By Aliceje Keyburn and Rachel Speir
Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of leadership, but how they are handled can make all the difference. Avoiding conflict can erode trust, impact performance and lower team morale, while approaching challenging discussions without the right tools can create even greater damage.
At the 2026 SEMA Show, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and SEMA Education will host the seminar “Courageous Conversations: Addressing Conflict Without Burning Bridges, Powered by SBN” on Wednesday, November 4, from 3:00–4:30 p.m., to help attendees build the skills and confidence needed to navigate difficult workplace interactions effectively.
Through practical, real-world scenarios and collaborative discussion, attendees will explore strategies for managing challenging personalities, addressing performance and communication concerns, rebuilding trust after conflict and holding others accountable while maintaining productive working relationships. The session will also highlight the role emotional intelligence plays in navigating high-stakes conversations, responding constructively to differing perspectives and finding solutions that benefit both individuals and their teams.
Whether addressing interpersonal friction, navigating sensitive workplace issues or helping colleagues work through disagreements, participants will gain practical tools they can apply in their own professional environments.
By creating space to discuss common workplace challenges and explore effective approaches, SBN aims to empower attendees to approach difficult conversations with greater confidence, strengthen professional relationships and foster healthier, more collaborative workplaces.
Click here to add this session to your SEMA Show schedule.