In this episode, Sarah discusses with Anne Power, author of Contented Couples and a couples therapist (1) why couples who learn how to navigate conflict strengthen their relationship, (2) how healthy couples repair after a rupture (3) what a difference it makes when a couple has a learning-together orientation and (4) how a long-term contented relationship is achievable for most of us if we’re willing to do our work and play our part in making authentic dialogue happen.

Sarah and Anne also discuss what leaders can learn from couples and the critical communication skills needed in perhaps the highest stakes context of them all: our intimate relationship.

About Anne Power

Anne is a couple therapist based in London UK, working online with couples and supervisees. She started her counselling work thirty years ago and originally worked with clients in the NHS and in voluntary settings. Anne has trained counsellors, psychotherapists and supervisors and written various books and papers, including Contented Couples (2022.) Anne has a special interest in attachment theory and integrates this with a systemic model in her psychotherapeutic work.

For more information, please go to

https://www.contentedcouples.com

To find out more about Anne’s book, Contented Couples, go to:

https://bit.ly/4b1NbhJ

To watch Anne's TEDx talk, 'Attachment theory is the science of love', go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9idayJyWCWs

In this episode, Sarah discusses with Dr Sarah Hill (1) why understanding our ‘childhood story’ unlocks stuck behaviour patterns in leaders (2) what a childhood story is (3) how we can start to notice in a high stakes situation that our childhood story has become activated, and (4) what we can do to create a new narrative so that we expand our behavioural repertoire and instead of a dialogue derailing, we can discuss what matters most.

About Dr Sarah Hill

Sarah is an expert dialogue facilitator and ‘Structural Dynamics Interventionist’ with individuals, teams and across whole systems. She coaches CEOs and senior leaders from different cultures and countries, within large and small, corporate and not-for-profit organisations to lead powerful and productive conversations. Sarah is the author of Where Did You Learn To Behave Like That? Behind every leader’s behaviour is a childhood story that can be a force for good, but also has the potential to wreak havoc, particularly when under pressure. Sarah is also co-author of ‘The Tao of Dialogue’ and a new journal, ‘Dare to…’ which was published in 2020. Sarah has taught at the Saïd Business School, Harvard Business School, Henley Business School and Ashridge and has been visiting Professor at William James College, Boston MA. She also teaches on the Senior Faith in Leadership programme at Windsor Castle and has facilitated deep inter-faith dialogues.

For more information, please go to

https://dialogix.co.uk

In this episode following Sarah’s book launch at RADA in London, Sarah discusses with Jan Rakowicz (1) why she wrote her latest book Now We’re Talking (2) what makes conversations so difficult (3) why it’s important to cut through ‘avoidance syndrome’ and (4) the four secrets that enable a manager or leader to discuss what really matters. The four secrets are that help tackle the conversations people dread most are:

• • Find Your Ground – Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally.
  • Build a Bridge – Establishing rapport and connecting.
  • Read the Room – Effectively intervening in group dynamics.
  • Hold Space – Navigating conflict with courage and clarity.

These secrets can be applied in both professional and personal settings so that rather than avoiding or botching a difficult conversation, you have an authentic dialogue instead.

About Jan Rakowicz

Jan is a coach for young people, a fundraising consultant for charities, a tuner of organisations and a team coach. With over two decades of experience as a trusted advisor to business owners and CEOs across SMEs, non-profit organizations, and educational sectors, Jan fosters emotionally resilient leadership, high performance teams and sustainable growth.

With an MBA from Manchester Business School and a degree in mechanical engineering from Kings College London, Jan has more recently trained as an ‘Ollie’ coach. Jan has successfully coached senior executives and young individuals alike, enhancing emotional well-being and personal and professional development. Through collaborative efforts, including with Sarah Rozenthuler at Bridgework Consulting Ltd, Jan has crafted tailored strategies that resonate with stakeholders, securing partnerships that amplify social impact.

https://matrixconsultants.co.uk