In this episode of The Break Room: The WORKFORCE Experience, host Johnny Rodriguez sits down with Michelle Gilbert, executive coach, leadership expert, and founder of Purple Engine Coaching and Consulting, to discuss why communication is one of the most important skills in leadership.
Michelle shares lessons from over 30 years in corporate communications and leadership, including her experience with Fortune 500 companies like Comcast and Verizon. Together, they explore how strong communication impacts hiring, retention, culture, trust, and team performance.
This conversation covers the cost of poor communication, why leaders often avoid difficult conversations, how to give constructive feedback, and what executive presence really means in practical terms. Michelle also shares actionable strategies leaders can use right away, including preparing more intentionally, understanding communication styles, staying present, listening with curiosity, and recognizing emotional triggers before they derail a conversation.
Whether you are a business owner, HR leader, manager, supervisor, or emerging leader, this episode offers practical insight into building stronger teams through clearer, more confident, and more compassionate communication.