ERP 508: The Power of Collaboration: Building Trust and Connection in Love and Life — An Interview with Leslie Grossman
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Release Date: 12/23/2025
ERP 528: Love as a Practice: How Virtues Help Couples Stay Connected and Aligned - An Interview with Susanne Alexander
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
What if the key to lasting love wasn’t just about finding the right person, but about growing the right partnership? Too often, couples step into long-term relationships without the relational tools, shared vision, or understanding of virtues that make for true unity. Instead of connection, misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts take root—leaving even the most committed couples wondering how to sustain harmony and joy in the face of life’s everyday challenges. In this episode, listeners are guided through a practical roadmap for cultivating deeper unity within their relationships....
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ERP 527: How Unconscious Patterns Shape Communication and Why We Miss Each Other — An Interview with Julie Nise
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Repeating the same old arguments with no satisfying conclusion? It’s a frustrating cycle—misunderstandings compound, resentment simmers, and the sense of connection begins to fade. Many couples find themselves stuck in patterns where efforts to communicate and show love seem to miss the mark, leaving both partners feeling unheard and unfulfilled. In this episode, listeners will uncover why these recurring disconnects happen and what can be done to break free from them. Through exploring the hidden influence of sensory preferences in communication and love, and sharing actionable techniques...
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ERP 526: Why Speaking up Deepens Love, Even When It Feels like Conflict — An Interview with Tonya Lester
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Are you tired of feeling like you have to choose between keeping the peace and being true to yourself in your relationships? Many people mistake silence for harmony, stuffing down their true feelings for fear of conflict, only to wake up one day feeling unheard, unseen, and disconnected. But what if speaking up—being honest about your needs and setting boundaries—was actually the path to deeper connection and intimacy, not the source of division? In this episode, listeners are invited to rethink what it means to be authentic in close relationships, especially when it comes to sharing hard...
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ERP 525: Why ‘Right and Wrong’ Thinking Is Hurting Your Relationship—and What to Do Instead — An Interview with Anna Sterk
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Ever found yourself stuck in an argument, desperately clinging to being “right,” only to realize it’s pushing you further from the person you love? So many of us fall into this silent trap—believing that our idea of respect, kindness, or connection is universal, only to watch as those assumptions breed tension, misunderstanding, and emotional distance in our relationships. In this episode, listeners are invited to challenge these rigid notions of right and wrong that quietly erode intimacy. By exploring the difference between complaints and vulnerable requests, unpacking the dangers of...
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ERP 524: Rethinking Forgiveness: Letting Go Without Letting It Be Okay — An Interview with Dr. Margaret Cochran
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Are you stuck in the painful loop of blame, shame, or resentment after a breakup or conflict? “Forgive and forget” sounds simple, but the reality of moving forward—especially when trust or boundaries have been violated—often feels like an impossible task. The baggage we carry from past relationships can quietly dictate our choices and limit our possibilities for genuine connection and growth. In this episode, listeners are guided through the often-misunderstood concept of forgiveness, exploring why it is a vital process for both personal growth and deeper intimacy. The conversation...
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ERP 523: The Subconscious Patterns That Keep Us Stuck in Love — And How to Break the Cycle – An Interview with Riana Malia
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Are you living a life that looks great on paper, but feels like something's missing beneath the surface? You’ve climbed the ladder, checked all the boxes, yet relationships and real fulfillment seem just out of reach. The cycle of “almost, but not quite” can leave even the most accomplished individuals wondering why old patterns keep resurfacing and why true connection remains elusive. In this episode, listeners will explore how subconscious beliefs, habitual thought patterns, and unresolved emotional baggage shape the dynamics of love and connection. Through practical approaches like...
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ERP 522: Fair Isn’t 50/50: How Couples Build a Financial Partnership That Works - An Interview with Heather and Douglas Boneparth
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Money isn’t just about numbers; it’s the silent language shaping intimacy, trust, and fairness in our closest relationships. Beneath the surface of budgets and bank accounts often lies a tangled web of beliefs, emotions, and unspoken histories that can spark misunderstanding, resentment, or even distance between partners. The challenge? Finding a way to transform financial conversations from battlegrounds into bridges of deeper connection. In this episode, listeners will discover how to unpack personal money stories, identify invisible patterns, and create a foundation for fairness that...
