In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce Podcast, Suzie Price sits down with Judy Rees, a leading voice in Clean Language, to explore how this powerful tool can transform leadership conversations.

Rather than making assumptions and jumping to conclusions, Clean Language helps leaders ask better questions and truly understand what people mean. Judy explains how leaders can use these tools to reduce miscommunication, make better decisions, and build high-commitment, low-drama teams.

Suzie and Judy dive into the top questions that leaders can start using right away to unlock clarity in conversations and guide teams toward better collaboration and problem-solving. They also discuss the importance of reflection, active listening, and understanding in leadership, emphasizing how Clean Language improves both the listening and speaking skills of leaders.

This episode is a must-listen for any leader who wants to stop misinterpreting and instead create meaningful, action-oriented conversations that lead to clearer outcomes and stronger team dynamics.

Top Takeaways of Episode #146 ---

• What you heard is not what they meant — We automatically interpret through our own experience. That meaning-making is the #1 reason conversations go wrong
• One simple question can unlock clarity — "What kind of X is that X?" reveals what someone actually means. Even one question can change the entire direction of a conversation.
• Stop solving the problem—ask what they want — "What would you like to happen?" shifts from complaint → outcome. This is the fastest way to move people forward.
• People feel heard when you use their exact words — Repeating someone's language activates connection and trust. It literally changes how people experience the conversation.
• Slow down to speed up — Each question takes ~1 minute. But prevents miscommunication, rework, and wasted time.

In this episode:

[00:00:34] Suzie Price: "Clean Language isn't about fixing things — it's about understanding them first so that we can solve the right problem."

[00:05:12] Judy Rees: "What you heard is not what they said. Leaders often misinterpret because they're hearing with their assumptions, not with their ears."

[00:09:14] Tom Hanson: "Leaders are often making decisions based on incomplete information. Asking better questions helps get to the heart of what is actually needed."

[00:05:31] Judy Rees: "You are making meaning—and it's distorting what you're hearing. The key is to ask more questions to avoid jumping to conclusions."

[00:19:20] Suzie Price: "When you give people space to explain themselves fully, you avoid rushing to judgment, which allows for deeper insights and stronger solutions."

[00:50:23] Tom Hanson: "Stop trying to solve problems before you truly understand them. By questioning first, you lay the groundwork for more effective and sustainable solutions."

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Williams shares four simple health resets designed to improve performance, focus, and overall energy while preventing burnout.

She explains how techniques like nervous system regulation, eating a protein-rich breakfast, taking scheduled breaks, and staying hydrated can help high performers optimize their physical and mental resilience. These resets are not extreme but practical habits that support sustained energy and productivity throughout the day.

By implementing these strategies, leaders can avoid burnout, increase their focus, and sustain long-term success without sacrificing their health.

Key Takeaways from 2026 Tip #1 ---

• Nervous system regulation enhances performance :

By managing stress through deep breathing and relaxation techniques, high performers can maintain mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.

• A protein-rich breakfast fuels energy and focus :

Starting the day with protein helps stabilize blood sugar, boost energy, and sustain focus, which is essential for optimal performance throughout the day.

• Hydration and breaks prevent burnout :

Staying hydrated and taking scheduled breaks allow the body and mind to recharge, preventing fatigue and maintaining high levels of energy and productivity.

Episode Transcript:

[00:01:00] Dr. Nicole Williams : "This quick reset shifts you to stress mode and back into clear thinking. Number two is the protein and produce power start to your day within the first hour of waking up, anchor your breakfast with protein plus fiber."

[00:02:00] Dr. Nicole Williams : "Take five-minute reboot blocks between your meetings where you can stand up, walk around, grab a glass of water, and even better get a little bit of light in your eyes."

[00:03:00] Dr. Nicole Williams : "These strategies are simple. By design, they're powerful because they work with your body and your schedule. You don't need a full lifestyle overhaul to feel better."

In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce Podcast, Suzie Price tackles the challenge of workplace conflict and how it can be transformed into collaboration through aggressive listening.

She explains how aggressive listening — a powerful tool that goes beyond hearing words to truly understanding the emotions and intentions behind them — can be the key to resolving conflict and building stronger, more cohesive teams. Suzie dives into practical strategies that leaders can use to shift the dynamic from combat to collaboration, reducing stress and fostering a more productive, positive work environment.

By shifting from a defensive mindset to one of curiosity and understanding, you can turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth, connection, and better teamwork.

Key Takeaways from Mini-Episode #13 ---

• Conflict is normal — combat is a choice.

Conflict simply means priorities are colliding, but workplace "combat" happens when people try to win instead of understand. Leaders who reframe conflict as a diagnostic tool can use it to uncover misalignment and strengthen collaboration.

• Preparation prevents emotional escalation

Before difficult conversations, the PREP framework helps leaders stay grounded:

P – Plan the conversation

R – Review the three root causes of conflict

E – Emotion check (HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)

P – Perfect aggressive listening

• Aggressive listening lowers defenses and unlocks solutions

Aggressive listening isn't hostile—it means relentlessly seeking to understand the other person. Using the RPSA sequence (Reflect, Probe, Support, Advise) helps people feel heard first, which dramatically increases the likelihood that solutions will be accepted.

Episode Transcript:

[00:01:36] : "Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional."

[00:04:26] : "Listening aggressively means you are focused on hearing the other person in a determined, deeply energetic way—with zero agenda other than understanding."

[00:07:41] : "If you try to solve the problem before the person feels heard, the solution will be rejected no matter how logical it is."

[00:11:36] : "When a person's motivators don't align with their role, even the most capable employees will eventually disengage."

[00:17:26] : "There was never a time when I would not have chosen some settlement by reason rather than the sword."