In this powerful and practical episode, Scott sits down with Kristy Mandour—nationally recognized communication coach, emotional intelligence expert, and host of the Sow to Speak podcast—to unpack the conversations that most leaders avoid… and why that’s a problem. If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up, avoided holding someone accountable, or struggled to navigate tough conversations at work or at home, this one is for you.
Kristy shares the science and strategy behind her “Lead Out Loud” method and “C.A.R.E.” framework, which empowers leaders to communicate with clarity, curiosity, and compassion—without burning out or bottling things up. This conversation will challenge how you think about accountability, reframe the stories you tell yourself, and help you lead with integrity, confidence, and connection.
What you’ll learn:
• Why avoiding hard conversations is often a sign that you care—and why that’s not enough
• How to turn “accountability” into a form of support instead of punishment
• The C.A.R.E. framework and how it helps you prep, regulate, and lead powerfully
• Tips to shift from fear-based micromanaging to values-driven leadership
• How these same communication tools apply to parenting, marriage, and life outside the office

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Meet Kristy Mandour
(1:25) - The Origins of "Lead Out Loud"
(3:35) - Having Meaningful Conversations with Your Team
(6:05) - Micromanaging vs. Managing with Curiosity and Care
(7:00) - Accountability & Difficult Conversations
(11:30) - Being Curious
(13:00) - To Be Unclear is Unkind
(14:45) - Preparation as a Leader
(17:45) - Significance of Setting & Intentions
(23:20) - Communicating Positivity
(24:50) - Regulating with Movement
(26:35) - The Connection Between Leadership and Parenting
(28:20) - Immediate Action Steps
(30:00) - C.A.R.E. Framework Example
(38:00) - Same Side Visualization Technique
(39:00) - Sow to Speak - Connect with Kristy
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Kristy Mandour's Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/kristymandour
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-mandour
Website - https://sowtospeak.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/pensink57

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates