Throughout history the coffee shop has been a catalyst for conversation. The subject of that conversation is as wide and varied as your clientele and your community. There are subjects of conversation that are very niche and only apply to a few people, and then there are subjects that are happening on a large scale and are relevant and impactful to everyone. Race and Justice is one of those subjects and the cafe as a modern 3rd place institution needs to be able to interact with it well in order to serve well. We have several different relationships that we manage in the cafe space. Employees, customers, followers, and purveyors. As leaders we need to make space for, and engage in, these difficult conversations. Today we are going to discuss how to approach these difficult conversations with my good friend, Kwame Christian, Director of the American Negotiation Institute. Kwame is best selling author of the book Confidence in Conflict, a sought after speaker, and the host of the worlds #1 negotiation podcast Negatiate Anything. Kwame is dedicated to empowering others and has helped countless individuals overcome the fear, anxiety, and emotion often associated with difficult conversations through a branded framework called Compassionate Curiosity. As an attorney and mediator with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Public Policy, and a Juris Doctorate (Law Degree), Kwame brings a unique multidisciplinary approach to making difficult conversations easier. In this episode we are going to explore how to approach these difficult conversations and the issues that can arise around them.  In this conversation we will cover: The importance of Empathy Compassionate curiosity  Creating space and generating understanding  Consequences of inaction  How to gain self awareness Embracing awkwardness and imperfection Owning issues and building relationships  Addressing social issues Emotional labor Links and resources: www.americannegotiationinstitute.com Free Negotiation Guides   Related episodes: 183: Exploring Diversity w/ Phyllis Johnson 125: Finding Confidence in Conflict w/ Kwame Christian 159: Addressing Unconscious Bias w/ Lauren Lathrop 116: Understanding Gentrification w/ Dr. Stacey Sutton 139: Founder Friday w/ Phil Sipka, Kusanya Cafe 220 : Founder Friday w/ Sarah Barnett Gill 067: 6 Truths about Power 165 : The Art of Deep Listening w/ Oscar Trimboli     The BEST in commercial coffee equipment www.prima-coffee.com/keys   Want the best plant based beverage for your coffee drinks?  www.pacificfoods.com/food-service