In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Lyndsey Van Sickle discuss:

• Power of what goes unsaid/inner conversations

• Starting with heart and clear intent

• FSA framework (Fact–Story–Ask)

• Safety, silence, and verbal violence

• Creating a feedback and crucial-conversation culture

Key Takeaways:

• Crucial conversations start long before you open your mouth; they begin with the internal fears, beliefs, and stories you're telling yourself, because when you take responsibility for examining those "unsaid" pieces first, your external conversations become clearer, calmer, and more effective.

• "Start with heart" isn't just a nice phrase—it's a discipline of grounding yourself, clarifying your intention, and being fully present.

• Using neutral facts first, then explaining your story, and finally inviting their perspective (the FSA framework) keeps conversations from turning into blame-fests, and it shifts the focus from "who's wrong" to "what's happening and how do we move forward together?"

• Simple tools like "I don't / I do" statements can diffuse misunderstandings in seconds: you name what you don't mean and clearly state what you do intend.

• When you pause, signpost what's happening ("I think we're losing sight of what matters"), and, if needed, reschedule the talk, you're actively building a culture where hard conversations are expected, safe, and productive.

"You can't save them all… we do one starfish at a time, and pour in as much love and information and confidence as we can."
- Lyndsey Van Sickle

About the guest, Lyndsey Van Sickle:

Lyndsey Van Sickle is Cso, Owner of VanCon, Inc., one of Utah's largest excavation enterprises. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather and father, Lyndsey currently serves as one of the youngest female construction executives in the United States. She teaches her "Build Influence Blueprint" to leaders, human resource executives, and professionals to help them optimize their conversations for stronger relationships, revenue, and retention.

Connect with Lyndsey Van Sickle:

Website: https://lyndseyv.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndseyvansickle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndseyvansickle?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D

CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

Website: www.cherylknows.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.