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Nicola Richardson – The People Mentor Difficult Conversations & Workplace Communication Expert
The Academy World
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About Nicola - The People Mentor 

Charles McCulland Business Sales Specialist

Difficult Conversations & Workplace Communication Expert

Nicola Richardson is a workplace communication specialist dedicated to helping professionals and business leaders navigate difficult conversations with confidence. With years of experience in team dynamics, conflict resolution, and leadership coaching, Nicola empowers individuals and teams to communicate effectively, strengthen relationships, and improve performance.


Through her Conversations Catalyst Programme, Nicola provides a structured, step-by-step approach to tackling tough workplace discussions—whether it’s addressing poor performance, setting boundaries, or speaking up in meetings. Her methods, including the AID model, SCARF framework, and DISC personality insights, help clients shift their mindset, remove fear, and approach conversations with clarity and control.


Known as a "people whisperer," Nicola is trusted by managers, employees, and business owners alike to transform workplace tension into productive dialogue. She creates safe spaces for professionals to develop their communication skills, boost confidence, and build stronger teams—ultimately leading to better collaboration, higher engagement, and a healthier workplace culture.

If avoiding difficult conversations is holding you or your business back, Nicola can help.


Ready to take control of your workplace conversations?


Start with Nicola’s Conversations Catalyst Sessions and gain the tools to handle tough discussions with ease.

Need Nicola's help? Book a consultation with her here

How to Handle Difficult Conversations at Work: Strategies for Success

Do you avoid difficult conversations at work because you’re worried about conflict or saying the wrong thing? 

You’re not alone! 

In this episode of the Academy World Podcast, Nicola Richardson, The People Mentor, shares expert advice on how to approach tough discussions with confidence and clarity. When workplace issues aren’t addressed, they don’t just go away—they get worse. 

Unspoken frustrations can lead to poor communication, unhappy teams, and even business failures. 

That’s why learning how to handle these conversations is so important. In this episode, we cover: 
✅ Why people avoid difficult conversations – and how this hurts workplace culture 
✅ A simple 3-step AID model – an easy way to plan and have better discussions 
✅ How to create a safe and open environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up 
✅ The SCARF model – a tool for building trust and psychological safety in teams 
✅ What businesses gain from open conversations – from better teamwork to improved performance 
✅ Practical tips to stay calm and in control when facing a challenging discussion 

📌 Acronyms Explained (Full details in the show notes!): 

AID Model: Action, Impact, Development – A step-by-step framework for structuring conversations. 

SCARF Model: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness – A tool to create psychological safety in the workplace. 

DISC Personality Types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness – A way to understand different communication styles. 

Nicola provides real-life examples and straightforward techniques that can be used by managers, employees, and business owners alike. 

Whether you need to give constructive feedback, discuss performance issues, or raise concerns with a boss, this episode gives you the skills to handle it effectively.

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