Episode 153: Conflict Reimagined with Ursula Taylor

In this episode, I sit down with Ursula Taylor, former commercial litigator and founder of Conflict Reimagined, to unpack why most of us avoid tough conversations and how to handle them with clarity, courage, and control. Ursula draws a straight line from results to human emotion: every dispute sits on top of fear, pride, scarcity, or insecurity. The work starts inside (observing yourself, noticing the physical cues (tight jaw, hunched shoulders), and releasing the charge) so you can show up neutral, not defensive.

We explore the “inner game” (self-awareness, self-love, presence) and the “outer game” (framing, tempo, and timing). Ursula explains why taking breaks is an intelligent strategy, not a weakness; why “being right” rarely serves the business; and how pre-work with each party builds trust before anyone sits down together.

Try this this week

1. Before a hard conversation, scan your body and breathe until the surge settles.
2. Open with: “How do you see it? What do you need next?” Then listen fully.
3. If heat rises, call a brief pause and schedule part two; progress > theatrics.

If this episode helped, share it with a leader who’s got a tough meeting on the calendar and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.

Keep learning, keep leading, and keep showing up.

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