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How to turn critics into cheerleaders Part 1 (with Matt Brown)

Published on: 7th October, 2025

In this episode, Chris Wong and Lucie Tesarova interview Matt Brown, an Executive Director of a Watershed nonprofit, to discuss the intricacies of difficult conversations in leadership. They explore Matt's journey in the nonprofit sector, the challenges of navigating resistance from employees and board members, and the importance of understanding motivations behind resistance. Matt shares personal stories of hard lessons he’s learned over the years.

 

Takeaways

-        Practicing difficult conversations can lead to better outcomes.

-        Understanding motivations behind resistance makes a huge difference

-        Building trust requires open and honest communication.

 

About Matt

Matt joined OARS (Organization for the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers) as Executive Director in 2024. Prior to OARS, he was Chief Operating Officer at Lowell House, Inc., an addiction treatment non-profit serving Merrimack Valley. Matt served on the Randolph Conservation Commission and Community Preservation Committee before moving to Westford, MA. He served on the Westford Affordable Housing Committee and coached youth baseball and basketball in Westford. Matt holds an MS in Non-Profit Management from Worcester State University and an MA in English from Clark University.

 

Interested in the difficult conversations course? Check it out here: https://www.myleadershippotential.com/trust

Want to learn what kind of mind traps are sabotaging your communication and relationships with others? Go to https://www.mindfittery.com/befree to learn more. 

Contact Chris: chris@myleadershippotential.com

Contact Lucie: lucie@mindfittery.com or www.mindfittery.com  

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    The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations
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