Your Friend in Leadership

Episode 9: Start with your Audience

J.Marie — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:26:55 -0800

When you communicate on behalf of your organization, there are a few tips and tricks that give a leg up to the success of your message. These include, making sure that you keep everyone on the same page, involving all stakeholders, and empowering those within your organization to share your message. In this episode I discuss a few strategies to ensure your success by starting with your audience.

Episode 8: Communication Tools

J.Marie — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:02:56 -0800

In this episode I diverge from the more theoretical leaning of recent episodes, to discuss communication tools. As a leader there just isn't enough time in the day to connect one-on-one with all the people you serve. In this episode I discuss the different tools at your disposal, and when, and how to utilize them to change hearts and minds.

Episode 7: Organizational Communication

J.Marie — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:39:30 -0800

In this week's slightly shorter episode, I explore what makes organizational communication successful, and also what distinguishes it from personal communications. I breakdown organizational communications into four components: Audience, Message, The tools you use, and Logistics. Tune in for a few tidbits to make communicating within your organizational structure a little more seamless.

Episode 6: Giving & Receiving Feedback

J.Marie — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:18:24 -0700

Giving and receiving feedback is a gift, yet one that often makes us comfortable for many reasons deeply ingrained in our society and culture. In this episode, I explore shifting our mindsets to allow us to accept and give feedback objectively, without internalizing an emotional response. Setting our personal feelings aside and understanding feedback as the gift is, allows us to take full advantage of it. Learn how you can reshape your responses to take advantage of the gift of feedback, without feeding our coworkers the feedback sandwich.

Episode 5: Organizational Conflict

J.Marie — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:28:55 -0700

In continuation of last episode's theme of dealing with conflict, this episode shifts its focus slightly to consider addressing conflict at an organizational level. J. Marie shares a quote that is emblematic of her approach to dissecting conflict from a position of leadership, and that is “make yourself vulnerable to the legitimacy of someone else’s perspectives.” This episode then provides specific methods you utilize to facilitate conversation around polarizing topics that are equitable to all interest groups you may serve.

Episode 4: Dealing with Conflict

J.Marie — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:15:33 -0800

Conflict is an inevitable part of leadership, but it can be approached with grace and productivity. In this episode, J.Marie explores a mindset shift that reframes conflict as a collaborative puzzle to solve rather than a confrontation to win. With practical tips like adjusting your body language, choosing empowering words, and fostering a solutions-focused approach, you’ll gain tools to navigate disagreements while maintaining respect and connection.

Episode 3: The Art of Listening Well

J.Marie — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:15:20 -0800

Listening is the foundation of effective communication and leadership. In this episode, J.Marie unpacks the "listening continuum," a model that explores different levels of listening—from ignoring to empathetic listening—and shares practical insights for leaders on how to match their listening approach to the moment. Learn how listening well not only strengthens relationships but also serves as a powerful act of care and connection.

Episode 2: What to Say When You Can't Say Much

J.Marie — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:15:08 -0800

Public leaders often face moments when confidentiality or discretion is necessary, which can challenge their commitment to transparency. In this episode, J.Marie shares practical approaches to navigating these moments, such as highlighting organizational values, referencing policies, and framing big-picture steps to build trust. Learn how to communicate effectively under constraints while avoiding the pitfalls of staying silent or saying "no comment."

Episode 1: Welcome, Friends!

J.Marie — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:01:14 -0800

In this inaugural episode of Your Friend in Leadership, J.Marie introduces her mission to empower public leaders with communication and leadership strategies that align work with values, deepen community connections, and build trust. Drawing on decades of experience, she shares practical insights for making your message resonate by focusing on what truly matters to your community. Tune in for an inspiring start to a journey designed to strengthen your impact as a leader.