The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett

Clinton M. Padgett
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

  1. 3d ago

    Why AI Can’t Replace Human Connection: A Conversation with Dr. Sherry Turkle (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint welcomes back Dr. Sherry Turkle, MIT professor and author of the new book “Artificial Intimacy,” as the first returning guest on The Conversation. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is changing not just what we do, but how we understand ourselves and relate to one another. Drawing on decades of research into the relationship between people and technology, Sherry explains why AI’s ability to simulate empathy should not be confused with genuine human understanding. From a touching story about her granddaughter to the growing use of chatbots as friends, companions, and therapists, she challenges us to consider what we may be giving up when we turn to technology to meet our emotional needs. Clint and Sherry also discuss the importance of disagreement in healthy relationships, the impact of AI on children learning what it means to connect with others, and why we need to recognize the technology’s extraordinary capabilities while being thoughtful about the roles we allow it to play in our lives.This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Sherry’s journey from studying psychoanalysis to exploring the psychology of our relationships with computers How AI can generate convincing falsehoods and create narratives that make them seem believable The difference between information, understanding, and lived human experience Why simulated empathy and artificial intimacy are not the same as genuine human connection How AI companionship may change our expectations of friendship and relationships The importance of disagreement, listening, and finding common ground Why Sherry believes we need to keep AI “in its lane” The implications of AI companions for children and older adults What parents risk losing when they outsource moments of learning and discovery to chatbots The limitations and potential dangers of using AI as a substitute for human therapists Links: Dr. Turkle’s website - https://www.sherryturkle.com/ Dr. Turkle’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-turkle/ Dr Turkle’s book, “Artificial Intimacy” - https://amzn.to/4rp1Uvy

  2. Sep 23

    Listening Skills for Leaders: A Conversation with Julian Treasure (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Julian Treasure – award-winning author of “How to be Heard” and internationally recognized expert on listening, speaking, and the impact of sound – Julian explains why listening is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and mastered. He explores the modern listening crisis, why verbal communication is declining, how leaders can become better listeners, and the communication habits that strengthen relationships, reduce conflict, and build trust. This is the second part of a two-part conversation.  Topics Covered: Why listening is hearing + attentionThe global cost of poor listening and miscommunicationWhy listening should be taught in schoolsHow texting and technology are changing communicationThe three types of listening: inner, created, and external listeningManaging your inner critic and developing self-awarenessThe importance of listening in leadership and team developmentJulian's RASA framework for effective listeningWhy “Tell me more” is one of the most powerful phrases in communicationThe four “leeches” of communication: fixing, people-pleasing, looking good, and being rightHow to navigate disagreement using the PAVE frameworkHAIL: the four foundations of powerful speaking (Honesty, Authenticity, Integrity, and Love)Why great speakers must first become great listenersLessons from Julian's latest book, “Sound Affects”Julian's mission to regenerate the world's listening EXCLUSIVE LISTENER OFFER: Get 25% off Julian Treasure’s new Conscious Communication App, featuring daily micro-lessons designed to improve your speaking, listening, and presenting skills.The offer is available to the first 200 people who redeem it. Learn more and get 25% off: https://studio.com/juliantreasure/mcc?c=Y1WUw0Js Links:Julian’s website - https://www.juliantreasure.com/  Julian’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliantreasure/  Julian’s book, “How to be Heard” - https://amzn.to/4xOJeHu  Julian’s book, “Sound Affects” - https://amzn.to/46ajyJq  The Listening Society - https://bit.ly/4g1rQJy

