The Workplace Communication Podcast

Hosted by Lindsay Lapaquette

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

A podcast dedicated to leaders who want to elevate team performance by refining leadership communication skills. Join Lindsay Lapaquette, Workplace Communication Expert, as she interviews leading experts on topics related to leadership development, effective workplace communication and personal development to help you unleash the full potential of both you and your team.

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June 8, 2026Episode 14333 min

#143 - The Power of Naming Emotions with Doug Noll

Imagine walking into a tense meeting where emotions are running high and instead of trying to find the perfect words, you say just two simple ones that instantly shift the entire dynamic. It sounds almost too simple to work, but for Doug Noll, it's a proven method grounded in neuroscience and tested in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. After 22 years as a trial lawyer, Doug Noll walked away from the courtroom to become a peacemaker, taking his work into maximum-security prisons, where he trained individuals serving life sentences for murder to become mediators and peacekeepers. Today, he brings those same battle-tested skills into boardrooms and leadership teams, helping organizations navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and transform how people communicate at work. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Doug Noll, about the power of naming emotions and why most workplace communication advice misses the mark. Join us as we learn how to recognize what's really happening beneath the surface in high-stakes conversations, how to answer the brain's three subconscious questions, and how to shift from trying to control conversations to creating emotional safety that accelerates trust, collaboration, and results. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Regulating your own nervous system before stepping into high-stakes conversations 🎙️ Assessing emotional cues in others instead of relying solely on their words 🎙️ Validating colleagues by naming their emotions to reduce defensiveness 🎙️ Practicing affect labeling in low-pressure situations to build confidence 🎙️ Cultivating psychological safety by consistently making others feel seen and heard Doug Noll is a lawyer-turned-peacemaker whose work has carried him from training murderers to become peacemakers in maximum security prisons to the US Congressional Budget Office. If you're looking to move beyond surface-level communication and lead with emotional awareness that transforms conflict into connection, then this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Doug Noll's contact information: Website LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Twitter Instagram Other: Substack De-Esalate Academy Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

May 4, 2026Episode 14234 min

#142 - Emotional Empowerment: The Human Advantage in the Age of AI with Jamelle Lindo

You can have the strategy, the roadmap, and the results to prove it, and still feel completely disconnected from your own leadership. That's the quiet tension Jamelle Lindo has seen time and time again. After a decade in leadership roles, he realized something most organizations overlook: success isn't just built on intellect or execution - it's built on humanity. And when that piece is missing, even the highest performers can feel emotionally powerless. As the creator of the Emotional Empowerment Process™, Jamelle works with leaders to help them reconnect with themselves in a way that fuels resilience, strengthens relationships, and sustains performance, especially in a workplace that's evolving faster than ever with AI. Because in a world driven by data and automation, the real advantage isn't more logic - it's deeper emotional connection. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Jamelle Lindo, EQ Executive Coach and Founder of PARADIGM People Development, about leading with emotional empowerment in the age of AI. Join us as we explore how emotional avoidance quietly impacts decision-making, why high performers often tie their worth to achievement, and what it takes to stay grounded and human as the pace of change accelerates. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Recognizing emotional avoidance patterns that quietly hold back your leadership 🎙️ Engaging with emotions as data instead of distractions in high-pressure moments 🎙️ Developing awareness of the thoughts and stories shaping your reactions 🎙️ Regulating your nervous system to lead with clarity during constant change 🎙️ Cultivating internal sources of confidence beyond external achievement Jamelle Lindo helps leaders become emotionally empowered to build resilient, human-centered teams that avoid burnout, drive sustainable growth, and adapt swiftly to change, through his proven Emotional Empowerment Process™. If you're looking to lead with more courage, clarity, and humanity in an AI-driven world, then this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Jamelle's contact information: Website LinkedIn YouTube Other: Vimeo Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

February 16, 2026Episode 14145 min

#141 - The Human Cost of Change and How Leaders Can Do Better with Myriane Ouellette

