Conflict, Trust, and the Energy Between: How Leaders Steward the Tension with Dr. Nate Regier

Many leaders see conflict as a problem to avoid rather than a resource to steward. But what if conflict isn’t inherently bad? What if it’s simply the energy in the gap between differences—a natural outcome of diversity?

In this episode of the WiLD Conversation Podcast, Dr. Rob McKenna sits down with Nate Regier from Next Element to explore:

• Why conflict and trust are deeply interconnected.
• How the most effective leaders manage the energy of conflict rather than suppress it.
• Why composure in leadership is more than self-control—it’s a form of compassionate accountability.
• The critical intersection between people and process—and why separating them is a mistake.
• The power of research-backed leadership development that balances qualitative insights with objective data.

Leaders today are running low on energy. But what if the key to energized, resilient leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict—but learning how to harness it?

Join Rob and Nate for a deep dive into the art and science of leading with trust, navigating conflict with wisdom, and transforming organizational dynamics for the better.

Leadership Takeaways:

1. Conflict is Inevitable—How You Steward It Matters. It’s not about whether conflict is good or bad, but how you manage the energy in the gap between differences.
2. Trust and Conflict Are Two Sides of the Same Coin. Healthy teams don’t avoid conflict—they build trust through compassionate accountability and honest dialogue.
3. Composure is Leadership Currency. Leaders who remain steady in high-conflict situations create stability and psychological safety for their teams.
4. People and Process Must Work Together. The best organizations don’t separate operational excellence from human connection—they embrace the paradox.
5. Measurement Brings Clarity. Balancing qualitative and quantitative insights helps leaders see the truth, make intelligent mistakes, and ask better questions.

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