Managing Difficult People

Adam Holbrook
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Careers

Managing Difficult People is a leadership podcast that helps managers, executives, and team leaders handle conflict, improve communication, and build stronger workplace relationships. You can’t change difficult people—but you can change how you lead, influence, and respond to them. Each episode delivers practical strategies to reduce workplace tension, build trust, strengthen culture, and turn challenging personalities into opportunities for better leadership. Learn how to manage reactive communication, set boundaries, resolve conflict, and lead teams with clarity, confidence, and connection.

  1. 2d ago

    The Power of Resilience: What Comes After Tragedy? with Ron Gold

    What do you do when your entire life changes in an instant? In this powerful episode of Managing Difficult People, Adam Holbrook sits down with resilience expert, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and former Wall Street executive Ron Gold, whose life was forever changed after a devastating cycling accident left him paralyzed. Ron shares his incredible journey from managing global sales teams on Wall Street to rebuilding his identity after being told he would never walk again. Together, Adam and Ron explore what resilience truly looks like beyond the motivational quotes, including how to overcome devastating setbacks, rebuild your mindset, find purpose after tragedy, strengthen relationships, ask for help without losing your independence, and continue moving forward when life doesn't go according to plan. Ron also opens up about the emotional battle of accepting a new reality, how his wife and family became the catalyst for his transformation, the importance of taking small steps toward recovery, and why purpose is often discovered through serving others. He explains how post-traumatic growth, perseverance, and stepping outside your comfort zone can help anyone create a meaningful life, no matter what obstacles they face. Whether you're facing a personal loss, career setback, health challenge, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will remind you that while you can't always choose what happens to you, you can choose how you respond. Because resilience isn't about pretending life isn't hard. It's about refusing to let hardship define your future. Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

  2. Jul 15

    Living to Be Liked with Eric Geisendorfer

    How much of your life is shaped by who you truly are... and how much is driven by the need to be liked? In this deeply personal episode of the Managing Difficult People Podcast, Adam Holbrook sits down with his lifelong friend, Eric Geisendorfer, whose story inspired Adam's upcoming book, Living to Be Liked. Together, they explore how childhood experiences, fear of judgment, and the desire for acceptance can slowly lead us to wear masks that hide our authentic selves. Eric shares how becoming a school mascot gave him the confidence to express the person he longed to be, while alcohol later became another mask that temporarily silenced insecurity and self-doubt. Their conversation uncovers why so many adults trade joy for responsibility, why we stop playing, creating, and dreaming, and how the pressure to fit in often disconnects us from who we were created to be. You'll discover how to recognize the masks you wear, rebuild self-worth, let go of the need for approval, embrace authenticity, and reconnect with the version of yourself that has been there all along. Through honest stories, practical wisdom, and heartfelt reflection, Adam and Eric remind us that true freedom begins when we stop performing for acceptance and start living from the inside out. Because the greatest relationship you'll ever build isn't with the people you're trying to impress. It's with the person staring back at you in the mirror. Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

  3. Jul 8

    Developing a Relationship with God with Kyle Pritchard

    What if your relationship with God wasn't about religion, routines, or perfection, but simply about spending time with Him? In this inspiring episode of Managing Difficult People, Adam Holbrook sits down with Pastor Kyle Pritchard, founder of Bethany Church and Unbound Ministries, for an honest conversation about what it truly means to develop a personal relationship with God. Together, they explore how daily time with God can bring peace, purpose, and clarity, especially during seasons of anxiety, addiction, depression, loss, and uncertainty. Kyle shares his practical morning routine, explains why prayer is about relationship rather than ritual, and offers simple, encouraging guidance for anyone who wants to grow closer to God, even if they don't know where to begin. The conversation also dives into trusting God's timing, recognizing His presence in everyday life, finding hope through life's greatest challenges, and learning how faith transforms the way we love, lead, and navigate difficult relationships. Whether you're just beginning your spiritual journey or looking to deepen your walk with God, this episode will encourage you to slow down, seek His presence, and discover the peace that comes from living with purpose. Because God isn't asking to be part of your life. He's inviting you to live your life in Him. Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

