Now We're Talking: How to discuss what really matters

Reviews / Votes

"Having the right conversation is at the heart of transformation. Sarah's book shows how to do this, with practical examples that leaders can adopt. This gives new ways to relate to employees and run executive and board meetings." Dr Andrew White, Senior Fellow in Management Practice, Said Business School, University of Oxford, CEO of Transcend.Space and 2050 Leadership Podcast Host "Read this book if you want to expand your ability to have important or difficult conversations - whether with yourself, in your private life or at work. A skill so important right now and none better to lead us to success than Sarah!" Alexander Hiller, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates
"Cultivating the right mindset for engaging in authentic dialogue is essential for effective leadership in today's complex and dynamic world. In an age of profound 'polycrisis', Now We're Talking is a must read for those truly focused on the power of purpose and what matters most." David Hartman, Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines "Much of my work consists of enabling conversation, often challenging conversation, among senior leaders in the church. This book is both inspiration and tonic - full of ideas which I hope to imitate and adapt, while at the same time nailing and calming the fears which could otherwise derail. Thank you, Sarah!" The Rt Revd Dr Jo Bailey Wells, Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion and Deputy Secretary General "JFK once said 'leadership and learning are indispensable to each other'- this book provides the ideal basis for those in leadership and management positions to reflect on what more they can to develop their skills, become an active listener and learn how to effect positive change." Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Glasgow.
"Now We're Talking builds your understanding and grows your skillset with its step-by-step process to having richer, more connected conversations. A wonderful toolkit for tackling those difficult conversations - with your boss, employees, family or in your personal relationships - with confidence." Niamh Dowling, Principal and CEO, RADA "Eminently practical, this beautifully researched, accessible book is an absolute must for any leader wanting to handle difficult conversations with greater care and skill. The tools shared here are easy to follow and have the potential to be real game-changers for those wise enough to try them out." Paul Williamson, Group Head of Talent Development, Ambassador Theatre Group "Sarah balances insight that prompts self-reflection and deep thinking with practical tools and suggestions that will help leaders with day-to-day situations. Highly readable and full of engaging exemplification from modern culture, familiar examples of leadership, and Sarah's own experience, Now We're Talking makes a compelling case for talking more and doing it better." Annie Crombie, Deputy CEO, BookTrust
"A wonderful, practical guide for taking a team or an organisation from struggling to good to great to excellent. Now We're Talking puts words to what I didn't realise I did to build a culture of trust by creating safe spaces to talk, share and learn." Paul Allen, CEO and Trustee, Vibrance "This book will give you a step-by-step guide to mastering the magic of dialogue that transcends conflicts and dissolves problems with the power of your own authenticity." Dr. Harvey Z. Chen, Chairman of the board of advisors, Center for Creative Leadership, Greater China "Sarah brings great wisdom to the vital topic of how to have the 'difficult' conversations that really matter. Her wisdom is based on long experience in the field and is above all clear and immediately applicable, making this an essential handbook." Nicholas Janni, co-founder, Matrix Development, author Leader as Healer - a new paradigm for 21st century leadership, Business Book Awards Business Book of the Year 2023 "The capacity for true dialogue is the key that unlocks the most pressing challenges in our personal lives, our organisations, and indeed for all of society. Having worked with senior leaders of corporates, governments, and civil society across the world, I have found that when magic and beauty are created, it is because true dialogue is enabled; when it is absent, pain, stress, broken relationships and indeed tragedy can follow. Sarah's powerful book will equip you with an extraordinary set of notions, tools, insights, and inspiration, that will magnify your ability to live a joyful life and be an even stronger force for good for others, and the world." Mac McKenzie, CEO, Bridge Institute
"Having worked in many leadership roles, I cannot think of another book that has the potential for such major positive change and impact on the way leaders and employees, in every workplace, communicate. Mastering effective human dialogue sounds an easy task, yet, in practice, is possibly the most difficult challenge we face. Now We're Talking provides a wealth of learning in every chapter. The content is inciteful and provides the reader with clear actionable steps to improve communication in any organisation, large or small. If this had been essential reading for new leaders some years ago, the world of work would be a better place and business would be more successful and profitable." Gina Lodge. CEO World View Mentor, Association for Coaching UK, Africa and India Chair and member of 100 women at Davos. "Now We're Talking provides invaluable advice on how to reframe and prepare for difficult conversations to get positive outcomes. A great guide using practical tools that will help navigate difficult conversations in business and in life." Sidone Thomas, former Chief Operating Officer at Sydney Airport