Abrupt Endings: Lessons on Conflict and Collaboration with Aparna Rae

**Trigger warning-intimate partner violence**I speak with DEI leader Aparna Rae, who opens up about a pivotal moment in her professional journey. She shares the story of a colleague who abruptly ended their work partnership, an experience that mirrored her own long-standing pattern of leaving when conflict arises. Rather than repeating that cycle, she chose to pause and reflect—exploring what it means to stay present in the discomfort of disagreement. Through this conversation, she reveals the lessons she’s learned about navigating conflict, the importance of intentionality in collaboration, and how choosing to stay can deepen trust and transform relationships. Find out more about Aparna at www.aparnarae.com