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Coffee Break: Breaking the Cycle of Bullying in Healthcare, One Cup at a Time

EP 109: The Power of Communication – Building Trust Through Authentic Messaging

Oct 29, 2025
50:38
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Episode Description

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with communication expert Kelli Newman, APR, President of Newman & Newman, to explore how communication shapes trust, engagement, and culture within healthcare organizations.

Together, Renee and Kelli break down the difference between brand messaging (what your organization says it stands for) and values messaging (how those values show up in daily behavior). They discuss practical strategies for translating words into authentic experiences, so that what your organization says aligns with what your people actually feel and see every day. Kelli shares how the words leaders choose (and how they live them out) directly influence how employees connect, collaborate, and trust one another.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring your mission, vision, and values to life, or how to communicate in a way that builds genuine trust, this episode is for you.

About Kelli Newman

Kelli Newman, APR, is President of Newman & Newman, a Houston-based, woman-owned communication strategies firm. For more than 30 years, she’s helped healthcare and nonprofit organizations create authentic brand and values messaging that strengthens culture and builds trust.

She’s also the creator of Experienced Messaging®, a proprietary, trademarked process that helps leaders align what they say with what people experience. Kelli teaches marketing and communication at Rice University’s Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives and is an active member of the Ignite Health Network, a coalition of women leaders influencing the future of healthcare.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why communication is the cornerstone of trust and engagement

The difference between brand messaging and values messaging

How to make organizational values tangible and actionable

Simple ways to connect your department’s identity with the organization’s mission

Why “scripting” doesn’t work and what authentic communication looks like instead

How to align messaging, behaviors, and experiences to create a culture of integrity

Links & Resources

Visit ExperiencedMessaging.com

Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn

Email: kn@newmanandnewmaninc.com

Harvard Business Review: Begin with Trust

Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say

Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here!

Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!

Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!

Have a question for Renee?

Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!

Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.

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