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Managing Difficult People

Managing Difficult People

By: Adam Holbrook
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Managing Difficult People is a leadership podcast that helps managers, executives, and team leaders handle conflict, improve communication, and build stronger workplace relationships. You can’t change difficult people—but you can change how you lead, influence, and respond to them.

Each episode delivers practical strategies to reduce workplace tension, build trust, strengthen culture, and turn challenging personalities into opportunities for better leadership. Learn how to manage reactive communication, set boundaries, resolve conflict, and lead teams with clarity, confidence, and connection.

© 2026 Managing Difficult People
Career Success Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The Power of Encouragement
    Jun 3 2026

    In this episode of the Managing Difficult People Podcast, Adam Holbrook explores the life-changing power of encouragement. Drawing from personal experiences of burnout, struggle, and business growth, Adam shares why encouragement is one of the most powerful tools for leadership, relationships, and personal development.

    He explains the difference between appreciation and encouragement, why people need support more than criticism, and how encouraging others can strengthen teams, build trust, improve mental well-being, and create lasting impact.

    If you want to become a better leader, teammate, friend, or family member, this episode is a powerful reminder that a few encouraging words can change someone's life.

    Stronger leadership starts with better communication.

    Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence.
    Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

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    16 mins
  • Self Compassion Is the Key to Resilience
    May 27 2026

    In this episode of Managing Difficult People, Adam Holbrook dives into the powerful connection between self-compassion, resilience, and personal growth. Using the viral story of his daughter’s performance video that generated both massive praise and criticism online, Adam explores how the way we speak to ourselves shapes our confidence, emotional well-being, relationships, and ability to navigate adversity.

    This episode unpacks the hidden damage caused by negative self-talk and why so many people are far harsher on themselves than they would ever be toward someone they love. Adam shares practical insights on handling criticism, overcoming self-doubt, embracing failure as part of growth, and learning how to redirect your mindset when life pulls you off course. Through relatable stories and powerful analogies, including lessons from space exploration and resilience training, he reminds listeners that growth is never a straight line and that kindness toward yourself is one of the most important skills you can develop.

    If you’ve been struggling with perfectionism, criticism, burnout, or feeling like you’re never enough, this episode will help you shift your inner dialogue, rebuild confidence, and remember that progress happens when you learn to support yourself instead of tearing yourself down.

    Stronger leadership starts with better communication.

    Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence.
    Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

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    11 mins
  • Multitasking is a Myth
    May 20 2026

    Think multitasking is making you more productive? Think again.

    In this eye-opening episode of Managing Difficult People, Adam Holbrook breaks down the truth most people don’t want to hear: multitasking is a myth and it’s costing you more than you realize.

    If you’ve ever found yourself juggling emails, meetings, and life all at once only to feel exhausted and still behind. This episode will hit home. Adam reveals how constant task-switching drains your energy, wastes hours of your day, and leads to lower-quality work (even when you think you’re “handling it all”).

    But here’s the shift: real productivity doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing one thing well. You’ll learn how to use simple time-blocking strategies, eliminate distractions, and create focused work sessions that actually move your life forward.

    This isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about taking back control of your time, your energy, and your results.

    Stronger leadership starts with better communication.

    Learn how to manage conflict, set boundaries, and lead with confidence.
    Listen now: https://managingdifficultpeoplepodcast.com/

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    9 mins
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