What if feedback isn’t actually the problem, but a symptom of something deeper? In this episode of Inspirational Leadership, I’m joined by Melissa Eisler, Master Certified Executive Coach, team facilitator, founder of Wide Lens Leadership, and author of Fueled by Feedback: Rethinking the System That Shapes Leadership, Trust, and Culture. Drawing on her experience coaching senior leaders and teams, Melissa shares why building a culture of feedback starts with self-awareness, trust, and psychological safety. We explore how leaders can move beyond traditional feedback approaches to create more candid, collaborative, and high-performing teams. In this episode, we explore: Why feedback often fails: How a lack of trust, psychological safety, and self-awareness can prevent feedback from flowing freely and landing effectively. The leader’s role in building a feedback culture: Why learning to receive feedback, recognizing blind spots, and leading by example are essential to creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up. Balancing candor with care: How leaders can communicate honestly while demonstrating genuine care, and why good intentions don’t always translate into the impact we want to have. The power of self-awareness and self-regulation: How recognizing emotional triggers, slowing down, and approaching conversations with curiosity can transform the way leaders give feedback and connect with their teams. Creating a culture where feedback thrives: Practical ways organizations can embed feedback into onboarding, team check-ins, performance reviews, and everyday leadership practices. Whether you’re a senior leader, HR professional, or someone passionate about building healthier workplace cultures, this conversation offers valuable insights into how feedback can become a foundation for trust, growth, and stronger leadership. About Melissa Eisler Melissa Eisler is a Master Certified Executive Coach, team facilitator, and founder of Wide Lens Leadership. With over a decade of coaching experience and 15 years in corporate leadership, she helps senior leaders and teams navigate complexity, change, and growth while building cultures rooted in trust, feedback, and accountability. She is the author of Fueled by Feedback: Rethinking the System That Shapes Leadership, Trust, and Culture. About Inspirational Leadership Inspirational Leadership is hosted by Kristen Harcourt, Emotional Intelligence Expert, Executive Coach, Leadership Trainer, Keynote Speaker, and Podcast Host. Through conversations with inspiring leaders, experts, and thinkers, Kristen explores the ideas, behaviours, and practices that help us become more conscious, courageous, and inspirational leaders. Learn more about Kristen and her work in executive coaching, leadership training, and transformational keynotes at www.kristenharcourt.com