S7E4: Creating Psychological Safety: How Conscious Communication Builds Strong Teams w/ Jill McPherson

Hard skills might get you into a leadership role – but it’s compassion that inspires trust, loyalty, and real collaboration.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jill McPherson, an educator and facilitator who helps people communicate with more courage, compassion, and clarity. Trained in Nonviolent Communication, Jill works with leaders and teams to build trust, navigate conflict, and shift away from “power over” dynamics that quietly erode connection.

Part 1 of our 2-part series focuses on leading your team. Jill shares how conscious, compassionate communication can strengthen emotional intelligence and transform leadership from a role of control to one of genuine connection. We explore how to stay grounded, build trust, and respond instead of react – especially in challenging situations.

You’ll learn three practical strategies to lead with empathy:

1. Lead with curiosity, not control – Ask before assuming; listen before directing.
2. Name what’s alive – Normalize emotions at work without turning it into therapy.
3. Create a repair culture – See conflict not as the enemy, but as an opportunity for growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or stepping into your first management role, this conversation will help you approach leadership with more humanity – and see your team thrive because of it.

0:00 - Intro

01:57 - Power With, Not Power Over

05:23 - Strategy 1: Lead with curiosity, not control

11:58 - Building trusts among managers and team members

13:59 - Strategy 2: Name what's alive (normalizing emotions)

19:24 - Navigating feedback

21:24 - Leaders and lack of leadership training
23:29 - Strategy 3: Create repair culture and reframe conflict

33:06 - What’s next for Jill
34:12 - Where to find Jill

Visit Jill’s website - https://jillmcpherson.com/ 

Connect with Jill  - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jill-mcpherson-keynote-speaker-facilitator-63480033

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

Follow us

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#Leadership #CompassionateLeadership #WorkCulture

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:57 Power With, Not Power Over
• 5:23 Strategy 1: Lead with curiosity, not control
• 11:58 Building trusts among managers and team members
• 13:59 Strategy 2: Name what's alive (normalizing emotions)
• 19:24 Navigating feedback
• 21:24 Leaders and lack of leadership training
• 23:29 Strategy 3: Create repair culture and reframe conflict
• 33:06 What’s next for Jill
• 34:12 Where to find Jill