be connected to much deeper uncertainty and pressure.

          Michelle also explores an important question for women navigating workplace change:

          “What is actually happening here—and what is mine to address?”

          You may not be able to control organizational change, leadership decisions or another person's behaviour. But you can develop greater awareness of your own responses, communicate more effectively, clarify expectations and learn to navigate conflict with greater wisdom and intention.

          If you're a woman navigating workplace conflict, leadership change, difficult coworkers, changing responsibilities or stressful workplace transitions, this episode will give you a helpful framework for understanding what's happening beneath the tension.

          Coming up October 8th

          FREE Online MASTERCLASS

          When Conflict Gets the Best of You – 3 Simple Steps to Stay Calm, Speak Clearly and Move Towards Peace

          REGISTER HERE

          https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/

           

          CONTACT US:

          WEBSITE: www.peacemakingonpurpose.com

           

          JOIN OUR FB COMMUNITY

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          21 min
        • 34.0 IS UNFAIR TREATMENT & DISRESPECT IN THE WORKPLACE MAKING YOU ANGRY? HOW WOMEN CAN NAVIGATE CONFLICT AND STILL PURSUE PEACE

          Have you ever felt disrespected, overlooked, dismissed, or unfairly treated at work?

          Maybe a coworker takes credit for your work.

          Maybe you're constantly interrupted in meetings.

          Maybe expectations seem to apply to you but not everyone else.

          Maybe your manager appears to favour someone else.

          Or maybe you've simply had one too many interactions where you thought, “I cannot believe they treated me that way.”

          Workplace conflict around respect and fairness can be especially difficult because these situations often feel deeply personal. And when we feel threatened, dismissed, or treated unfairly, our emotional reactions can quickly take over.

          But as Christian women, we're called to something more than simply reacting—or avoiding conflict altogether.

          In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle explores how to navigate workplace conflict when you feel disrespected or treated unfairly.

          You'll learn how to:

          • Pause before reacting emotionally
          • Separate what you know from what you're assuming
          • Get curious about what's really happening
          • Communicate concerns clearly without attacking
          • Address genuine unfairness without becoming combative
          • Set healthy boundaries while still pursuing peace
          • Recognize what your own reactions may be revealing
          • Pursue peace without becoming passive or pretending everything is okay
          • Because peacemaking isn't peacekeeping.

            You don't have to ignore difficult behaviour, suppress your feelings, or become a doormat to honour God in conflict.

            You can speak truthfully, establish healthy boundaries, and address difficult conversations while still choosing a response that reflects wisdom, grace and courage.

             

            FREE MASTERCLASS — OCTOBER 8

            Ready to become more confident navigating conflict?

            Join Michelle for her FREE Online Masterclass:

            When Conflict Gets the Best of You: 3 Simple Shifts to Stay Calm, Speak Clearly & Move Toward Peace

            You'll discover practical ways to move from:

            Reaction → Regulation

            Who's Right? → What's Really Going On?

            Winning the Argument → Moving Toward Peace

            Bring a friend and join us October 8th!

            REGISTER HERE  https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/

            Website: www.peacemakingonpurpose.com

             

             

            18 min
          • 33.0 DOES YOUR WORK REALLY MATTER? WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WORK, PURPOSE & CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE WORKPLACE

            Does your work matter to God? And what does a biblical understanding of work have to do with workplace conflict and relationships?

            In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle Pexa explores the Bible's surprisingly positive view of work and why understanding God's purpose for work can change the way Christian women approach their careers, leadership and workplace relationships.

            You'll discover how work originated before the fall, how our work can serve others and contribute to human flourishing, and why God cares not only about what we accomplish but how we work.

            Michelle also explores how our faith intersects with everyday workplace challenges—including communication, stress, difficult coworkers, leadership, expectations and conflict.

            You'll be encouraged to see your workplace as more than simply a place to earn a living. It can also be a place to use your gifts, serve others, demonstrate integrity, grow in wisdom and reflect Christ.

            But because we work in a fallen world, conflict is inevitable.

            The question isn't whether you'll experience workplace conflict.

            It's how you'll respond when it comes.

            This episode is a part of a new series on workplace conflict for Christian women and leads into Michelle's upcoming FREE Masterclass on October 8, 2026

            WHEN CONFLICT GETS THE BEST OF YOU

            3 Simple Steps to Stay Calm, Speak Clearly & Move Toward Peace

            Join Michelle as she explores conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, workplace relationships, communication, Christian leadership and biblical peacemaking.

            REGISTER FOR THE FREE MASTERCLASS TODAY

            REGISTER HERE

            Web: www.peacemakingonpurpose.com

             

            20 min
          • 32.0 WHY WORKPLACE CONFLICT KEEPS HAPPENING: 5 HIDDEN CONTRIBUTORS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

            What if the workplace conflict you're experiencing isn't really about the person—or the situation—you think it is?

