Episode 17

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Published on:

28th Oct 2025

Radical Honesty: The Leadership Skill Nobody Taught You

Ever caught yourself lying to "protect" someone's feelings, only to watch it blow up in your face anyway? Yeah, we've all been there.

This episode is about why those "harmless" white lies are actually destroying your relationships, your business, and probably your sanity.

We're breaking down how to give feedback and be honest without being harsh, why your team member who's "doing their best" might just need you to be real with them, and the exact phrase that can turn a fight into an actual conversation.

If you've ever avoided a hard conversation because it felt too uncomfortable, this one's gonna sting a little - in the best way possible.

IN THIS EPISODE

  • The friendship-ending mistake Giorgia made by trying to "protect" someone she loved (and how radical honesty saved it after years of tension)
  • Why your controlling friend/partner/coworker acts that way - and it's not what you think (spoiler: it's about safety, not dominance)
  • What to do when your employee is failing but you're too uncomfortable to say it (hint: you're probably making it worse for everyone)
  • The Italian massage therapist story that shows how to give feedback without getting your head bitten off
  • Why feedback feels like an attack (and how your childhood programming is sabotaging your adult relationships)
  • The magic phrase that stops defensiveness in its tracks - works even if the other person has never done "the work"
  • How to know if you're giving feedback from love or manipulation - because your intention leaks out no matter how perfect your words are
  • When someone refuses to hear your feedback - the real reason they're closed off and how to open that door
  • The vomit-dumping problem most people don't realize they're doing (and the simple question that fixes it)

RESOURCES

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About the Podcast

Unleash Your Freedom
Unleash Your Freedom gives trailblazers, rebels, dreamers and creators who are done playing small the mindset, strategies, and insights that will set you free.
Welcome to Unleash Your Freedom, a podcast for the trailblazers, rebels, dreamers and creators who are done playing small and are ready to create freedom and fulfilment in every area of their life.

Each week, leadership coaches Dawn and Giorgia bring you exclusive interviews with visionary leaders, inspiring stories of courage and resilience, and actionable mindset trainings to support you in breaking through inner barriers, lead with confidence, and master emotional intelligence, so you can finally start owning your power and build the life you came here for.

Whether you’re looking to level up your career, strengthen your relationships, or simply take control of your life, you’re in the right place. Get ready to unlock the mindset, strategies, and insights that will set you free.

It’s time to lead, grow, and unleash your freedom!

About your host

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Giorgia & Dawn

We are leadership coaches who met on our journey to becoming free while coaching together. Now we're coaching high-achieving people into breaking through their inner barriers, achieving those goals they once thought impossible, and truly unleashing their freedom.