Change at work is often treated like a checklist: new strategy, new structure, new expectations. But what rarely gets named is what people are actually losing along the way: certainty, identity, trust, and sometimes even a sense of belonging. When leaders move too fast and skip the human side of organizational change, the cost shows up quietly through employee burnout, disengagement, and resistance that feels hard to explain. That's where Myriane Ouellette comes in. As a leadership strategist at O Strategies, she helps leaders across sectors navigate complex change management while supporting their teams' well-being and resilience. Drawing from deeply personal experiences and years of supporting organizations through transformation, Myriane reminds us that change is never just technical - it's emotional, relational, and human-centered. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Myriane Ouellette, Owner and CEO at O Strategies, about why so many change initiatives fail when leaders ignore the human experience behind them. Join us as we learn how grief and loss show up at work, why "resistance" is often a signal rather than a problem, and how shifting from control to stewardship helps teams adapt more sustainably. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Recognizing resistance as unacknowledged loss, not lack of commitment 🎙️ Slowing down to build real buy-in and capacity before pushing for results 🎙️ Shifting from command-and-control leadership to stewardship and care 🎙️ Creating space for honest dialogue instead of avoiding hard conversations 🎙️ Treating burnout as a system-level signal, not an individual failure Myriane Ouellette is a leadership strategist, speaker, and founder of O Strategies, specializing in strategic planning and organizational resilience. Her work helps teams rethink how they lead and navigate change with clarity, courage, and humanity. If you're looking to lead change in a way that protects both results and people, then this episode is for you. If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Guest's contact information: Website LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Instagram Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

December 8, 2025Episode 14039 min

#140 - Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss with Dr Laura Hambley Lovett

Some bosses don't just manage - they control, manipulate, and undermine, leaving employees walking on eggshells every day. The stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion can build quietly, often making people question themselves more than the toxic dynamics around them. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett has spent years helping people break free from these harmful work environments. Drawing on her research and experience, she explains how to spot toxic leadership patterns, understand the impact on your well-being, and take practical steps to protect yourself, set boundaries, and plan a way forward with confidence. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Dr Laura Hambley Lovett, Organizational Psychologist and Author of I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss, about practical strategies for navigating and escaping a toxic boss. Dr. Lovett shares how to distinguish a truly toxic leader from a merely difficult one, maintain control over your work life, and create actionable steps for recovery or exit. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Identifying toxic versus difficult boss behaviors quickly 🎙️ Setting firm boundaries while staying effective at work 🎙️ Planning a step-by-step exit strategy to regain control 🎙️ Seeking support through mentors, colleagues, or therapy Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist and expert on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. She is the author of several books, including I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss (She Writes Press; January 13, 2026). If you're seeking clarity, confidence, and practical ways to escape a toxic boss, this episode is for you. If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Dr Laura's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram Other: Tiktok Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

November 10, 2025Episode 13943 min

#139 - Unlocking Leadership Excellence through Psychological Safety with Kelly Meerbott

From coaching a four-star general to navigating a toxic corporate culture where retaliation, exclusion, and silencing were part of daily life, Kelly Meerbott has seen leadership at its most extreme. Just like most leaders and employees, she has experienced what it feels like when ideas are dismissed, confidence erodes, and fear quietly takes over the workplace. Kelly's journey shows how the absence of psychological safety can crush potential and morale, and how fostering it can transform teams, spark innovation, and bring out the very best in people. Her story proves that when leaders prioritize trust, empathy, and open communication, extraordinary results are possible. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Kelly Meerbott, Award-Winning Executive Coach and Founder at You - Loud & Clear, about unlocking leadership excellence through psychological safety. Kelly shares practical strategies for leaders to foster trust, empathy, and open communication, and explores the personal and organizational barriers that often prevent teams from thriving. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Fostering team dialogue by asking what employees need to feel psychologically safe 🎙️ Creating shared agreements to hold your team accountable to safety standards 🎙️ Modeling self-awareness and personal healing to strengthen leadership presence 🎙️ Maintaining personal control in conflict with calm, deliberate communication 🎙️ Documenting interactions meticulously to navigate unsafe environments effectively Kelly Meerbott, PCC, CBTI, is an award-winning executive coach who helps high-level leaders harness emotional intelligence to unlock their fullest potential. Through transformational coaching, Kelly fosters psychological safety and empowers leaders to create inclusive, high-performing cultures. If you're looking to cultivate trust, resilience, and high-performing teams, then this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Kelly's contact information: Website Books LinkedIn Facebook X/Twitter Instagram Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

