The Confrontationalist With Danielle Gibson

Danielle Gibson

Shy away from Confrontation? Avoiding someone or something out of fear? Meet Danielle Gibson, Confrontation Expert. Danielle has helped high performance executives and individuals break free from communication patterns that kept them stuck, frustrated and unseen. This podcast will be a weekly reminder about how important it is to get out of your own way so you can say what you really want to say without fear. We’ll talk honestly and frankly about topics that will help get you more comfortable speaking up, being more direct and having those difficult conversations.

  1. 11/11/2024

    EP15: If You Struggle With Talking About Yourself

    “If you don’t talk about yourself, if you don’t let other people understand your perspective or the way you see the world—your ideas—then how can they know, and how can they learn? How can they broaden their own horizons?” says storyteller and producer Lisa Weiss, pointing to the unique connection we create when we’re willing to share our true selves.   Lisa joins Danielle Gibson in this episode to talk about why opening up about ourselves feels so hard for so many people. They unpack the fears and assumptions that often hold us back from sharing our stories, including self-judgment, fear of criticism, and the feeling that maybe what we have to say isn’t worth hearing. Is it possible that by staying silent, we’re not only limiting ourselves but keeping others from seeing things in new ways?   Lisa also shares her personal journey, from silence to finding her voice, and offers insights into why small steps toward vulnerability can lead to big changes in how we connect with others. Together, Lisa and Danielle make the case for curiosity—both in asking questions and in allowing ourselves to be curious about how our own stories might matter more than we think. This episode is an invitation to think about what might happen if we trusted our voices just a little bit more.   Quotes “We sometimes overthink what we’re saying. And we don’t trust ourselves. And I think self-trust is fundamental to this process.” (03:21 | Lisa Weiss)  “A person who takes the time to ask a question is interested in you and in the discussion. A clarifying question is an invitation to continue the conversation and an opportunity, rather than a reason to feel defensive.” (08:20 | Lisa Weiss)  “If you have a hard time talking about yourself, it’s good to get comfortable with the discomfort of having questions asked of you and starting to answer them.” (11:32 | Lisa Weiss)  “If you don’t talk about yourself, if you don’t let other people understand your perspective or the way you see the world—your ideas—then how can they know, and how can they learn? How can they broaden their own horizons? If you’re too afraid to share what you think, to share what you know, to say what’s on your mind, what you believe, then they can’t grow. So, actually, you are cheating other people of a deeper understanding of your humanity.” (24:16 | Lisa Weiss) “The secret of life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. Use your natural powers of persistence, concentration, and insight to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems. Make art. Think deeply. When you’re talking about yourself, it doesn’t have to be on a Broadway stage; it can be at a lamplit desk.” (26:53 | Lisa Weiss)    **This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal or financial advice.   Connect with Lisa Weiss: storybeatstudio.com  objectdiaries.com   For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com. Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    31 min
  2. 09/23/2024

    EP14: Confronting Your Relationship with Food

    “Binge eating was another one that I struggled with. You know, it’s more than just wanting to be skinny. It’s a relationship with food that becomes a way of speaking. It looks like that and it fronts like that, and that’s usually the impetus for the beginnings of it—some kind of social pressure, often parental pressure,” shares Stefanie Michele, a binge recovery and body image coach. In this episode, she opens up to Danielle Gibson about her 25-year journey through eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.    Together, they explore the powerful role societal and emotional pressures play in shaping disordered relationships with food, often linked to deeper feelings of control and safety. Stefanie emphasizes the healing power of somatic therapy in reconnecting with the body and addressing past trauma. Both women reflect on their personal recovery experiences, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and recognizing that healing isn’t always a straight path. This episode invites listeners to consider: How can we embrace our true selves while navigating the ups and downs of recovery?   Quotes “Binge eating was another one that I struggled with. You know, it’s more than just wanting to be skinny. It’s a relationship with food that becomes a way of speaking. It looks like that and it fronts like that, and that’s usually the impetus for the beginnings of it—some kind of social pressure, often parental pressure.” (03:39 | Stefanie Michele) “Self-compassion was not my first language, and I had a lot of discomfort thinking about being kind or gentle with my inner child. And that’s really sad. When you have to think back to what you needed and didn’t get, there’s a lot of grief in that, which is overwhelming. Again, it’s sometimes easier to stay in the baseball game because you’re dealing with decades of pent-up or unprocessed emotion and grief. To have to confront this at 40, 50, or 60 years old is asking a lot in an already overwhelming world. So, I think that’s why people potentially just don’t do it. Sometimes it feels safer to stay in the disorder than to open up Pandora’s box.” (14:06 | Stefanie Michele)  “Part of what I talk about binge eating is that it is an attempt at times to self-advocate through a very misguided platform. Sometimes we have this fire, this sense of ‘I want, and I’m going to go get,’ and that can be part of the authentic self-response. It may have to do with why you became ‘The Confrontationalist.’ You couldn’t have necessarily ignored it your whole life, because there’s some drive questioning it or in pursuit of something else, even if it doesn’t know what that is.” (21:09 | Stefanie Michele) “Connection is a lot about how a human being feels safe, that they’re held, that somebody cares about them, that somebody’s there, that somebody sees them.” (32:38 | Stefanie Michele)   **This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal or financial advice.   Links: Connect with Stefanie Michele: www.iamstefaniemichele.com  IG account - iamstefaniemichele   For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com. Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    39 min
  3. 09/02/2024

