In this episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel welcomes Amy P. Kelly, a powerhouse in HR and talent development, to discuss the transformative power of positive conversations. Amy shares key insights from her latest book, Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult, and offers practical advice on how to navigate challenging discussions in both personal and professional settings. This conversation dives into the importance of mindset, the impact of labels, and the role of empathy in fostering meaningful communication.


Key Moments & Takeaways:

• Kelly Siegel introduces Amy P. Kelly, highlighting her role at the John Gordon Companies and her contributions to leadership and HR development, setting the stage for the discussion.
• Amy discusses how labeling conversations as "difficult" can negatively impact the mindset and outcome, introducing the idea of reframing them as "growth conversations."
• Amy explains the STAR3 method (Small Ego, Truth, Assume the Best, Rules of Engagement, Respect, Relationships), providing a framework for approaching challenging conversations.
• Amy and Kelly dive into the importance of vulnerability in building trust during difficult conversations, highlighting how truth-telling requires vulnerability.
• Amy introduces the three levels of encouragement: giving, receiving, and asking for encouragement, emphasizing the need to ask for support when needed.
• Amy shares the NSR (Notice, Shift, Rewire) method as a tool for managing emotions during challenging conversations, helping listeners stay focused and productive.
• Amy reflects on her personal growth journey, including challenges faced during childhood and how they shaped her approach to communication and leadership.
• Amy shares her excitement about her book being featured in bookstores, highlighting the joy of seeing her hard work recognized.
• Amy discusses her book You Grow Girl, sharing the "cultivate" structure and how it’s designed to promote personal and professional growth, particularly for women.
• Amy emphasizes the importance of seeking out different perspectives to foster better understanding and communication, encouraging listeners to run towards challenging material.

"Don't call people out—call people up. Elevate them to greatness rather than tearing them down."

Amy P. Kelly’s Links:

Website: https://www.amypkelly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amypkelly1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amypkelly1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amypkelly

X: https://x.com/amypkelly

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