If you’re leading change, influencing people, or just trying to get your team on the same page, the words you don’t say might matter more than the ones you do. In this short and powerful episode, Matt unpacks common words that subtly derail collaboration, trust, and buy-in — like the word “but,” which might as well mean “brace yourself for what I really think.” Drawing on 20+ years of leadership training and communication coaching, he explains why words like no, unfortunately, and certain types of questions can create friction instead of progress — and what to say instead.

Whether you’re a coach, a leader, a parent, or just someone who wants to influence with more clarity and connection, this episode will shift how you speak — and how others respond.