Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney

What SWAT Hostage Negotiators Know About Tough Conversations (That Leaders Don’t) with Scott Tillema

What do hostage negotiations and workplace conflict have in common?More than you think.Former SWAT hostage negotiator Scott Tillema (https://scotttillema.com/) joins me to break down what it really takes to influence emotional people in high-stakes moments...whether you’re outside a barricaded building, delivering some uncomfortable performance feedback or trying to solve a problem with your spouse.  If you’ve got tough conversations in the back of your head that you need to have, this episode is for you!We talk about:Why trying to be “right” can quietly destroy your influenceThe foundation you must build before you try to persuade anyoneHow timing can make or break a difficult conversation (this is HUGE!)What respect actually means...and what it doesn’tHow to separate the person from the behavior without losing your coolBecause the moment it becomes about being right… we’re in trouble.Want more from Scott?https://scotttillema.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tillema/Scott Tillema (TILL'-uh-ma) is a retired SWAT hostage negotiator from the Chicago area. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, a master’s degree in psychology, and he was trained in negotiation by the FBI and at Harvard University.He is the founder of Negotiation Excellence, LLC and as a global keynote speaker and corporate trainer.  His TEDx talk “The Secrets of Hostage Negotiators” has been viewed over one million times.   Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

A Super Bowl Ad, a Dating Text, and a Bigger Question

Two Super Bowl commercials. Two very different emotional reactions. And one curious conversation that opens the door to something much bigger. In this episode, your host Anne Bonney (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com) contrasts a feel-good moment of human connection with a symbol-heavy display of comfort and certainty and explores what our reactions to each might say about how we view belonging, agency, and discomfort. This isn’t an episode that hands you tidy answers. Instead, it offers a lens, a pause, and a few questions worth sitting with long after the ads are over. Perfect if you enjoy thinking a little deeper about why some things comfort us… and why others quietly challenge us. 

Stop Telling. Start Talking. And Other Leadership Wake-Up Calls from Trevor Blondeel

What happens when success on paper no longer feels right in real life? In this episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney talks with Trevor Blondeel (www.trevorblondeel.com) about leadership, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to connect people across the C-suite and the shop floor. From manufacturing leadership to tough conversations and values-based decisions, this episode is packed with practical insight and refreshing honesty. We talk about:Making big, scary life and career changes when your values are waving red flagsWhy telling people what to do is killing engagement and what to do insteadTalking about feelings in manufacturing without passing out or handing out tissuesWant more from Trevor, check out www.trevorblondeel.com OR www.manufacturinggreatness.comTrevor Blondeel connects the top to the shop—one conversation at a time. After 25 years in manufacturing, he now speaks, writes, and coaches leaders to stop telling and start talking, turning deeper conversations into real results. He’s the host of Mindfulness Manufacturing, a top 1% podcast globally, and his client list includes Nestlé, Energizer, and Nucor. If you want retention, engagement, and accountability, start by getting uncomfortable.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

Turning Pain into Purpose: A Raw Conversation on Resilience with Front Row Frankie

What happens when life knocks you all the way down—and then keeps going? In this powerful episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney talks with Front Row Frankie (https://frontrowfortitude.com) about addiction recovery, resilience, personal growth, and rebuilding life after rock bottom. This raw, honest conversation explores emotional intelligence, accountability, courage, and how real change happens when you’re willing to face discomfort head-on. We talk aboutWhat rock bottom really looks like—and the moment that turns survival into a decision to changeWhy resilience isn’t mindset fluff, but daily choices, accountability, and doing the uncomfortable work when no one’s watchingHow to rebuild your life (and self-trust) after addiction, loss, or failure—without pretending it’s easy or prettyGo get your calendar now!  https://www.frontrowfortitude.com/category/all-productsFront Row Frankie is a keynote speaker and mindset coach known for his No Bad Days Mindset™. After overcoming extreme hardship and adversity, he rebuilt his life on daily positive action, spiritual growth and selfless service. He now leads professionals in high-stress industries find purpose, build resilience, and tap into their full potential. With contagious energy and real-world tools, Frankie’s mission is to help people turn struggles into strengths. One day, one choice, one mindset shift at a time.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

Why Pressure Breaks Smart People—and How to Use It Instead with Jay Abbasi

How do you perform under pressure without burning out? In this episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, host Anne Bonney sits down with Jay Abbasi (https://jayabbasi.me/) global keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, former Tesla leader, and host of the Unstuck podcast to break down how high performers can navigate stress, uncertainty, and change with resilience and clarity.Jay draws from his experience leading national training programs at Tesla and coaching leaders at Google, Amazon, and Wells Fargo to explain why burnout isn’t a weakness, how pressure hijacks focus and decision-making, and what actually helps professionals stay grounded, effective, and engaged. This conversation blends leadership development, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and practical resilience strategies for today’s fast-paced workplace.Perfect for leaders, high achievers, and teams navigating change, stress, and constant demands.In This Episode we talk about...why burnout hits high performers hardesthow pressure impacts focus, decision-making, and resilience practical strategies to manage stress and uncertainty at workpurpose-driven leadership and thriving through changeWant more from Jay?  Here are the links!https://jayabbasi.me/Are you headed for Burnout?  take the quiz.  https://jayabbasi.me/resources/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcastJay Abbasi is a global keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and former Tesla leader who helps professionals thrive under pressure without burning out. At Tesla, he led national training programs for over 1,000 employees and has since coached leaders at Google, Amazon, and Wells Fargo. Featured in Forbes Founder and Authority Magazine, and host of the top-rated podcast Unstuck, Jay blends corporate experience with expertise in mindfulness, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.