  4. Jul 1

    Love Coach Junie & Adam discuss a Better Relationship with Our Partner

    What if the biggest breakthrough in your relationship has nothing to do with changing your partner? In this heartfelt episode of Managing Difficult People, Adam Holbrook sits down with Junie Moon, transformational love coach, bestselling author, and host of the Midlife Love Out Loud Podcast, to explore what it really takes to build a healthy, lasting relationship. Together, they dive into self-worth, emotional maturity, communication, intimacy, conflict, and the hidden patterns that quietly sabotage even the strongest relationships. Junie shares practical strategies for improving connection, navigating difficult conversations, creating healthy boundaries, and understanding why the relationship you have with yourself sets the foundation for every relationship you'll ever have. Whether you're dating, married, rebuilding trust, or simply looking to strengthen your connection with your partner, this conversation offers powerful insights that can transform the way you love and communicate. Because the strongest relationships aren't built by finding the perfect partner. They're built by becoming the healthiest version of yourself. Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

  5. Jun 24

    When To Say YES and How to Say NO

    Are you saying "yes" to everyone else while saying "no" to yourself?  In this episode of Managing Difficult People, Adam Holbrook explores one of the most important skills for personal growth, leadership, and mental wellbeing: knowing when to say yes and when to say no.  Through powerful personal stories and real-world experiences, Adam shares how saying yes to opportunities outside his comfort zone led to new relationships, professional growth, and life-changing experiences. He also opens up about the dangers of saying yes to everything, including the burnout, overwhelm, and personal struggles that nearly cost him everything.  You'll learn how to evaluate opportunities through the lens of purpose, recognize when obligations are pulling you away from your goals, and develop the confidence to create healthy boundaries without guilt.  If you've ever struggled with people-pleasing, overcommitting, burnout, or making difficult decisions, this episode will give you a practical framework for choosing what deserves your time, energy, and attention.  Because every time you say yes to something, you're also saying no to something else.  The question is: are your choices moving you closer to the person you want to become? Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

  6. Jun 17

    What To Do Instead When Frustrated

    We all get frustrated. The question is: what is that frustration really trying to tell you? In this episode of Managing Difficult People, Adam Holbrook explores how frustration is often less about other people and more about what's happening inside us. Through personal stories and practical examples, Adam reveals why blaming others keeps us stuck, while self-awareness creates opportunities for growth, better boundaries, stronger habits, and lasting change. You'll learn how to identify the real source of your frustration, create actionable solutions, and stop giving other people or circumstances control over your happiness. Whether you're frustrated with a coworker, a family member, your workload, or even yourself, this episode offers a simple framework to help you move from blame to progress. Because every frustration is a message. The sooner you understand it, the sooner you can create the life you want.  Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

  7. Jun 10

    How to Manage Different Perspectives

    Why do smart, well-intentioned people see the same situation completely differently? In this episode of the Managing Difficult People Podcast, Adam Holbrook explores one of the most important leadership and relationship skills: understanding different perspectives. Through personal stories, practical examples, and leadership insights, Adam explains why people develop different beliefs, values, and viewpoints based on their unique experiences, environments, and life journeys. You'll learn how to communicate more effectively with people who disagree with you, why curiosity is more powerful than judgment, how to set healthy boundaries when conversations become hostile, and why asking better questions can transform relationships. Adam also shares how replacing the word "should" with "could" can create more productive conversations and help others discover solutions for themselves. Whether you're navigating workplace conflict, family disagreements, political differences, or challenging relationships, this episode will help you become a stronger communicator, a more effective leader, and someone who can build bridges rather than walls. Because growth doesn't happen when we surround ourselves with people who think exactly like us. It happens when we're willing to listen, learn, and understand perspectives different from our own. Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

  8. Jun 3

    The Power of Encouragement

    In this episode of the Managing Difficult People Podcast, Adam Holbrook explores the life-changing power of encouragement. Drawing from personal experiences of burnout, struggle, and business growth, Adam shares why encouragement is one of the most powerful tools for leadership, relationships, and personal development. He explains the difference between appreciation and encouragement, why people need support more than criticism, and how encouraging others can strengthen teams, build trust, improve mental well-being, and create lasting impact. If you want to become a better leader, teammate, friend, or family member, this episode is a powerful reminder that a few encouraging words can change someone's life. Stronger leadership starts with better communication. Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence. Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

See All (15)

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Managing Difficult People is a leadership podcast that helps managers, executives, and team leaders handle conflict, improve communication, and build stronger workplace relationships. You can’t change difficult people—but you can change how you lead, influence, and respond to them. Each episode delivers practical strategies to reduce workplace tension, build trust, strengthen culture, and turn challenging personalities into opportunities for better leadership. Learn how to manage reactive communication, set boundaries, resolve conflict, and lead teams with clarity, confidence, and connection.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Holbrook
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Managing Difficult People
  • Show Website
    Managing Difficult People

You Might Also Like