Conversations to Understand One Another

In this episode, herdacious host Lorelei chats with Leslie Wingo about how being an effective communicator not only requires speaking, but more so, listening. Leslie explains that we often communicate to be heard rather than to absorb the messages coming from our communication partner. From approaching a conversation with open-mindedness, to facing its difficulties head-on; Leslie encourages us to be intentional about our communication strategies in ways that help us truly understand where others are coming from. 

Host: Lorelei Gonzalez
Co-host: Leslie Wingo

Leslie is the head of Sanders\Wingo, a Texas-based independent creative agency focused on cultivating human connections through brand storytelling, media strategy, and content development. In her current role, Leslie solves business problems with the best creative and UX/UI research teams in the industry, partnering with brands like USPS, Burger King, AT&T, KFC, and State Farm. Leslie is also a speaker who fights stereotypes, challenges labels, exposes bias, and starts tough conversations around race and gender where she uses her platform for advocacy, raising up marginalized voices and championing women and minorities.

Things you will learn in this episode (chapter markers available):  

• Communication for understanding vs. conversation 1:50 
• The process 5:10
• Navigating difficult conversations 8:24
• The other POV 14:00
• Tips to overcome discomfort 16:55
• Femme fact: Ching Shih 19:30

Resources mentioned in this episode:  

• 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation by Celeste Headlee (TEDx)
• Creative Differences: The Benefits Of Reaching Out To People Unlike Ourselves (NPR’s Hidden Brain podcast) 
• The Danger of a Single Story by Ngozi Adichie (TEDx)
• Why Improv Training Is Great Business Training (article)

Link to show transcript here.

Episode sponsors:  

• HERdacity   
• Moonray 

Looking for additional resources on this topic? Check out our blog post “Why You Should Practice Active Listening”

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