    EP13: Why Confronting Yourself is So Important

    “I became committed to helping others shift out of those patterns because it all starts there. It all starts with how we think about ourselves. Once we can confront our own thought patterns and change them, everything can change,” says Nancy Burger, a communications strategist and founder of the Fear Finding Project. In this episode, she joins Danielle Gibson to explore the transformative power of self confrontation in reshaping both personal and professional lives.   Nancy’s journey from a 35-year writing career to becoming a coach was ignited by her own battles with self-doubt. She reflects on how early life experiences and societal conditioning shape our beliefs, emphasizing the need to reframe these patterns for better self-awareness and emotional well-being.   In this episode of The Confrontationalist, Danielle and Nancy dive into the significance of language and self-talk in transforming our experiences. They remind us that true growth begins with the courage to face uncomfortable truths and reprogram our responses to align with our authentic selves. How often do we pause to consider the stories we tell ourselves—and their impact on our lives?   Please note that this episode may not be suitable for all listeners. Danielle shares her personal experience with ketamine, a treatment that should only be undertaken under professional supervision. Danielle isn’t offering advice or directives; she’s simply sharing her story for you to listen and reflect upon. What you choose to do with this information is entirely up to you.   Quotes “I started doing a lot of research on human psychology and neuroscience to better understand why I did the things I did, especially why I felt the way I felt. With the help of a great support system of mental health care professionals, I began experimenting with strategies to change the way I thought and felt. And they worked. I became committed to helping others shift out of those patterns because it all starts there. It all starts with how we think about ourselves. Once we confront our own thought patterns and change them, everything can change.” (02:19 | Nancy Burger)  “Sometimes we’ve got to peel the layers back a bit. It takes time, but we often normalize our discomfort and don’t really pay attention to it. We don’t do the meta work—we don’t notice our thoughts that much.” (09:48 | Nancy Burger) “I think the awareness comes with leaning into the work. It’s kind of like a cycle, but you first have to acknowledge that something doesn’t feel right. Then, you have to be open to noticing what that is.” (11:41 | Nancy Burger) “Stay in your lane and spend a lot of time being silent, listening, and noticing. That’s where much of communication happens. Successful communication involves speaking the least and last, learning, and then expressing your own experience without worrying about how your words will land on others. It all comes down to words—the words you choose are influenced by the words you’ve heard and the words you say to yourself.” (20:24 | Nancy Burger)   Links: Connect with Nancy Burger: www.nancyrburger.com   For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com. Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact   Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    50 min
  4. 08/12/2024

    EP12: Negotiating the Salary You Deserve

    “There still is a massive gender pay gap. I don’t need to say what the statistics are—they’re alarming. I feel like it’s my duty to help close that gap,” shares Keri-Lynne Shaw, the founder of The Salary Bump, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals negotiate better compensation packages. In this episode, she joins Danielle Gibson and reveals that less than 50% of people negotiate their salaries, with the numbers even lower for women and people of color.    She emphasizes the critical need for individuals to understand their worth and to confidently negotiate their compensation. The episode addresses psychological barriers to negotiating, such as fear of job loss, scarcity mindset, and a lack of knowledge about what to ask for. Keri-Lynne highlights the importance of preparation, including understanding market values and the full scope of compensation packages beyond just salary. She also stresses the significance of candidates interviewing potential employers to ensure a good fit, rather than viewing the process as one-sided.   Keri-Lynne’s coaching approach is holistic, focusing on salary negotiation and helping clients overcome limiting beliefs and build confidence. She provides practical advice, such as giving a salary range instead of a specific number and framing compensation discussions as collaborative rather than confrontational. Her ultimate goal is to empower individuals to advocate for themselves effectively, thereby closing the gender pay gap and fostering equitable workplaces.   Quotes “There still is a massive gender pay gap. I don’t need to say what the statistics are—they’re alarming. I feel like it’s my duty to help close that gap.” (03:20 | Keri-Lynne Shaw) “If most people aren’t asking at all, it’s often because they don’t know how to do the research on what their role is worth. We haven’t normalized these conversations.” (14:52 | Keri-Lynne Shaw) “Never, ever give a specific dollar amount when discussing salary. Always provide a range. And if you’re asked about your current salary, always respond with your total compensation package, which includes your salary, bonus, equity, and any other benefits. Always present it as a broader figure within a range. This approach gives you the flexibility to steer the conversation in a different direction if needed.” (16:26 | Keri-Lynne Shaw) “I feel like there’s also this element that, as a human, when you walk into an organization, you assume they’ll take care of you. You assume they have good benefits in place, that they’ll be reasonable and do right by their people. But that’s an assumption you can’t afford to make. I’m not saying not to be trustworthy, but the reality is, no one is going to care about you more than you do. No one else is in control of your career—if you let someone else take the wheel, good luck. It’s just too important. The conversation around your compensation package is too important to leave to chance.” (40:26 | Keri-Lynne Shaw)      Links Connect with Keri-Lynne Shaw: www.thesalarybump.com Instagram - @thesalarybump   For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com.   Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact   Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    47 min
  5. 08/05/2024

