Courageous Conversations That Shape Culture

In this session, we’ll explore one of the most important and overlooked leadership skills: how to tackle difficult conversations in a way that builds trust, drives growth and sets the standard for the people around you.

Too often, conflict is treated as a one-off conversation or a management tool reserved for performance issues. But in reality, the way a leader handles conflict shapes culture. It teaches people what honesty sounds like, what care looks like and whether growth feels safe.

Together, we’ll explore four common ways people experience challenging conversations in the workplace. We’ll unpack how each one affects confidence, motivation, trust, and performance and what leaders can do differently to communicate with more intention and impact.

This will be a practical, interactive session designed for professionals, founders, managers, team leads, and anyone who wants to communicate more effectively and lead by example.

During the session we’ll cover:

• Why leadership is better understood as an infinite game rather than a short-term win.
• The four methods people often use to handle difficult conversations: compassionate clarity, brutal clarity, empty critique, and empty negativity.
• How different approaches affect trust, confidence, motivation, and action.
• Why vague kindness can be just as unhelpful as harsh criticism.

About the Speaker
Saba Shakir is a Leadership Communication and a Learning & Development specialist who designs practical training to improve speaking, interpersonal skills and leadership confidence. She is also President of Women4Space, promoting inclusion and opportunities in the space sector. With a Masters in Linguistics and degree in Social Psychology, she focuses on helping professionals communicate clearly and lead effectively. Her research on building an inclusive space workforce will be presented at IAC Antalya 2026.

Agenda

• Doors open: 7.00pm
• Session starts: 7.15pm
• Interactive activities and discussion: 7.30pm
• Q&A / group reflection: 7.45pm
• Networking: 8.00pm

About Let’s Speak Business
Join Let’s Speak Business, where ambitious people come together to strengthen the communication and leadership skills that shape real career growth.

Each session explores practical, workplace-focused themes across communication, leadership, confidence, and professional development - designed to help you speak with greater clarity, navigate challenges more effectively, and build the presence needed to contribute with authority and lead with impact.

Expect interactive sessions, practical discussion, and a community of like-minded people who want to grow in confidence, capability, and business acumen. Whether you’re looking to improve how you communicate, handle workplace challenges, or prepare for bigger opportunities, Let’s Speak Business is your space to grow.

Don’t miss our next events: www.linktr.ee/LetsSpeakB

How to get there: Enter the café and go upstairs
IMPORTANT: You must buy 1 drink at the bar downstairs before the workshop begins

Grow Your Voice. Grow Your Impact. ✨