We all say we want “better communication,” whether at work, at home, or in our closest relationships. But here’s the twist: most of us are looking in the wrong place. On this episode of Spark Something New, I sat down with the wise and compassionate Collette Revere to explore why communication is so notoriously difficult—and what to do about it.

Instead of framing communication as something “out there” and wishing that other people would change, Collette invites us to turn inward. She explains how our earliest family patterns shape our “communication history,” why many of us stop developing after that first phase of survival learning, and how blind spots form when we mistake feeling right for actually being right.

We dive into the difference between psychological safety (structures leaders try to create) and emotional safety (the responsibility each of us has to know and voice what we need). We challenge the myth that good communication is about control or compliance—and instead uncover how truth is more layered, how multiple realities can exist at once, and why accountability means putting problem-solving back where it belongs.

This isn’t another “tips and tricks” talk about communication styles. It’s a provocative look at how deeper self-awareness, emotional safety, and personal responsibility shift the entire conversation. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or navigating relationships, this episode will spark new ways of seeing your role in how connection—and disconnection—really happens.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Collette on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Open360

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.