In this episode of The Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata engages in a riveting conversation with Dawn Wray, co-founder of the Listening Collective, an organisation developed from a deeply held belief that when people thrive, then their organisations do too. Dawn is a former VP of a $1 billion financial institution and an experienced senior leader. In 2018, she trained as a relational gestalt psychotherapist. She values real and honest conversation and talks candidly about her personal experience and how she believes her psychotherapy training is vital to how we think about leadership, employee satisfaction and well-being, retention, and company culture.Andy and Dawn look into the essence of connection, exploring how we can bridge gaps and foster genuine understanding between individuals. Dawn emphasises the importance of being present and attuned to what's happening in the moment, both within us and in our interactions with others.Dawn discusses the power of active listening and the importance of being fully present in conversations. She highlights how genuine curiosity and openness can lead to more meaningful connections and understanding. Acknowledging the inevitability of biases and prejudices, Dawn advocates for honest self-awareness and empathy. She encourages listeners to challenge their assumptions and approach differences with an open mind. Dawn also shares insights on creating safe spaces for open and honest dialogue where individuals can express themselves without fear of judgment.Andy and Dawn also discuss the importance of conflict in conversations and how it can be channeled constructively. They emphasise the need for honesty and openness, particularly in leadership, to create an environment where people feel safe to express their views. They also touch on the topic of psychological safety and how it can be fostered through clear boundaries and structures. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of collaboration over competition and the importance of aligning personal values with organisational values.This episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for fostering genuine connection, understanding, and collaboration in both personal and professional settings. The episode highlights the need for authentic leadership and open communication to create a culture of trust and collaboration in organisations.SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODEConnect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter| YoutubeConnect with Dawn Wray: Website | Instagram |LinkedIn | The Listening CollectiveRESOURCES MENTIONED“Conversations under the table" The Bridge: Dialogues across Cultures by TaliaLevine Bar-YosephMark Carney: How we get what we value. BBC Reith Lectures December 2020: BBC Sounds - The Reith Lectures