September 29, 2025Episode 13837 min

138 - Powerful Policy Writing to Maximize Engagement with Lewis Eisen

In today's collaborative workplaces, outdated "command and control" policy language feels completely out of step. Instead of encouraging cooperation, it often creates resentment and disengagement. That's why Lewis Eisen, author of Rules: Powerful Policy Writing to Maximize Engagement, has been challenging the traditional way organizations write policies. Drawing on his background as a lawyer, IT professional, and senior government policy advisor, Lewis shows leaders how respectful, plain-language policies can inspire genuine cooperation, strengthen employee engagement, and reflect organizational values. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Lewis Eisen, author of Rules: Powerful Policy Writing to Maximize Engagement, about how to move away from rigid, adversarial wording and instead create policies that employees want to follow. You'll learn how language choices shape culture, how to separate policies from procedures, and why policies are a key part of your organization's brand. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Recognizing how "command and control" language sends messages of distrust 🎙️ Shifting from "you must" to "we" language that fosters cooperation 🎙️ Defining policies as organizational boundaries instead of adversarial rules 🎙️ Treating policy writing as part of your brand and employee experience 🎙️ Identifying the most common word to eliminate for more engaging policies Lewis Eisen combines his experience practising law with 20 years in consulting and 17 in policy writing in the federal government. His Amazon international bestseller Rules: Powerful Policy Wording to Maximize Engagement. came out in 4th edition this spring and his approach to drafting policies using respectful language has been adopted at organizations around the world. If you're looking to create policies people actually want to follow, then this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Lewis Eisen's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

September 1, 2025Episode 13733 min

#137 - Inside-Out Leadership: Transforming How You Lead at Work and in Life with Monica Chang

The titles, promotions, and financial rewards keep stacking up, but then comes the quiet realization that the ladder you've been climbing has been leaning against the wrong wall. For many leaders, that truth shows up in the form of burnout, strained relationships, or a sense of emptiness that success alone can't fix. That's the turning point Monica Chang reached in her own journey. After years of living by cultural and societal expectations, she found herself exhausted and disconnected from what really mattered. Choosing a new path, she launched Start With Clarity Consulting to help leaders redefine success from the inside out. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Monica Chang, Founder of Start With Clarity Consulting, about leading with authenticity and balance in a world that often pushes us toward overachievement. Together, we explore the cost of chasing externally defined success, the power of reconnecting with your values, and practical ways to thrive without losing yourself. This episode will inspire you to lead with more clarity, courage, and humanity, both at work and in your life. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Identifying when your ladder might be leaning against the wrong wall 🎙️ Cultivating resilience by separating self-worth from achievement 🎙️ Embracing the courage to pause, reflect, and redefine success 🎙️ Developing adaptability by becoming comfortable with uncertainty Monica believes great leadership is about who you are when the pressure's on. She helps leaders connect to their authentic selves and lead with clarity, building stronger teams and thriving both at work and in life. If you're looking to rediscover meaning and lead with authenticity without sacrificing your well-being, then this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Monica Chang's contact information: Website LinkedIn Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