            Maybe you're dealing with a coworker who misunderstands you, unclear expectations, personality differences, feeling overlooked or the pressure of a stressful workplace. And sometimes, what starts as a small frustration can quickly become workplace conflict that feels deeply personal.

            In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle explores 5 common contributors to workplace conflict and why understanding what's underneath the tension is the first step toward navigating it differently:

            1. Poor communication and miscommunication — when assumptions, interpretations and missed meaning create unnecessary tension.
            2. Unclear roles, expectations and competing priorities — when people have different understandings of what's expected.
            3. Perceived unfairness, inequality or lack of respect — when workplace experiences begin to affect how we see our value and relationships.
            4. Personality and work-style differences — when differences in how we communicate, make decisions and work together become judgments about the other person.
            5. Stress, change and leadership pressures — when an already-stretched emotional capacity makes workplace challenges harder to handle.
            6. Michelle also explores an important question for Christian women: Is peacemaking about keeping the peace—or learning to navigate conflict with wisdom, maturity and love?

              Because effective conflict resolution isn't only about knowing what to say. When emotions are activated, we may become defensive, avoid difficult conversations, shut down or say things we later regret.

              That's why emotional intelligence, self-awareness and composure under pressure are foundational skills for becoming a better communicator and peacemaker.

              As you listen, consider:

              What tends to contribute to workplace conflict for you—and what happens inside of you when conflict shows up?

              This episode is the beginning of a special Workplace Conflict Series on PeaceMaking on Purpose, where we'll take a deeper look at how to communicate well, manage emotional reactions, navigate difficult conversations and move toward peace—even when conflict isn't easy.

              And don't forget to save the date for Michelle's FREE Masterclass on October 8th:

              WHEN CONFLICT GETS THE BEST OF YOU

              3 Simple Shifts to Stay Calm, Speak Clearly & Move Toward Peace

              If you've ever thought, “I know I need to have this conversation, but I'm afraid I'm going to lose my composure,” this Masterclass is for you.

              Peacemaking isn't about avoiding differences. It's learning to navigate them well.

              Grace and peace,

              Michelle
              PeaceMaking on Purpose

              Let’s Connect!

              Website: www.peacemakingonpurpose.com

               

              21 min
            7. 31.0 CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN: WHEN EXPECTATIONS COLIDE – HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MARRIAGE IN CONFLICT

              What happens when expectations collide, communication breaks down, and you find yourself stuck in conflict with the person you love?

              In Part 2 of my conversation with my husband, Fred, we continue our honest discussion about marriage, conflict resolution, communication, expectations, listening, and peacemaking—drawing from our 46 years of marriage and more than 35 years of serving together in ministry.

              Marriage doesn't eliminate conflict. But over time, we've learned that the goal isn't always to win the argument or solve the problem as quickly as possible. Sometimes the greater goal is to protect the relationship while working through the problem together.

              In this episode, Fred and I talk openly about:

              ✔️ How unspoken expectations can create frustration, stress, and conflict in marriage

              ✔️ What we've learned from experiencing our own expectations and disagreements

              ✔️ Knowing when to pause a difficult conversation rather than allowing it to escalate

              ✔️ Creating simple cues to help us recognize when we're stuck in communication

              ✔️ Why a sincere apology can help repair connection

              ✔️ The importance of listening to hear and understand, rather than simply preparing our response

              ✔️ How learning communication styles can lead to greater understanding between husbands and wives

              ✔️ Why protecting your relationship can be more important than proving your point

              ✔️ How couples can learn to approach conflict as a problem to navigate together rather than a battle to win

              If you've ever thought, "Why doesn't my spouse understand what I'm trying to say?" or found yourself stuck in the same argument, this conversation will give you practical tools and encouragement.

              Because healthy marriage isn't about agreeing on everything.

              It's about learning how to listen, communicate, repair, pause when necessary, and move toward peace together.

              And sometimes, peacemaking begins with asking a simple question:

              "What's more important right now—the relationship or winning this argument?"

              If you want to learn more about why you may be reacting in conflict AND what to do instead, check out my C.A.L.M. Framework online course at

              https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/calmframework

              Contact us at: [email protected]

               

               

               

              29 min
            8. 30. CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN: A HUSBAND'S HONEST PERSPECTIVE ON CONFLICT & MARRIAGE (Part 1)

              What happens when a Conflict Management Consultant sits down with her husband of 46 years to talk honestly about marriage and conflict?

              In this special two-part conversation, Michelle Pexa welcomes her husband, Fred Pexa, to PeaceMaking on Purpose for a candid conversation about marriage, communication, conflict resolution, and the misunderstandings that can happen between husbands and wives.

              Fred and Michelle have been married for 46 years and have served together in ministry for more than 35 years. In this conversation, they draw from both their personal experience and years of working with people to explore what it really takes to navigate conflict in a healthy way.

