E142. How Curiosity Can Bridge Relationships - with Christopher Veal, International Speaker & Author

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Christopher Veal. As a former Marine officer, combat veteran, and Black man, Christopher leverages all this and his 25 years of experience in executive development as a global influencer and speaker on evolving masculinity, and as the author of The Whole Man. A huge part of Christopher’s life has been holding difficult conversations. And in this episode, Ashanti and Christopher explore the territory of difficult conversations, the mindsets required when approaching them, and why we should never shy away from them in order to build a more understanding world. (2:40) Christopher introduces himself, his family background, and his work as a champion of healthy masculinity and vulnerability. (6:10) Ashanti and Christopher make their masks. (9:05) Christopher shares the front of his mask - humor, confidence, curiosity. (11:45) Ashanti shares the front of his mask - serious, passionate, storyteller, caring - and explains why he “over smiles.” (16:35) Ashanti shares the back of his mask - fear of failure/success, brother and nephew, doubt. (24:15) Christopher shares the back of his mask - fear, disappointment, hurt. (28:45) Christopher shares some techniques he’s been using when having difficult and contentious conversations, and Ashanti looks at an interaction he recently had through the lens of these techniques. (40:35) Christopher shares some insights on his book, The Whole Man. (44:45) Christopher shares some final words and how you can get in touch with him. --- Connect with Christopher Veal: Website: wholemanjourney.com Podcast: vulnerable-man.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherveal --- Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org Email us questions and comments at [email protected]  --- Connect with Ashanti Branch: Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch Website: branchspeaks.com --- Support the podcast and the work of the Ever Forward Club: anchor.fm/branch-speaks/support