  3. Sep 16

    We Have a Listening Crisis: A Conversation with Julian Treasure (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Julian Treasure – award-winning author of “How to be Heard” and internationally recognized expert on listening, speaking, and the impact of sound – about why listening has become one of the most overlooked skills in leadership, business, and everyday life. Julian explains the difference between hearing and listening, how sound shapes our behavior and decision-making, why modern environments are often designed with the eyes in mind but not the ears, and what leaders can do to become more conscious listeners. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: The difference between hearing and listeningWhy every person listens through a unique set of filtersJulian’s concept of “speaking into a listening”How conscious listening improves leadership and communicationThe hidden costs of poor listening in organizationsWhy sound affects our physiology, emotions, thinking, and behaviorHow noise impacts productivity, learning, and healthThe role of silence in communication and personal growthWhy architects and organizations often ignore sound when designing spacesHow brands communicate through sound, whether they intend to or notThe surprising wine experiment that revealed how sound influences buying behaviorWhy leaders should think of communication as giving a gift to their audience EXCLUSIVE LISTENER OFFER: Get 25% off Julian Treasure’s new Conscious Communication App, featuring daily micro-lessons designed to improve your speaking, listening, and presenting skills. The offer is available to the first 200 people who redeem it. Learn more and get 25% off:https://studio.com/juliantreasure/mcc?c=Y1WUw0Js Links: Julian’s website - https://www.juliantreasure.com/  Julian’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliantreasure/  Julian’s book, “How to be Heard” - https://amzn.to/4xOJeHu  Julian’s book, “Sound Affects” - https://amzn.to/46ajyJq  The Listening Society - https://bit.ly/4g1rQJy

  4. Sep 9

    What Problems Do You Want to Solve?: A Conversation with Julie Newman (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Julie Newman, aerospace engineer and author of “Pull Don’t Push,” Julie explains why asking better questions can open entirely new career possibilities. She shares how parents, educators, and leaders can help young people discover engineering by connecting them to meaningful problems, not just job titles. Along the way, she challenges common misconceptions about engineering, discusses the surprising role of creativity and storytelling, and offers practical advice for inspiring the next generation. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Why "What problems do you want to solve?" is a better question than "What are you passionate about?"How engineering creates opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the worldThe surprising career advantages of engineering, including earning potential, stability, and work-life balanceWhy creativity, not just math, is one of the defining characteristics of great engineersThe unforgettable story of how NASA landed a Mars rover with a giant inflatable "bouncy ball"Why stories are more powerful than statistics when inspiring future engineersCommon myths about math ability and why they discourage too many students from considering engineeringPractical advice for parents, educators, and STEM advocates on creating outreach that truly inspiresThe free tools and resources Julie has developed to help improve STEM outreach effortsLinks: Julie’s website - https://juliejnewman.com/ Julie’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-j-newman/ Julie’s book, “Pull Don’t Push” - https://amzn.to/4q7vcxW

  5. Sep 2

    Why Engineering Isn’t Connecting with Girls: A Conversation with Julie Newman (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint sits down with Julie Newman, accomplished aerospace engineer and bestselling author of “Pull Don’t Push,” to discuss why decades of well-intentioned efforts to encourage more girls into STEM haven't produced the results many hoped for. Julie argues that the problem isn't a lack of encouragement, it's the way we're communicating about engineering. Together, they explore how engineering is often misunderstood, why creativity and communication are essential engineering skills, and how leaders, parents, and educators can inspire young people by focusing on possibility instead of obstacles. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:Why traditional STEM messaging often misses the markThe difference between "pushing" someone toward a career and "pulling" them toward a possibilityHow Julie's career at SpaceX, NASA, Boeing, and Impulse Space shaped her perspective on leadership and engineeringWhy engineering is fundamentally about creativity, teamwork, communication, and solving problemsThe biggest misconceptions people have about engineers and engineering careersWhy communication skills can be a competitive advantage for engineersHow parents and educators can better introduce engineering to young peopleWhy engineering deserves a bigger role in the STEM conversationWhat business leaders can learn about influence from the way we talk about careers Links:Julie’s website - https://juliejnewman.com/ Julie’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-j-newman/ Julie’s book, “Pull Don’t Push” - https://amzn.to/4q7vcxW

