Tough conversations are part of leadership, but too often they leave both sides defensive and drained. In this episode of the Magnetic Communication Podcast, Sandy Gerber shares how to handle necessary and tough conversations with emotional intelligence, clarity and empathy using the EQ Switch™ and Honest Sandwich™ tools. You’ll start with the EQ Switch™ - a four-step technique for regulating your emotions before you speak, so you can respond instead of react:

1. EQ Breath: 3-second inhale, 4-second quiet exhale.
2. Name the Emotion: “I feel frustrated,” “I feel concerned.”
3. Locate It in the Body: Notice where tension shows up physically.
4. Choose Your Response: Decide from a calmer state what to say next.

1. Say What You Feel - Without blame.
2. Say What You Need - Specific and actionable.
3. Say What You Want to Happen Next - A clear, constructive step forward.

• Why emotional regulation must come before honesty in high-stakes conversations.
• How to use a simple structure to express tough feedback without burning bridges.
• How these tools work in both professional and personal settings.

Miscommunication in leadership kills momentum, damages trust, and leaves everyone frustrated. In this episode of the Magnetic Communication Podcast, Sandy Gerber shares a proven way to stop miscommunication before it starts - the 3Cs Conversation Filter™ - plus how to tailor your words to what truly motivates your listener using Emotional Magnets™. If you’ve ever blurted something out, hinted at what you wanted, or buried your main point in so much detail that people tuned out, you’re not alone. Sandy walks you through a simple, three-question filter you can run every message through before you miscommunicate in leadership, speak or hit send:

1. Am I Clear? Will they understand exactly what I mean?
2. Am I Calm? Is my tone steady or reactive?
3. Is It Constructive? Will this build trust and move things forward?

• How to quickly check if your message is clear, calm, and constructive.
• How to identify someone’s Emotional Magnet™ and adjust your words so they actually hear your point.
• Why skipping these steps leads to defensiveness, confusion, or disengagement.

If you’re a leader, your face is talking - whether you realize it or not. In this episode of the Magnetic Communication Podcast, Sandy Gerber reveals body language for leaders. How your facial expressions, tone, and body language send messages before you even speak  - and how the Mirror Check-In™ can help you make sure those messages build trust, not tension. You’ll learn why body language for leaders matters more than ever in meetings, presentations, and even quick hallway conversations. Sandy explains how micro-expressions, eyebrow raises, crossed arms, and other subtle Connection Cues™ can either invite collaboration or shut it down instantly. Through relatable stories, like the “Eyebrow Macarena” manager whose expressions said more than her words, you’ll see how easy it is for emotional “leakage” to undermine your credibility. You’ll also discover how the Mirror Check-In™ gives you a quick, three-question tool to align your non-verbal signals with your intended message, whether you’re walking into a boardroom, logging onto Zoom, or greeting your family after work. This episode isn’t about faking your emotions. It’s about aligning your body language with your true intent so people believe what you say. You’ll walk away knowing:

• Why people believe what they see more than what they hear.
• The non-verbal mistakes leaders make that erode trust.
• How to do a Mirror Check-In™ in under 10 seconds anywhere.
• Real-life examples of leaders transforming tense situations just by adjusting their posture, expression, or tone.