              In Part 1, you'll discover:

              • Why husbands and wives can have very different communication styles
              • How misunderstandings happen when we don't slow down to truly listen
              • Why active listening is essential for feeling heard and understood
              • The difference between listening to respond and listening to understand
              • Why acknowledging what you've heard can create shared understanding
              • How assumptions can create unnecessary conflict in marriage
              • Why solving a problem too quickly may not address the real issue or underlying need
              • How different conflict styles can affect the way couples approach disagreement
              • Why understanding both your own conflict style and your spouse's can be a game changer
              • Michelle and Fred also share some of what they wish they had understood earlier in their own marriage.

                Because conflict isn't necessarily a sign that something is wrong with your relationship.

                Sometimes, it's an invitation to understand one another more deeply.

                If you've ever felt misunderstood by your spouse, struggled to communicate what you really mean, or wondered why the two of you can experience the same conversation so differently, this episode will give you practical insight—and perhaps a little reassurance that you're not alone.

                Healthy marriages aren't conflict-free. They learn how to move through conflict together.

                If you want to get better at responding instead of reacting, speaking more effectively and establishing peace in your home, workplace and other relationships, register today for my  C.A.L.M. Framework online course.  You can work at your own pace and also get access to Michelle for support and group coaching. 

                To Register go to https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/calmframework

                Contact us at [email protected]

                25 min
              • 29.0 CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN: WHY CONFLICT FEELS SO OVERWHELMING – AND HOW TO STAY CALM

                Why do so many women avoid difficult conversations?

                It's often not because they lack courage or communication skills. It's because conflict creates emotional stress that can overwhelm the brain and nervous system.

                In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, we explore why conflict feels so emotionally draining, what's happening in your brain under stress, AND practical strategies for staying calm when emotions run high.

                You'll discover:

                ✔ Why your brain may interpret conflict as a threat

                ✔ The connection between emotional intelligence and conflict resolution

                ✔ Why avoiding conflict often creates bigger relationship problems

                ✔ Four practical strategies to stay calm during difficult conversations

                ✔ How self-awareness helps you respond instead of react

                ✔ Simple ways to regulate your emotions before and during conflict

                ✔ Why healthy communication begins with managing your own emotional responses

                Whether you struggle with conflict avoidance, emotional overwhelm, or anxiety during difficult conversations, this episode will equip you with practical tools to communicate more confidently and build healthier relationships.

                For more indepth training, sign up for my C.A.L.M. Framework Online Course, where we'll dive deeper into emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, communication skills, healthy boundaries, and biblical conflict resolution.

                Because peacemaking isn't about avoiding conflict.

                It's about learning how to stay calm enough to walk through it wisely.

                Register Today at: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/calmframework

                15 min
              • 28.0 CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN: WHY YOUR VOICE DISAPPEARS UNDER PRESSURE (AND HOW TO RE-CLAIM IT)

                Have you ever NOTICED what happens to your voice in tense conversations?

                Maybe you stay quiet to avoid conflict. Maybe you finally speak—but your emotions take over, and you leave feeling misunderstood or wishing you'd handled the conversation differently.

                In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, we'll explore why so many women struggle to find their voice and how emotional intelligence can help you communicate with greater confidence, wisdom, and grace.

                You'll discover:

                ✔ Why not feeling heard is one of our deepest relational pain points

                ✔ The difference between shutting down, reacting emotionally, and responding wisely 

                ✔ How emotional intelligence strengthens healthy communication

                ✔ Practical ways to express yourself with clarity and confidence in difficult conversations

                ✔ Why healthy boundaries and healthy relationships begin with honest communication

                ✔ How growing in self-awareness can transform the way you handle conflict

                Whether you're navigating challenges in your marriage, family, workplace, ministry, or friendships, this episode will encourage you to use your voice in ways that build trust, strengthen relationships, and reflect the heart of Christ.

                You'll also hear about my upcoming C.A.L.M. Framework Online Course, where we'll go deeper into emotional intelligence, communication skills, healthy boundaries, self-awareness, and biblical conflict resolution.

                Register before August 4th and receive 60 days of access to the course for the price of 30 days.

                Because finding your voice isn't about becoming louder.

                It's about becoming healthier, wiser, and more confident in the relationships God has entrusted to you.

                To register for the course go to: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/calmframework

                17 min

              About PeaceMaking on Purpose | Conflict Resolution, Communication skills, Managing Anger, Stress, Reconciliation Win Win, Women, Common Ground

              From the publisher's feed

              Welcome to PeaceMaking on Purpose, the podcast where faith meets practical strategy for conflict resolution. Hosted by Michelle Pexa, this show is for high-capacity Christian women—professionals, leaders, wives, mothers, and grandmothers—who feel unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in unresolved conflict.