Talking is not the same as connecting. If leaders don’t learn the difference, psychological safety falls through the cracks.

Welcome to Under the Rug at Work, where we shine light on the things that are normally swept under the rug. I’m your host, Nicole Turnbull, and today I’m chatting with Mitch Wallis about real conversations and why connection is the core leadership capability we all need.

Mitch Wallis is a psychology thought leader with a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and founder of Real Conversations. After several years working at Microsoft, he now works with organisations around the world through keynotes and programs that build connection, strengthen leadership and boost psychological safety at work.

In this conversation, we unpack the difference between talking and truly connecting, explore the five leadership blind spots that can block psychological safety, and discuss what it means to “sit in the mud” and stay calm when others aren’t. Mitch also shares simple, practical tools to help leaders shift from fixing to listening and build real connection at work.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s feeling stuck having the hard chats at work or unsure how to support someone who isn’t OK.

Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with connection, not just conversation.

Connect with Mitch:

www.mitchwallis.com

Linkedin.com/in/mitchwallis

Instagram.com/mitch.wallis

Real Conversations Book