Podcast: The Hidden Cost of Keeping the Peace – Education Vanguard Podcast with Justin Hardman
November 2, 2026
What happens when keeping the peace comes at the expense of honest communication? In this episode of the Education Vanguard Podcast, host Justin Hardman speaks with Jennifer Abrams, international educational and communications consultant and author of Having Hard Conversations and Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work. Jennifer challenges the idea that being nice is always the same as being kind. Together, they explore why difficult conversations remain a challenge in schools, how clarity and accountability can strengthen professional relationships, and why meaningful communication requires more than choosing the right words. The conversation also examines AI's growing role in workplace communication, navigating generational and cultural differences in international schools, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation in building healthier school cultures. An insightful conversation for educators and school leaders seeking to create more open, collaborative, and supportive professional environments.
About:
The Education Vanguard Podcast is on a mission to seek out and discover interesting educators building, changing and improving the way we deliver education. Insightful questions, a casual atmosphere, and frank discussion help this show deliver value.
Listen to the Podcast:
About Jennifer Abrams
Jennifer has been recognized as one of "21 Women All K-12 Educators Need to Know" by Education Week's 'Finding Common Ground' blog. She considers herself a "voice coach," helping others learn how to best use their voices – be it collaborating on a team, facilitating a group, coaching a colleague, supervising an employee and being an all around better human being in all types of interactions.
Work with Jennifer
Praise for Jennifer
“Jennifer Abrams truly is all that! I’m grateful to be in California near her hometown. I attended two workshops where she was the keynote speaker: first at the County Education office – Women in Leadership session, and then at my school district’s leadership training as we dived into Stretching Our Learning Edges. I’m reflecting on my impact as an educational leader, and I’m feeling inspired to do more!”
