Happy Thanksgiving! I decided to release an episode today because I figured people would want something to listen to while prepping the turkey or driving to see family and friends.

I also know that Thanksgiving and the holidays can be a time when tough conversations arise, especially after an election. That’s why I wanted to talk to Lori Brewer Collins.

Lori is an executive coach. She and I met after the 2016 election when she created a program called Cultivate the Karass to help people across the political spectrum develop relationships with people on the other side of the aisle. I knew Lori’s son Jake before he died in 2015, and the idea for this came from a post-it note he had on his computer in the White House.

Lori is a master at creating spaces for people to feel heard. In this conversation, she discusses her work in leadership development and the importance of fostering connections across ideological divides. She emphasizes the significance of building trust, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and the art of deep listening. The discussion also highlights the role of vulnerability, curiosity, and inquiry in facilitating meaningful conversations and understanding among diverse groups.

We explore the complexities of facilitating difficult conversations, particularly around race and political differences. We also discuss the emotional exhaustion following elections, the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, and strategies for navigating family discussions with grace and kindness. Lori emphasizes the need for curiosity, intentionality, and the power of listening in fostering meaningful connections amidst differing viewpoints.

I hope you enjoy our conversation. Thank you so much for listening to and supporting this work. It means the world to me.

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