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Who hasn’t encountered a workplace conflict? The trick isn’t to run away, but to face the challenge with courage and care.
Myriam Verzat is a conflict transformation consultant who wants to make life more wonderful for everyone. She does this by sharing Nonviolent Communication, an approach that has been used to foster empathy and trust in boardrooms, homes, and even global peace talks. Learn how you can apply the same skills to improve your daily communication, helping you stand up for your needs and form more fulfilling relationships both in and outside of work.
In this episode:
- Myriam’s journey from science communication to the science of relationships (1:15)
- Relationship and conflict skills are always needed in work and life (6:25)
- What is Nonviolent Communication? (9:40)
- The challenge of not being able to choose our colleagues (12:16)
- Tangible steps to start improving your work relationships (15:00)
- Walk through an example with Myriam (18:52)
- Tough conversations are easier with imagination, proper timing, and a regulated nervous system (23:25)
- What it means to be self-responsible and to care for each other (25:38)
- Resources to support difficult conversations (31:01)
- Get to know your feelings and needs (33:32)
- How Myriam uses movement and art to process big emotions (38:20)
- Grief is powerful (40:03)
Resources mentioned:
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg
- The Empathy Factor by Marie Miyashiro
- Myriam’s website for:
- Feelings and needs list
- TED Talks
- Books for parents, children, and organizations
Strategies to try:
- Validate your feelings with “of course, of course, of course…”
- Identify your needs by asking “why, why, why…”
About the guest:
Myriam Verzat is a certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) based in Nanaimo, Canada. She has a Master’s degree in communication and a certificate in environmental education, along with 8+ years of experience sharing NVC with individuals, schools, and organizations. Her dream is to empower people to build a more compassionate and sustainable world, starting with high-quality communication and human connection. She is also a dancer and a nature lover.
Connect with Myriam:
- Website (NVC): myriamverzat.com
- Website (Art): murmurarts.com
- Facebook: Reconnect
- LinkedIn: Myriam Verzat
About the host:
Crystal Lee is a career coach who helps professionals clarify and communicate their strengths and values, so they can land their next opportunity. Since 2013, her clients have found dream jobs, settled in new communities, and successfully navigated major life transitions. When Crystal isn’t helping job seekers and business owners pursue their unique definitions of success, she’s organizing community gatherings, sharing laughter yoga, or growing food for humans and pollinators.
Connect with Crystal:
- Website: relocal.ca
- Instagram: @relocal.ca
- LinkedIn: Crystal Lee
- Sign up for Crystal’s monthly newsletter
- Get the free job search assessment workbook
Credits:
- Podcast artwork by Alex Dewar
- Editing and support by podcast manager Lindsay Curtis
