Mastering difficult conversations - The leadership advantage

MDA Insights

Join us for a powerful conversation with Delme Thompson, Head of Global Events & Audience Development at CFA, as we unpack one of the toughest—and most transformative—skills in leadership: mastering difficult conversations.

Let’s face it: every leader will face moments where they need to have the hard talk. But what separates good leaders from great ones is how they approach those moments. How do you stand firm with integrity while staying open, human, and constructive? Delme shares how resilience, emotional maturity, and psychological safety go hand-in-hand when navigating conflict—and why embracing discomfort is actually a superpower.

In this episode, we dig into the art of turning tension into trust, awkwardness into alignment, and conflict into clarity. Whether you're initiating a tough conversation or receiving unexpected feedback, Delme offers practical strategies you can use right now—from fostering open dialogue to reframing challenges as catalysts for growth.

And for the L&D and HR professionals out there? You’ll walk away with 3 actionable tips to help your people build confidence, compassion, and clarity when the stakes are high.

So—why do we avoid difficult conversations? What’s really going on beneath the surface? And how can we train our teams to move through conflict rather than around it?

This episode is raw, real, and full of insights.

Join hosts Paul Hewett and Oz Hussein as they explore what it really means to lead when it’s hardest—and how those moments can define your impact.

Brought to you by MDA Training, this is MDA Insights—your go-to podcast for game-changing learning, early career trends, and leadership development that actually works.

Hosted by the talented team at MDA Training, this podcast is dedicated to helping professionals enhance their skills and reach their full potential. From early career trends to game-based learning and everything in between, MDA Insights has got you covered. – hit play now!