06-09-2026 How to Handle Yourself in a Conflict

06-09-2026 How to Handle Yourself in a Conflict

Curious about how others handle conflict without losing their cool? Levelheaded Talk brings together Dr. Andrea Vitz and co-host Jon Leon Guerrero for a straight-talking look at emotional sobriety in high-stakes situations at work and at home. The conversation kicks off with a light moment about self-care and a “mandatory day off” challenge, then quickly shifts into how even top leaders can crumble in conflict. Dr.

Vitz explains that the second most common mistake in conflict is “not knowing how to handle themselves.” That doesn’t mean lacking clever arguments or self-defence skills; it means slipping into fight, flight, fawn, or freeze and, as she puts it, being “reverted back to childhood.” You’ll hear how untrained conflict habits are actually highly practised patterns from early life. As Dr. Vitz says, “Whatever we repeat, we’re training,” whether that’s shaming, dishonesty, yelling, arguing, or even physical aggression.

Instead of hoping instinct will save the day, she calls on leaders to consciously train new responses that prevent or calm conflict. The chat is especially relevant if you’re in any kind of leadership role—at work or at home. They talk about how poor self-esteem can turn a simple “Can we talk?” into a wave of fear, worst-case thinking, and old resentments. The alternative?

Arriving with “complete blank slate and confidence,” staying clear rather than flooded with emotion, and becoming “the calm in the storm.” For anyone dealing with addiction, emotional sobriety, or strained relationships, this episode links conflict skills directly to your recovery and stability. It’s aimed at people who want better performance, stronger relationships, and more control over their habits and reactions.

If your default in conflict is to react like your younger self, is it time to start training for who you actually want to be?