Communicast: A Communication Skills Podcast23 Sep 2025

The Last 8%: How Tough Conversations Define Leadership

Today, I’m joined by Bill Benjamin, partner at the Institute for Health and Human Potential, a speaker, author, and expert in emotional intelligence and leadership under pressure. With a background in mathematics and computer science, Bill’s journey into the world of leadership and communication began when he realized that technical excellence doesn’t automatically translate into people leadership.

In this episode, we explore the concept of the “Last 8%”—the critical, often avoided moments in tough conversations that define relationships, trust, and leadership effectiveness. Bill shares brain-based strategies for emotional self-regulation, why so many leaders either avoid or overreact in difficult conversations, and how the SOS framework—Stop, Oxygenate, Seek information—can help anyone communicate more skillfully under pressure.

This episode is filled with practical insights for anyone who wants to lead with courage, communicate with clarity, and build a culture of honest dialogue.

Let’s dive in.

Additional Resources:

► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond
► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/
► Connect with Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-benjamin-12b671/
► Check out the HBR case study: https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-secret-to-building-a-high-performing-team
► Subscribe to Communicast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/
► Learn more about Communispond: https://www.communispond.com

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(123)

How to Prioritize Communication When Everything Feels Urgent

Today, I’m joined by Lee Caraher, CEO of Double Forte, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and PR leader with more than 40 years of experience helping organizations connect with the people who matter most....

30 Juni 40min

How to Communicate Change Without Creating Resistance

Today, I'm joined by Travis Hahler, founder of The Neurological Nomad, strategy and transformation leader at Salesforce, and author of Rethink Resistance. Travis brings together neuroscience, psycholo...

16 Juni 27min

How Better Communication Builds Trust at Work

Today, I’m joined by Bernadette Jones, CEO and co-founder of Visionova HR Consulting. With more than 25 years of experience in human resources, leadership development, executive coaching, and organiza...

2 Juni 29min

How Great Communicators Make People Feel Safe

Today, I’m joined by Robin Dreeke, United States Marine Corp veteran, global behavioral expert, master spy recruiter, and author focused on trust, relationship building, and communication. During his ...

19 Maj 36min

How to Read the Room and Adjust Your Communication Instantly

Special thanks again to Shannon for joining us and sharing such valuable insights on communication, leadership, and the power of awareness. As we close, here’s a key takeaway from our conversation: gr...

5 Maj 33min

From Career Ladder to Career Web: How to Stand Out Today

Today, I’m joined by Sam Alvita, career strategist and founder of Work Rewritten. Sam helps individuals navigate career transitions and rethink how they approach growth in today’s rapidly evolving wor...

21 Apr 30min

Communication Starts Before You Speak: The Power of Presence and State

Today, I’m joined by Curtis McCollum—certified clinical hypnotherapist, master practitioner in neurolinguistic programming, and high-performance coach focused on helping individuals rewire their inter...

7 Apr 35min

Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry: Why Presence Is a Leadership Advantage

Today, I’m joined by Brad Farris—leadership coach, consultant, and founder of Anchor Advisors. Brad works with business owners and executives to help them grow into new levels of leadership, especiall...

24 Mars 31min