The Power of Listening: (Episode One)

In the first part of my conversation, I sit down with M.J. Clark – Vice President at Integrated Leadership Systems and author of “Leading Through Listening” – about why listening is one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership skills, and how it directly impacts trust, communication, and team performance.

Drawing from M.J.’s background as a leadership consultant and executive coach, she highlights how many leaders unintentionally hinder their teams by speaking excessively, directing conversations, or not fostering an environment where team members feel truly heard. She describes what “quiet leadership” entails in real situations, emphasizes using questions rather than immediate answers to empower teams, and explains why psychological safety begins with how leaders listen. Through personal stories and real-world examples, M.J. highlights how better listening leads to stronger collaboration, more innovative thinking, and deeper respect across teams.

Better Thinking, Better Leadership (Episode Two)

In Part Two of my conversation with M.J. Clark – M.J. dives into the internal side of leadership, explaining how mindset, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence shape the way leaders communicate, handle conflict, and build trust.

M.J. introduces the ABC model (Activating Event, Belief System, Consequences) as a practical framework for understanding and changing reactions, and explains how leaders can shift from emotional responses to more thoughtful, productive behaviors. We also explore why cognitive dissonance and lack of self-awareness often lead to poor decisions, miscommunication, and even dishonesty in the workplace.

Our conversation covers how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, de-escalate conflict, and create accountability, while reinforcing why face-to-face communication remains essential for building trust and strong team dynamics.