    EP11: Supporting Women in Business with Dr. C.

    “I think some women don’t want to see others shine. Not everyone, but the more we can shine light on others and continue to build that, the more it gives permission for other people to do the same. That’s how I always view it,” says Dr. Caroline Iscovitz, also known as Dr. C. In this episode, she joins Danielle Gibson to discuss her ventures and the journey of women in business.    Reflecting on challenges such as people-pleasing, imposter syndrome, and fear of success, Danielle and Dr. C underscore the importance of community and support systems. They address societal pressures that lead women to doubt their capabilities, advocating for a mindset shift to overcome these barriers. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they delve into deeper issues like scarcity mindset and self-judgment, highlighting the need for boundaries and transparent communication.   Join Danielle and Dr. C as they provide a roadmap for creating a more inclusive and empowering environment for female entrepreneurs, packed with practical advice and inspiration for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.   Quotes “I think some women don’t want to see others shine. Not everyone, but the more we can shine light on others and continue to build that, the more it gives permission for other people to do the same. That’s how I always view it.” (13:05 | Dr. Caroline Iscovitz) “I think there are so many more women going into business for themselves now because they feel underappreciated at work. They’re not making as much as males and all the other issues we could probably have a whole podcast on. It’s part of understanding that we can ask for whatever we want. Will we get it? Probably not, but maybe. You will never know if you don’t ask or even just try.” (41:33 | Dr. Caroline Iscovitz)  “I think some people are afraid to try because they’re content, they don’t want to rock the boat, or they don’t think they can ask for it or feel like they’re worthy of it. I believe everybody is worthy. If you put the energy and time into it, do the research, and do what you need to do to be successful, you can. But I think from a very young age, society has really stifled women in some capacities.” (41:57 | Dr. Caroline Iscovitz) “I feel like a lot of people don’t speak up. That’s why many women, from what I’ve seen and those I’ve spoken to, leave corporate to start their own businesses. They weren’t being heard and didn’t feel valued or seen. Now, they can thrive in what they’re doing and creating because they can voice what’s important to them and how they can help people in whatever type of business they have.” (44:20 | Dr. Caroline Iscovitz)   Links Connect with Dr. Caroline Iscovitz: www.startherecon.com   For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com.   Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact   Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    57 min
  6. 07/01/2024

    EP10: Why Making a Decision Can Be Difficult

    Do you fear making the wrong decision? In this episode, Danielle Gibson delves into the art of decision-making, using her own experiences with a major apartment renovation as a starting point to explore how we can all become more decisive and confident. She shares how she faced overwhelming choices—from selecting tiles to choosing wood for floors—and learned to trust her intuition.    Danielle offers strategies to combat decision-making stress, encouraging listeners to avoid self-criticism and understand the root of their indecision. By reflecting on past successes, gathering all pertinent information, and managing emotions, we can make more confident choices.   Join Danielle as she transforms decision-making from a source of anxiety into an empowering process.   Quotes “I was so scared that I was going to make the wrong decision and fear was my overriding emotion. So, what I didn’t know at the time was that I was making all of these quick decisions with the help of my intuition. After this experience and that realization, I spent some time getting much more in touch with my intuition so I could comfortably trust my decisions going forward. I worked on it for a while and it makes life a lot easier to trust yourself.” (02:18 | Danielle Gibson)  “One of the most important lessons to learn is to never make a decision when you’re emotional.” (04:52 | Danielle Gibson) “Sometimes we can’t make a decision because we don’t have all of the information. And that often comes with having to ask questions.” (06:49 | Danielle Gibson)    Links For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com.   Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact   Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    9 min
  7. 05/06/2024