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ERP 521: Resentment as a Mirror and What It Reveals About You and Your Relationship - An Interview With Katie Rössler
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Resentment is the silent killer of connection—creeping in beneath the surface, quietly eroding the intimacy and trust between partners. Too often, the frustration we feel in our relationships stems not just from our partner’s actions, but from deeper unmet needs and patterns we haven’t paused to examine. When left unaddressed, this silent disconnect can blossom into the so-called “roommate syndrome,” where couples drift apart, stuck in cycles of survival mode, logistical interactions, and emotional isolation. In this episode, listeners are invited to explore how resentment actually...
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ERP 520: Why We Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns and How to Change Them — An Interview With Dr. Molly Burrets
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Have you ever wondered why you keep finding yourself in the same relationship patterns, no matter how hard you try to change? It’s almost as if, despite our best intentions and awareness, we’re drawn to the familiar—even if it’s painful. The fear of uncertainty trumps the discomfort of what we know, leaving many stuck in cycles of repeated conflict, unmet needs, and unclear intentions. In this episode, listeners are guided through the origins of these repeating patterns, from early attachment experiences to later life trauma, and how they shape the template for adult relationships. The...
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ERP 519: From Love to Leadership: Creating Alignment in Family Life - An Interview with April Eldemire
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Love alone isn’t always enough to keep everyone under one roof feeling connected and secure. Despite the dream of harmony and the promise of new beginnings, many families find themselves struggling with uncertainty, misaligned expectations, and recurring conflicts that love simply can’t resolve. Is it possible to create a sense of “home” where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported—without sacrificing your relationship or your own well-being? In this episode, listeners will discover why building a thriving blended family isn’t just about love—it’s about creating alignment...
info_outlineIn a world that often glorifies rugged individualism, finding real connection and mutual growth with others can feel elusive, especially when it comes to our closest relationships. The secret ingredient might just be what so many overlook: genuine collaboration—both at home and beyond. What if the key to thriving wasn’t “doing it all yourself,” but learning how to truly work together?
In this episode, you’ll discover how building circles of collaboration can transform your personal relationships, family dynamics, and even your broader social and professional connections. Through real-life stories and practical strategies, you’ll learn why trust, curiosity, and deep listening are so essential for building fulfilling partnerships. You’ll also hear how taking intentional steps—like active listening, sharing vulnerability, and nurturing supportive communities—can help you experience more connection, resilience, and joy in every area of your life.
Leslie Grossman is a trailblazer in leadership, and professional and career development for women. She is an accomplished executive coach, keynote speaker, researcher, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of the Women’s Leadership Exchange, the first national conference program for women based on collaborative leadership. She is faculty director of Executive Women’s Leadership at The George Washington University – Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. Leslie’s latest book, “Circles of Collaboration”, reveals the time-tested method of harnessing one’s success and fulfillment on the principles of collaboration, trust, generosity and communication.
Episode Highlights
06:27 Navigating leadership roles and collaboration in relationships.
08:21 Intentionality in creating circles of collaboration.
10:33 The power of deep listening and curiosity in partnership.
14:38 Building meaningful connections through intentional questions.
17:40 Vulnerability, trust, and support systems in relationships.
20:27 Generosity, active listening, and expanding your circles.
25:28 Collaborative exchanges and asking for support.
28:24 Negotiating imperfect collaboration and relationship expectations.
31:06 Bringing up important issues: Timing and communication.
34:17 The impact of collaborative relationships and taking action.
Your Check List of Actions to Take
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Divide and conquer roles: In partnerships, clearly designate leaders for different areas, but always ensure communication and final decisions respect collaboration and listening.
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Practice deep listening: Be intentional about giving your full attention to your partner or colleague; don’t interrupt or assume you know what they’ll say.
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Ask curious questions: Show genuine interest by asking open-ended questions about feelings, experiences, and perspectives to foster connection.
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Build multiple circles of collaboration: Develop relationships beyond your intimate partnership—think family, friends, work, and community circles—to enrich your support network.
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Be intentional with connection: Choose to initiate deeper conversations with those you care about, rather than keeping interactions at a surface level.
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Cultivate generosity: Offer your time and listening ear generously; seek ways to support others, such as facilitating introductions or sharing helpful resources.
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Keep track of important issues: If topics arise that feel uncomfortable to discuss, jot them down and revisit them when the timing is better; don’t let them slip away.
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Let go of perfection: Accept that not all relationships or collaborations will be perfectly reciprocal; allow space for difference and focus energy on relationships that foster growth and mutual support.
Mentioned
Circles of Collaboration (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)
12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)
Connect with Leslie Grossman
Website: Lesliegrossmanvision.com
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCqjD0Y4L0XVjzixocEsO8kw
Instagram: instagram.com/lesliegrossmanvision
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lesliegrossmanleadership