91. From Conflict to Connection: Communication Skills All Changemakers Need with Eri Kardos

Communication sits at the heart of leadership, relationships, and social change—yet most people were never taught how to listen well, navigate conflict, or speak in ways others can actually receive. Drawing on her work with global leaders and couples, Eri Kardos unpacks why many communication breakdowns are patterned rather than personal, how trauma responses quietly shape everything from workplace dynamics to intimacy at home, and why learning the “art of repair” is essential for sustainable relationships and effective teamwork. The conversation explores practical tools for listening with full presence, influencing ethically through clarity and consent, and using boundaries as a form of safety and trust rather than restriction—offering changemakers a grounded pathway for turning tension into deeper connection and more coherent action.About Our Guest: Eri Kardos is the founder and lead coach of Relearn Love, LLC, where she supports leaders to strengthen their influence at work by cultivating deeper, more connected relationships at home. Drawing on science-based and somatic approaches to communication, conflict, and emotional regulation, her work bridges leadership development and intimate partnership. A former leadership development professional at Amazon.com, Eri holds an MBA in Global Leadership and observed firsthand how relational wellbeing directly shapes focus, clarity, and organisational impact. She is a 2025 TEDx speaker and the author of the best-selling book Relationship Agreements, and now works with clients across six continents while speaking regularly with Fortune 500 organisations. Based in Bali with her husband, Jaymin Patel, and their two children, Eri also hosts private retreats integrating relational wellbeing with leadership and personal growth. Learn more: https://www.relearnlove.com/📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Change 101 ⁠FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook⁠.Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠@tiyanaj⁠Changemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to ⁠humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast⁠. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us!The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.