August 12, 2025Episode 13633 min

#136 - Instilling Confidence Through Sports With Amy Buchan Siegfried

Ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation about the Super Bowl and thought, "Wait… when is that again?" Or maybe you've smiled and nodded through an office chat about last night's game, silently wishing you had something, just anything, to contribute. It's a scene Amy Buchan Siegfried, Co-Founder and CEO of Last Night's Game, knows all too well. As a third-generation entrepreneur and self-proclaimed sports enthusiast, Amy spotted how knowing just a little about sports can open surprising doors in business, and how missing out on those conversations can mean missing opportunities. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with Amy Buchan Siegfried, Co-Founder and CEO at Last Night's Game about how sports can be your secret weapon for building confidence and making genuine connections. From creating a platform that makes sports approachable to uncovering the "human interest" stories that connect us all, Amy shares how curiosity, vulnerability, and a little playfulness can help you join conversations you've been avoiding. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Empowering yourself through sports adjacency to join and enrich conversations 🎙️ Developing confidence through vulnerability and admitting what you don't know 🎙️ Fostering belonging by finding common ground in everyday interactions 🎙️ Recognizing when to gracefully exit conversations that aren't serving you 🎙️ Cultivating genuine connections for long-term growth After seeing how the ability to talk sports gave her the upper hand as a woman in business, Amy, a third-generation entrepreneur, created Last Night's Game to give her friends the same advantage. Last Night's Game empowers its readers to join the sports conversation, even if they don't know the first thing about sports. If you're looking to boost your confidence, spark genuine connections, and turn small talk into big opportunities, then this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Amy Buchan Siegfried's contact information: Website LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Twitter Instagram Podcast Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

July 14, 2025Episode 13544 min

#135 - Conquering Imposter Syndrome While Building Skills and Confidence with Sue Musson

Ever felt like you're the only one in the room who doesn't quite belong, even though you've earned your seat a hundred times over? As a young woman navigating leadership roles in male-dominated industries, on a whole new continent, no less, Sue Musson quickly realized that confidence doesn't always come easy, and it definitely isn't always welcomed. Now a sought-after leadership consultant, coach, and the bestselling author of Firecracker Leadership, Sue has spent decades helping others untangle the messy mix of self-doubt, ambition, and perception that so many leaders face. From appointing judges in the UK to mentoring senior professionals, she's seen just how common imposter syndrome really is, and why it's time we stop treating it like a personal flaw. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're diving into the complexities of imposter syndrome with Sue Musson. She challenges the narrative that confidence is arrogance and offers a refreshing, compassionate take on building real self-belief while still growing your skills. Join us as we reframe how we think about confidence, credibility, and what truly makes an effective leader. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Unpacking how confidence in women gets misread and what that reveals about workplace culture 🎙️ Identifying the hidden forms of imposter syndrome even in seasoned professionals 🎙️ Fostering environments that normalize vulnerability and growth 🎙️ Empowering yourself to challenge negative self-talk If you're looking to build lasting confidence and lead with clarity, this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. Sue Musson's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn Instagram Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes

June 9, 2025Episode 13437 min

#134 - The Art of Effective Communication and How To Overcome Communication Gaps with John Whitehead

No matter where you are in the world, communication is at the heart of everything - how we lead, how we connect, and how we get things done. Yet even with the best intentions, misunderstandings still happen. Whether it's a clash of communication styles, unspoken expectations, or deeply rooted behavioral habits, gaps can form in the most unexpected places which often leads to people talking at each other instead of with each other. John Whitehead, Executive/Leadership Coach at JKWhitehead & Associates, spent over a decade helping senior and emerging leaders navigate the human side of communication. John's work is deeply rooted in helping people untangle their thoughts, voice their ideas and discover powerful truths that drive personal and professional growth. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we're talking with John Whitehead about how the gaps we experience between departments, cultures, personalities, or expectations, can quietly undermine leadership and collaboration, and how we can identify and overcome them. Leadership tips you won't want to miss: 🎙️ Exploring self-awareness as the first step to better communication 🎙️ Exploring how behavior and personality shape communication patterns 🎙️ Creating a psychologically safe space for open and honest dialogue 🎙️ Applying coaching and listening skills to promote inclusion and shared understanding John Whitehead has been coaching senior and emerging leaders for over 10 years. John creates a space that allows clients to explore what's going on in their heads, throwing ideas out into the open and together looking for those gems of truth. John's skillful questions, kindness and reflections have helped clients find paths through barriers in order to step closer to their goals. If you're looking to bridge communication gaps and strengthen your leadership presence, then this episode is for you! If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/ For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above. John Whitehead's contact information: Website Book LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Other Lindsay's contact information: To book a discovery call E-mail Website Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict LinkedIn Previous podcast episodes