Hard conversations are part of leadership—but most leaders were never taught how to have them well. In this Lead Better replay, Kyle Bowen joins us to unpack what actually makes conversations “hard,” why so many leaders avoid them, and the real cost of staying silent.

We explore the internal work leaders need to do before stepping into a difficult conversation, common mistakes like sugarcoating feedback, and how to discern the right timing to address issues head-on. Kyle also shares how to navigate tense moments in real time, follow up in a way that builds trust and accountability, and ultimately create a culture where honest, healthy conversations are normalized—not feared.

If you’ve ever delayed a tough conversation, walked away wishing you’d said something differently, or struggled to balance truth with care—this episode will give you practical language, posture, and confidence to lead with clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Why leaders avoid hard conversations—and what avoidance really costs

• How to prepare yourself internally before the conversation

• Navigating defensiveness and tension in the moment

• Following up to rebuild trust and drive accountability

• Building a culture where hard conversations are healthy, not hostile

👉 Perfect for leaders who want to grow their courage, strengthen relationships, and lead with both conviction and care.