What happens when three people who teach emotional connection actually find themselves in a real conflict together?

In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld, Polina Marian, and returning guest Aric Bostick sit down in Reno after a dinner conversation unexpectedly turned into a moment of real disconnection.

Rather than avoiding the tension, brushing it aside, or simply apologizing and moving on, they used the EmC Reconnection Process to slow the moment down and understand what was happening underneath the conflict.

Aric shares openly about becoming triggered, recognizing the deeper raw spot behind his reaction, and what it felt like to experience repair in real time. Polina reflects on what she noticed in the interaction, while Lola explains how emotional triggers, attachment needs, and our automatic ways of protecting ourselves can quickly pull us into a negative cycle.

Together, they explore why we sometimes take things personally, how past relational experiences can show up in present-day interactions, and why conflict itself is not necessarily the problem. The real question is: Do we know how to repair when connection is disrupted?

You’ll also hear how the EmC Reconnection Process helps people move from the trigger to the deeper emotion, to understanding what each person needs in order to feel seen, valued, and connected again.

This is not a conversation about conflict in theory. It is a real example of what can happen when people are willing to stay present, get curious, and work their way back to each other.

Because strong relationships are not built by never getting disconnected.

They are built by knowing how to reconnect.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
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Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

Sometimes the words “I’m fine” mean exactly that. But sometimes, they are a way of covering hurt, fear, shame, or a sense of disconnection that feels too difficult to put into words.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian explore an important question: How can leaders create an environment where people feel safe enough to say when they are struggling?

In this episode of The Leader in You, they discuss how emotional disconnection can lead people to withdraw, shut down, or convince themselves that what they are experiencing does not matter. Dr. Lola explains why leaders need to pay attention not only to what employees say, but also to the emotion underneath their words.

Through practical examples and role-play, you’ll learn how to respond when someone says “It’s fine,” how to slow down difficult conversations rather than dismiss or immediately solve them, and how four simple responses—reflect, accept, validate, and reassure—can help another person feel heard, valued, and less alone.

The conversation also explores why leadership is fundamentally about attunement: being able to recognize when connection has been disrupted and helping people regain a sense of safety and balance.

Because sometimes the most important message a leader can communicate is simply: You matter. Your experience matters. And you don’t have to carry it alone.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...

When your team is already overwhelmed, talking about emotions can feel like one more task. But what if those conversations are what help everyone regain focus and move forward?

In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina Marian explore how the EMC process brings structure to difficult conversations, helping leaders move beyond blame and understand the emotions beneath workplace conflict.

Through real workplace examples, they discuss recognizing triggers, interrupting negative cycles, and regaining your own emotional balance before helping others. They also explore how reassurance and repeated moments of connection can ease old hurts and build greater security in working relationships.

Tune in to discover how everyday conflicts can become opportunities to strengthen trust, reconnect with your team, and lead with greater clarity.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

CONNECT:
EmC Leaders
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel

RESOURCES:
TESA - TEAM EMOTIONAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MASTER PROGRAM
CONTACT US

Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...