What happens when trust is broken before you even walk into a room?

Описание: In this episode of the Compassionate Accountability® Podcast, host Nate Regier sits down with Erin McDaniel, Communications Director for the City of Newton, to unpack a decade-long transformation inside local government.

Erin’s challenge wasn’t a lack of effort or expertise, it was deep distrust. From political divisiveness to open antagonism between elected officials and city staff, conflict had become emotional, personal, and costly.

What follows is a real-world transformation study.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

💡Why being “the problem” often comes with the job, before anyone knows you

💡How conflict between leadership and staff quietly erodes culture

💡The turning point that forced a different approach

💡How compassion and accountability rebuilt trust, without compromise

💡What it looks like to put ego aside and lead with openness

💡Practical insights for navigating conflict in polarized environments

This conversation isn’t theory. It’s lived experience, small wins, hard lessons, and lasting change.

Rapid-fire reflections include:

🔥One truth about conflict leaders often miss

🔥What trust actually requires

🔥The mindset shift that changed everything

If you’re a leader, communicator, HR professional, or public servant navigating pressure, politics, or people challenges, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar… and deeply hopeful.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and learn what’s possible when conflict becomes a catalyst instead of collateral damage.

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👉 Share this episode with a leader who’s in the thick of it

Conflict is inevitable. Drama is optional.

What do you choose?

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