44. Just Say It: How to Have a Difficult Conversation with Vanessa Rodriguez, CEO, NYC Outward Bound Schools

You need to share bad news, a lay-off, a break-up, or even a death. How do you do it – with love and care?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Vanessa Rodgriuez, CEO of NYC Outward Bound Schools. Prior to this, Vanessa was the Chief Program Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Citizens of the World Charter Schools (CWCS). She joined CWCS after serving as the Talent Officer of Newark Public Schools (NPS). Vanessa is also the proud mom of a fifteen-year-old son and she enjoys spending time playing basketball with him.

Vanessa has led many hard transitions and turnarounds, including layoffs at Newark Public Schools. She shares the keys to having a difficult conversation:

• Center care for the other person and that this care means honesty. “I care about you and want to be honest.”
• Just say it. Start with the “bad news” and then follow up to figure out solutions.
• Keep the mission front and center. Vanessa would remind herself that the mission is to serve students not provide employment.
• Consider the politics and front loading communication with other stakeholders to get buy-in before delivering the news.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-44-just-say-it-how-to-have-a-difficult-conversation-with-vanessa-rodriguez