    EP09: A Different Kind of Self Care

    Self-care goes beyond simple pleasures like lighting a candle or taking a bath. In this episode, Danielle Gibson discusses an interaction with a potential coaching client who was struggling with job interviews, particularly in addressing an employment gap she believed was affecting her job prospects. Danielle delves into the possibility that the issue may not lie with the gap itself, but with the client’s self-perception and lack of assertiveness, which could be undermining her interview performance.   Danielle examines how self-worth influences our choices, especially in terms of personal investment. She argues that genuine self-care involves long-term commitments to personal growth and tackling internal challenges, not just quick fixes. The episode underscores the significance of investing in oneself to enhance life quality, pointing out that hesitancy to spend on personal development may reflect a deeper undervaluation of one’s worth.   Danielle encourages listeners to rethink their views on self-care and understand that working on oneself is an essential part of it. She invites her audience to contact her or other coaches to start or advance their personal development journeys, emphasizing that this is a vital step toward a more satisfying life.   Quotes “The fact that they are trading their potential quality of life, better quality of life for a number in their checking account or savings account is sad because what that really means is they don’t think they’re worth it. And I don’t think people think of it this way, but I do. And you know, it made me think about the notion of self-care.” (07:22 | Danielle Gibson) “You read about self-care in articles and you read about how people burn candles and they’ll take a bath or they’ll go away for a day or two to a spa, all of which are great. And if they help you, that’s great, but it’s only a temporary fix. And if you think about it, why do you need that kind of self-care? What's going on before that happens that you need that? Obviously, we all need a break, but I define self-care as the work that I do. I do it on myself.” (07:53 | Danielle Gibson)  “I am always working with a coach. I worked with a therapist. I just went through almost two and a half months of physical therapy that wasn't cheap, but I wanted to feel better because I was in pain. And I think of that as self-care because it's long-term help. And I really want to feel better. I really wish that people thought of taking care of themselves this way was as important as taking care of your health.” (08:24  | Danielle Gibson)   Links:   For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com.   Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact   Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    11 min
  8. 05/06/2024

    EP08: If You Struggle With Sales

    Danielle Gibson redefines the art of selling by turning the traditional sales approach on its head. Drawing from a conversation with a colleague about the common hurdles faced by those in sales roles, Danielle dives into a story of a former client from a startup who found herself crippled by the fear and pressure of meeting sales targets.   Steering the narrative away from the conventional transaction-focused tactics, Davielle advocates instead for a conversational approach that prioritizes understanding and addressing a client’s needs. This shift is not merely strategic but deeply empathetic, fostering genuine connections that not only lead to better sales outcomes but also enrich the salesperson's experience.   Danielle worked with her client to let go of the outcome— a change that significantly reduced her anxiety and allowed her to be more present and authentic during interactions. This new mindset led to remarkable improvements in her client's confidence, client relationships, and sales performance, significantly improving her personal fulfillment.   Sales should be seen as a conversational exchange rather than a transactional encounter. Danielle advises listeners to handle rejections and objections as normal parts of the process. Understanding that rejections are not personal but rather part of the business dynamics can transform how sales professionals perceive and handle their roles.   Quotes “When you're not present, you can't be authentic. Authenticity is a huge part of creating connection, which makes the conversation better and it makes you more likable and memorable and adds to the potential sale.” (03:21 | Danielle Gibson) “It is a conversation. It's not a sales meeting. Obviously you're meeting to talk about what you're selling, but if you can come from a place of curiosity, as you would with any new person that you're meeting with, then you're just going to be having a normal conversation that at some point you're going to start talking about the reason that you're there. You're going to talk about what you're selling. They're going to talk about what they need. And you're going to find out because you're curious if what you're selling is good for them. Now that may not happen in the first conversation, but it'll be the first conversation of many.” (05:34 | Danielle Gibson)    Links   For more resources and information about Confrontation, check out www.theconfrontationalist.com.   Schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with Danielle here: https://www.theconfrontationalist.com/contact   Follow us here: IG @the_confrontationalist LinkedIn @danielle-gibson-5243692/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    9 min
4.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Shy away from Confrontation? Avoiding someone or something out of fear? Meet Danielle Gibson, Confrontation Expert. Danielle has helped high performance executives and individuals break free from communication patterns that kept them stuck, frustrated and unseen. This podcast will be a weekly reminder about how important it is to get out of your own way so you can say what you really want to say without fear. We’ll talk honestly and frankly about topics that will help get you more comfortable speaking up, being more direct and having those difficult conversations.