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2024-2025 Leadership Workshop Series: Balancing Empathy & Honesty with Dr. Jon Sexton

October 22, 2025 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

Description




Balancing Empathy & Honesty: Successfully Navigating Difficult Conversations

We’ve all been there. You have something important to say but worry about how it will be received. Whether it’s offering feedback in a high-stakes meeting, addressing a performance concern, or navigating emotionally charged discussions, difficult conversations are an essential part of leadership. The good news? We can all develop skills to approach these interactions with confidence and clarity.

In this interactive session, we’ll explore approaches inspired by Kim Scott’s Radical Candor, focusing on balancing empathy with directness. Whether you lean into conflict or try to avoid it, you’ll walk away with practical tools to communicate with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways - By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Recognize common physiological responses to confrontation and manage them effectively.
  • Apply "I statements" to de-escalate tense conversations.
  • Use active listening techniques to clarify intent and avoid misunderstandings.
  • Examine cultural differences in communication styles and adjust accordingly.
  • Practice handling difficult conversations through hands-on role-play.


Facilitator: Dr. Jon Sexton, Founder, Sexton Leadership; SVP Culture and Leadership Development, Vibrant Credit Union

Dr. Jon Sexton  is the Found of Sexton Leadership, LLC. His work focuses on facilitating engagement intiatives, designing and facilitating leadership development workshops, and providing individualized executive coaching. In addition to his work with Sexton Leadership, Jon serves as the SVP of Culture & Leadership Development at Vibrant Credit Union and as Past President for the Association for Talent Development Mississippi Valley Chapter.


Dr. Sexton has logged over 750 coaching hours with an approach rooted in positive psychology & appreciative inquiry. He regularly facilitates speaking engagements on the topics of creating inclusive workplaces, employee engagement, leadership development, team development, and workplace wellbeing. He has worked with clients across the US including the Cancer Support Community, Florida Gulf Coast University, Iowa Credit Union League, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, Bettendorf & Pleasant Valley School Districts, Women Lead Change, and the US House of Representatives 17th Congressional District of Illinois.


Jon earned his Ph.D. in Educational Policy & Leadership Studies and a Master's in Student Development at the University of Iowa. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Central College. In addition, he holds a Professional Coaching Certification with the International Coaching Federation and is certified in CliftonStrengths and Hogan Assessment Systems. 


Registration Costs:

  • Lead DSM Alumni Donor Member - $35
  • Nonprofit/Government - $40
  • Individual - $50
  • Group Rate, 5 Individuals - $200
  • Group Rate, 10 Individuals - $350

         

This workshop is presented in partnership with the 

Association for Talent Development Central Iowa Chapter.


Location

C3 Center

Parking is available on the west side of the C3 Center or at the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation's Finkbine Mansion building on Grand Ave immediately south of the C3 Center. Street parking is also available on Ingersoll Avenue. 

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