Episode 254 - Managing Tough Conversations and Difficult People! with Mark McPherson

Welcome back to another firecracker of an episode on Playing With Perspective – The Suspended Animation Podcast! 🔥 ============================================================ *** Always looking for fantastic guests for upcoming shows - feel free to buzz me on 0414659800 to chat or 👉 https://www.mixo.io/site/podcast-guest-booking-2fh52   =========================================================== In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the trickiest (but most powerful) skills we can develop in business and in life — how to handle tough conversations and difficult people… and there’s no better guide than the incredible Mark McPherson! 🎯 With over 45 years of hands-on experience, Mark has seen it all. Whether it’s staff tension, frontline drama, or high-stakes workplace conversations, he’s built a proven toolkit to help professionals confidently inform, inspire, and influence — even when the heat is on. 💼💬 Mark is the genius behind the Workplace Performance Blueprint, Agent Provocateur Role-Plays, and Personal Conversation Scripts. His mission? To empower you with real-world, down-to-earth tools that actually work when it comes to navigating challenging conversations and personalities. 🙌 💡 We unpack: - Why "difficult people" are difficult — and how to spot them early - What makes a conversation “tough” (and how to reframe it) - Mark’s 9 Types of Tough Conversations — and how to tackle each one - Powerful mindset shifts and strategies to approach conflict with clarity - The role of scripting in building confidence and staying in control - Real-life success stories from the front lines - And so much more! Whether you're leading a team, dealing with a tricky client, or just want to master the art of calm under pressure — this episode is packed with practical insights you can use immediately! 🎯 👉 Tune in now, take notes, and start showing up stronger in every conversation. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review if this episode gave you something to think about! Find out more about Mark and his brilliant work here: Website - http://markmcpherson.com.au/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcpherson1/  FB - https://www.facebook.com/BestPracticeBehaviourForBilliantCustomerService  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MarkMcPherson1