Pantsuit Politics

More and more, it seems like we’re either callously cutting people off for the opinions they hold or walking on eggshells to avoid saying the wrong thing. What happened to civil disagreements and free-flowing discourse? The Pantsuit Politics duo is determined to bring level-headed and nuanced conversations back into vogue. In this talk based on their book of the same name, Sarah and Beth share their 10 principles for better political dialogue in these contentious times. Through emphasis on the value of prioritizing relationships over policies and the importance of genuine curiosity and interest in others, audiences will learn to navigate difficult conversations with grace and coexist with people outside of their echo chamber.

Disagreements are often portrayed in a negative light. A source of uncomfortable tension, a hindrance to progress. But as disagreements are inevitable, it’s time to reframe how we think about them and learn to benefit from them. From past jobs that required them to constantly engage people with strongly held opinions, to their current lives as podcast co-hosts on opposite ends of the political spectrum, Sarah and Beth know more than a thing or two about navigating disagreement. Whether the conflict is between friends, family, or co-workers, Pantsuit Politics will help audiences see the value in healthy disagreement and define practical strategies to steering disputes in a productive direction. They also share tips for getting unstuck in thorny discussions and exit strategies for leaving those heated talks that are, in the moment, simply beyond salvation.

You want to stay informed and be a responsible, engaged citizen. A quick skim of headlines in the morning turns into an hour-long deep dive into a topic that leaves you feeling deflated and helpless. News outlets are offering completely different reports of the same story—who’s to say what’s actually real? And to add all this on top of your own personal troubles and anxieties? Seems like the better choice is to cocoon yourself away from the world entirely. But doing so doesn’t serve you or the communities you’re a part of. In this extremely timely talk, Sarah and Beth of Pantsuit Politics share principles for strong media literacy and practical tips for building a healthy, verifiable news diet. They explore the difference between biased and false news and how algorithms influence what we see online. Audience members will walk away with the weight of the world lifted off their shoulders and with strategies for forming healthy boundaries with the media to stay informed without feeling depressed and stressed.

When your livelihood depends on staying on leadership’s good side, it seems safer to keep your head down and try not to ruffle any feathers. But while waters appear calm on the surface, there is a tsunami brewing inside you the longer you bite your tongue—and that’s no good for you, your coworkers, or your productivity in the office. Masters of navigating conflict with grace, Sarah and Beth of Pantsuit Politics guide audiences through approaching difficult conversations in the workplace in a way that all parties are heard and respected. Whether you need to confront someone more senior or disagree with a public statement your company has made, Pantsuit Politics will make these prickly situations much less daunting and provide a framework for determining when it’s beneficial to speak up for what you believe in and when it’s better to work through workplace dissatisfactions on a personal level.

For many of us, college is the time to figure out who we are and what we stand for. When thousands of young adults from all different walks of life are undergoing the same era of discovery at the same time, heads are bound to clash. This is expected, necessary, and ultimately good for growth as an active participant in a global society. With the guidance of Sarah and Beth from Pantsuit Politics, you will learn strategies to vocalize your convictions while holding space for others to do the same. Students will leave this talk equipped with the tools to address conflict constructively and respectfully and with the skills to build a campus culture where diverse perspectives are heard and valued.