Into the Story: True Stories, Better Communication Bonus | Conversation with Hilary Sutton
Feb 3, 2026
Hilary Sutton, a communication coach who helps leaders navigate conflict and high-stakes talks, joins to discuss handling hard conversations with more calm and clarity. They explore why desire and power dynamics make tough talks harder. Hilary shares three short prep steps: pause with the body, clarify a one-line intention, and stop carrying others' emotions.
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Saying Yes Too Quickly Cost A Promotion
- Hilary realized she had avoided crucial conversations and said yes too quickly, which contributed to a missed promotion.
- She reflected that owning responsibility for avoidance would have positioned her better afterwards.
Urgency Undermines Boundary Setting
- Desire or fear can drive people to accept opportunities without negotiating needs or boundaries.
- That urgency often prevents setting conditions that would protect long-term interests.
Pause And Separate Hesitation From Incompetence
- Pause to reduce internal noise and don't mistake hesitation for lack of competence.
- Recognize leaders often know what to say but are juggling emotions, relationships, and power dynamics.