Ep #32 - GUEST: Compassionate Communication in High-Stakes Conversations with DeeDee Fisher

Ep #32 - GUEST: Compassionate Communication in High-Stakes Conversations with DeeDee Fisher

Contact us:  mentoringirl@gmail.com [mentoringirl@gmail.com] EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Mentoring in Real Life, Angela Falcini and Bill Bonwit sit down with keynote speaker and communication expert DeeDee Fisher, creator of the CPL Framework — Compassion, Process, and Learning. Drawing from her upbringing in rural Idaho and decades as an entrepreneur and consultant, DeeDee shares how she developed a unique ability to recognize communication breakdowns and help people move beyond reactionary conversations. Together, they explore the role of curiosity, compassion, mentorship, and intentional dialogue in building stronger relationships and more effective teams. The conversation dives into how mentors can shape our paths, why asking better questions matters more than having all the answers, and how slowing down creates space for creativity, trust, and meaningful growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Communication often fails because people state positions instead of exchanging understanding. * Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools for diffusing tension and improving dialogue. * Great mentors help people see strengths and opportunities they may not recognize in themselves. * Effective communication is a process, not a one-time interaction. * Prioritizing meaningful conversations over constant busyness leads to better outcomes. * Learning to say “I don’t know” is essential for personal and professional growth. * Slowing down creates room for creativity, reflection, and deeper understanding. TOPICS DISCUSSED * DeeDee Fisher’s CPL Framework * Communication during conflict and uncertainty * Mentorship and intergenerational learning * Curiosity as a leadership skill * Building authentic relationships * Ego, humility, and growth * The importance of slowing down * Learning through feedback * Creating space for creativity and reflection CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to DeeDee Fisher 01:15 – Growing up in rural Idaho 03:00 – Early lessons in communication 06:00 – Recognizing communication breakdowns 08:00 – The power of asking questions 11:00 – Mentors and learning from feedback 15:00 – Why mentorship matters 18:00 – Curiosity, humility, and growth 21:00 – The CPL Framework explained 24:00 – Prioritizing meaningful conversations 26:00 – Creativity, reflection, and slowing down 28:00 – Mentorship as a shared responsibility 31:00 – Final reflections and key takeaways ABOUT THE GUEST DeeDee Fisher is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and creator of the CPL Framework (Compassion, Process, and Learning). For more than three decades, she has helped leaders and organizations improve communication during moments of tension, uncertainty, and high stakes. Her work focuses on building trust, clarity, and meaningful dialogue that leads to better outcomes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/deedee-fisher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deedee-fisher/] Website discoverresponse.com [http://discoverresponse.com]

Ep #31: GUEST: Andrew Hall, Dept Head of Financial Mgt, LA County Sanitation District

Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com [mentoringirl@gmail.com] Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhall83/] The conversation delves into Andrew's career trajectory, education, transition to financial management, and his experience with formal and informal mentoring. It explores the evolution of formal mentoring programs, the importance of finding mentors, and the broader scope of mentoring beyond career development. Mentoring is seen as a holistic approach to personal and professional growth, adaptable to individual needs and available in various forms. Takeaways * Mentoring is not limited to career development and can encompass personal growth and learning from various sources. * Formal mentoring programs can be adapted to fit the needs of the mentor and mentee, creating a more personalized and effective experience. * Mentoring can be found in various forms, including books, podcasts, and informal conversations, and can extend beyond the workplace. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction * 06:35 Interest in Financial Side of the House and IT Involvement * 12:17 Determining Mentorship within the Organization and Shift in Mentoring Approach