  6. Aug 26

    The Art of Tactical Empathy: A Conversation with Chris Voss (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Chris Voss, former lead FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author of “Never Split the Difference,” Chris explains why the best negotiators don't chase "yes,” they create safety, build trust, and uncover the hidden information that changes everything. From tactical empathy and accusation audits to the surprising power of hearing "no," Chris shares practical techniques that can improve negotiations, leadership, sales, and everyday conversations. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:What tactical empathy really is and why it worksWhy making people feel heard changes negotiationsHow to use labels to uncover what people are really thinkingThe power of an accusation audit to defuse resistance before it startsWhy hearing "no" creates trust, safety, and better conversationsThe difference between counterfeit, confirmation, and commitment "yes"Why asking, "Is now a bad time to talk?" is more effective than asking for a few minutesThe surprising power of hearing "That's right"Why negotiation is a performance skill, not just knowledgeWhy compromise often produces lose-lose outcomesWhy no deal is better than a bad dealWhy Chris calls "fair" the most dangerous word in negotiationWhat a "Black Swan" is and how hidden information changes everything Links:Chris’s website - https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss  Chris’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/  Chris’s book, “Never Split the Difference” - https://amzn.to/44H6pqM

  7. Aug 19

    The Psychology of Negotiation: A Conversation with Chris Voss (Part One)

    In this episode, Clint talks with Chris Voss, former lead FBI hostage negotiator and bestselling author of “Never Split the Difference,” about why the best negotiators don't win by talking louder, they win by listening better. Drawing from decades of high-stakes hostage negotiations, Chris explains how emotions drive decisions, why most people misunderstand negotiation, and how tactical empathy can transform conversations at work, at home, and everywhere in between. This is the first part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Chris's journey from Kansas City police officer to leading the FBI's international hostage negotiationsWhy people are emotional, not rational, decision makersThe biggest flaw in traditional negotiation theoryThe difference between influence and manipulationWhy listening is the most powerful negotiation tool you haveHow assumptions derail conversations, and curiosity improves themThe three negotiation voice types (including the famous "late-night FM DJ voice")Tactical empathy and why understanding someone doesn't mean agreeing with themHow mirroring and labels build trust and uncover better informationWhy silence is one of the most underrated communication skillsThe mindset great negotiators bring into every conversation Links:Chris’s website - https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss  Chris’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/  Chris’s book, “Never Split the Difference” - https://amzn.to/44H6pqM

  8. Aug 12

    Leading Through Pressure and Change: A Conversation with Scott Mautz (Part Two)

    In Part Two of Clint’s conversation with Scott Mautz, former Procter & Gamble senior executive and bestselling author of “Leading from the Middle,” Scott shares practical strategies for building trust, creating accountability, leading through uncertainty, and influencing others without formal authority. From managing remote teams to helping people embrace smart risks, he explains how leaders can create stronger teams, navigate pressure, and drive meaningful change from the middle of an organization. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered: Why great leaders assist success instead of avoiding failureHow to earn commitment instead of simple complianceBuilding a culture of accountability that actually worksWhy managers should clearly define the "rules of risk-taking"Turning setbacks and crises into opportunities for growthCreating purpose-driven teams that stay alignedManaging pressure without passing it down to your teamLeading remote and hybrid teams with stronger communicationWhy overcommunicating is essential in today's workplaceHow to influence peers when you have no formal authorityPractical strategies for leading change from the middleCreating your own Middle Action Plan (MAP) for leadership growth Links:Scott’s website - https://scottmautz.com/  Scott’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmautz/  Scott’s book, “Leading from the Middle” - https://amzn.to/4vDWZaj

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Did you realize the key to business and team success finds its roots deep in conversation? Join Clint Padgett, who’s built his career helping Fortune 100 companies optimize their businesses, as he interviews leaders who encourage employees to learn, challenge, and grow. If you want to effectively manage people and optimize results, this is the podcast for you. The Conversation with Clinton M. Padgett from Forbes Books.

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