Hosted by veteran communications strategist and leadership trainer J.Marie, Your Friend in Leadership is an inspiring and approachable podcast created to empower today’s public leaders. Each episode delivers strategic insights, transformative ideas, and actionable communication tools to help you better connect with your communities and move your mission forward. With deep appreciation for the important work of public leaders and the knowledge that leadership and communication are skills that can be built and improved, this podcast is your guide to confident and effective leadership every step of the way.
In this epsiode J.Marie gives her version on the classic communications technique of bridging. We are all familiar with when a policitian or leader is asked about something they don't want to answer and they redirect the conversation to another topic they do want to talk about. This can easily feel disingenuous, but as leaders being able to redirect a conversation or pivot when you are asked something you can't or wont answer is a tactic you want in your bag of rhetorical tricks. J.Marie gives the run down on the ABC's of bridging: Acknowledge, Bridge, Convert. She wraps the concept of up with additional skills to create a more holistic method of redirecting conversation while remaining transparent and authentic.
Sign up for classes with J.Marie here (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders).
https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders)
2 Jun 2026
Listening as a Strategy
Public leaders are often remarkably effective at engaging your communities through active listening. After decades as a communication and leadership consultant, J.Marie has found that leaders often miss an easy opportunity to use what you've heard to not just make good decisions, but to also build trust and credibility. She will talk about the extra step you can take to demonstrate to your constituents that what you've heard has transformed your thinking and is guiding your decisions and actions moving forward. In this episode, J.Marie provides you the roadmap by which you can close the loop of communication to demonstrate to audiences that not only do you listen, but you care.
Sign up for classes with J.Marie here (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders).
https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders)
2 Jun 2026
Their Story is not my Story
It is a very human, often subconscious, habit to assume we understand what others are thinking and why they do the things they do. In this episode J.Marie shares a true story that demonstrates how thoroughly wrong we can be ... and how quickly our own inner experience can shift simply by remembering that we are responsible for the stories we tell ourselves. She also notes how this technique works in reverse, giving you a tool to free yourself from the assumed perspectives and judgements of others and empowering you to take responsibility for your own truth.
Sign up for classes with J.Marie here (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders).
https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders)
25 Nov 2025
Episode 8: Communication Tools
J. Marie explores various communication tools available to leaders, providing insights on when and how to use them effectively to influence and connect with their teams.
25 Nov 2025
Episode 9: Start with your Audience
J. Marie, leadership expert, shares communication strategies that prioritize audience engagement, ensuring organizational messages resonate effectively and empower stakeholders; this is a solo episode.
23 Nov 2025
Episode 7: Organizational Communication
J. Marie examines the four components of successful organizational communication, including audience and message, to streamline communication within organizational structures.
30 Oct 2025
Episode 6: Giving & Receiving Feedback
J. Marie explores strategies for leaders to give and receive feedback objectively, emphasizing mindset shifts to avoid emotional responses and leverage feedback as a valuable tool.
13 Oct 2025
Episode 5: Organizational Conflict
J. Marie explores organizational conflict, emphasizing vulnerability to others' perspectives and providing methods to facilitate equitable conversations around polarizing topics.
18 Dec 2024
Episode 4: Dealing with Conflict
Conflict is an inevitable part of leadership, but it can be approached with grace and productivity. In this episode, J.Marie explores a mindset shift that reframes conflict as a collaborative puzzle to solve rather than a confrontation to win. With practical tips like adjusting your body language, choosing empowering words, and fostering a solutions-focused approach, you’ll gain tools to navigate disagreements while maintaining respect and connection.
Sign up for classes with J.Marie here (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders).
https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders)
18 Dec 2024
Episode 3: The Art of Listening Well
Listening is the foundation of effective communication and leadership. In this episode, J.Marie unpacks the "listening continuum," a model that explores different levels of listening—from ignoring to empathetic listening—and shares practical insights for leaders on how to match their listening approach to the moment. Learn how listening well not only strengthens relationships but also serves as a powerful act of care and connection.
Sign up for classes with J.Marie here (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders).
https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders)
18 Dec 2024
Episode 2: What to Say When You Can't Say Much
Public leaders often face moments when confidentiality or discretion is necessary, which can challenge their commitment to transparency. In this episode, J.Marie shares practical approaches to navigating these moments, such as highlighting organizational values, referencing policies, and framing big-picture steps to build trust. Learn how to communicate effectively under constraints while avoiding the pitfalls of staying silent or saying "no comment."
Sign up for classes with J.Marie here (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders).
https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders)
18 Dec 2024
Episode 1: Welcome, Friends!
In this inaugural episode of Your Friend in Leadership, J.Marie introduces her mission to empower public leaders with communication and leadership strategies that align work with values, deepen community connections, and build trust. Drawing on decades of experience, she shares practical insights for making your message resonate by focusing on what truly matters to your community. Tune in for an inspiring start to a journey designed to strengthen your impact as a leader.
Sign up for classes with J.Marie here (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders).
https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders (https://www.jmarie.associates/group-trainings-public-leaders)
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