Ep #30: GUEST - The Jungle Gym of Careers: Mentoring Lessons from Kate Crane

Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com [mentoringirl@gmail.com] Contact Kate Crane: https://www.directionoverperfection.com/ [https://www.directionoverperfection.com/] Summary In this insightful interview, Kate Crane shares her journey from art history to tech leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship at all career stages. Discover practical advice on building meaningful mentoring relationships, the evolving nature of mentorship, and the impact of face-to-face versus virtual interactions. Keywords mentorship, career development, leadership, coaching, professional growth, networking, tech industry, career pivot, relationship building Key topics The importance of mentorship at different career stages How to start and maintain effective mentoring relationships The impact of face-to-face versus virtual mentoring Evolving mentorship relationships over time Takeaways Mentorship is a lifelong journey that adapts to life's seasons. Effective mentoring starts with listening more than giving advice. Face-to-face interactions are more powerful for building trust. Mentors and mentees should evolve their relationship as careers progress. Key Actions Start mentorship conversations with active listening. Maintain regular, organic contact with mentees. Be adaptable as mentorship needs evolve over time. Prioritize face-to-face interactions when possible. Sound bites "Mentors can change over time based on your needs." "Being positive keeps mentors wanting to help." "In-person interactions are more engaging and powerful." Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Kate Crane: From Art to Tech 03:24 The Value of Mentorship in Career Development 06:13 Navigating Career Pivots and Mentorship Dynamics 08:48 The Evolution of Mentorship Relationships 11:34 Mentoring Across Different Career Stages 14:20 The Importance of Positive Mentorship 17:12 The Role of Technology in Mentorship 19:52 Maintaining Mentorship Relationships 22:26 The Personal Touch in Mentorship 25:04 Final Thoughts on Mentorship and Career Growth resources

Ep #29: Mastering Feedback as a Mentor (Yes, Especially Mentors)

Contact Us: mentoringirl@gmail.com [mentoringirl@gmail.com] Summary This episode explores effective mentoring through the art of giving constructive feedback. Learn practical strategies to foster trust, reduce defensiveness, and help mentees grow by mastering feedback techniques that are specific, intentional, and recurring. Keywords mentoring, feedback, leadership, professional development, coaching, communication, growth, trust, psychological safety Key topics * The importance of feedback in mentoring * Strategies for giving effective feedback * Creating psychological safety in conversations * Pattern recognition and behavioral insights * Building a feedback ritual for ongoing growth Takeaways Always ask permission before giving feedback to reduce defensiveness. Align feedback with the mentee's goals to make it relevant. Use the situation-behavior-impact framework for clarity. Focus on behaviors, not personalities, to keep feedback objective. Make feedback a recurring, predictable part of mentoring. Handwritten notes foster better engagement than typing. Sound Bites "If your mentor won't give feedback, who will?" "Keep feedback objective, not personal." "Provide specific, actionable guidance." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Feedback 02:49 Creating a Safe Feedback Environment 06:05 Delivering Constructive Feedback 09:06 Encouraging Self-Reflection 10:44 Common Mistakes in Feedback 12:41 Making Feedback a Ritual 14:58 The Power of Handwritten Notes Resources Manager Tools - https://www.managertools.com [https://www.managertools.com] 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - https://www.franklincovey.com/courses/the-7-habits/ [https://www.franklincovey.com/courses/the-7-habits/] Guest Links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafalcini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafalcini] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbonwit [https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbonwit]

Ep #28: The Superpower of Adaptability and Flexibility

Contact us:  mentoringirl@gmail.com [mentoringirl@gmail.com] Summary This episode explores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the workplace and life. Angela Falcini and Bill Bonwit discuss how to develop these skills, overcome resistance to change, and leverage them for career growth and resilience. Keywords adaptability, flexibility, change management, resilience, career growth, leadership, problem-solving, communication, emotional intelligence, workplace skills Key topics Why flexibility is crucial in a changing workplace and life Practical strategies to increase adaptability and flexibility The importance of separating change from threat and reframing challenges Building resilience and managing emotional responses to change Takeaways Flexibility and adaptability are essential for handling constant change in work and life. Reframe change as an opportunity rather than a threat to stay proactive. Develop resilience by protecting recovery time and managing burnout. Ask questions early during change to gain clarity and reduce ambiguity. Attach your identity to skills, not roles, to remain adaptable during transitions. Chapters 02:56 The Importance of Flexibility in Life and Work 10:23 Practical Strategies for Enhancing Adaptability 18:48 Emotional Resilience and Adaptability 24:07 Learning from Patterns in Change Resources The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7X7U4Q [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7X7U4Q] Conscious Leadership Group - Locating Yourself video - https://consciousleadershipgroup.com/locating-yourself [https://consciousleadershipgroup.com/locating-yourself] How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4V7V4X [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4V7V4X] Mentoring IRL Episode 18 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-FPVvVZC9k [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-FPVvVZC9k] guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafalcini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafalcini] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbonwit [https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbonwit]