In this inspiring episode, you can listen in on part of the conversation with Dr. Loretta Whitson, and Cher revisits and reflects upon what she learned from this chat. She talkes about the unexpected qualities that help us grow like long suffering, and advocacy in the field of school counseling. Discover how deep purpose, moral compass, and boldness shape impactful leadership and help us live in service.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Long Suffering in Leadership
12:05 The Importance of a North Star
14:25 Understanding Long Suffering
17:29 The Role of Patience in Leadership
19:39 Persistent Patience and Moral Compass
22:23 Finding Deeper Purpose in Leadership
25:02 Navigating Challenges and Opposition
27:43 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge

TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/

TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

Resources

California Association of School Counselors (CASC) - https://www.schoolcounselor-ca.org/

First: Follow this link to get your free 35 Solution Focused Questions worksheet! https://thefocusedmindset.kit.com/620a7a8b4e

In this episode of The Focused Mindset Podcast, Cher dives into one of the most important skills in communication: how to build rapport from the very beginning of a conversation.

Using the solution-focused approach, Cher shares how small shifts in the way we ask questions can dramatically improve connection, trust, and impact. She also reflects on a powerful insight: sometimes even well-intended positive questions can feel invalidating if we are not fully meeting people where they are.

This episode will help you balance hope and authenticity, so your conversations feel real, not forced.

• Why the way a conversation starts often determines how it ends
• How certain "positive" questions can accidentally feel invalidating
• The difference between solution-focused vs. overly positive communication
• How to stay curious and present instead of anxious or self-focused
• Simple, powerful questions that instantly build connection 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode
  • Free 35 Solution Focused Questions resourse worksheet https://thefocusedmindset.kit.com/620a7a8b4e
  • Solution Focused Possibilities Podcast
    https://sfpossibilities.org/
  • Vin Giang – Communication & Conversation Skills
    https://www.youtube.com/@askvinh

Use these in conversations to create connection and trust:

1. "Tell me more."
2. "That's an interesting way to look at it."
3. "What do you love most about that?"
4. "I see where you're coming from."
5. "That must have been a big moment for you."
6. "What else?"

Instead of jumping straight to:

• "What's been better?"

Try:

• "What have you been thinking about lately?"
• "Have you had any new thoughts?"
• "What's going in the right direction?"

These open the door without dismissing real struggles.

Even solution-focused questions can feel too positive or invalidating if we skip over someone's real experience.

The goal is not to avoid problems.
The goal is to walk through them with someone so they can see possibilities.

• Solution Focused Possibilities Podcast
  https://sfpossibilities.org/
• Vin Giang – Communication & Conversation Skills
  https://www.youtube.com/@askvinh

In a world moving quickly toward digital connection, this episode is a reminder to slow down and prioritize real human connection.

When we lead with curiosity instead of control, conversations become meaningful, hopeful, and transformational.

In a world where influence shapes our communities, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Dr.Manal Fakhoury. From migrating from Palestine as a young girl, to her roots in Southern California, to the life she shaped with her family in Ocala, Florida, Manal embodies the essence of a true woman of influence. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, her commitment to community, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Dr. Manal Fakhouy is the Organizer and Curator of TEDx Ocala, President of ollinwomen.org, and founder of Fakhoury Leadership International. These are only a few of the accomplishments she has had and in this episode you will get to hear her stories and benefit from her wisdom.

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge

You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link.

TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/

TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher