Toby Sinclair
Toby Sinclair, founder of Real Talk Studio

ICF Professional Certified Coach

Helping leaders become more coach-like

I work with senior managers on coaching, personal development, and the conversations that shape a team. The essays are here. I founded Real Talk Studio so those ideas can be practised, not only discussed.

Browse articlesAbout Toby

Focus

The work I publish about

01

Coaching

Listening, asking, and helping people find their own next move — rather than adding another layer of advice.

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02

Leadership

How senior managers build cultures people want to be part of, and the habits that make that possible.

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03

Hard conversations

Feedback, conflict, and the discussions teams postpone until they become expensive.

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Essays

Latest articles

All articles
Real Talk Studio9 min read

Employee Conflict Resolution Training: The Ultimate Guide for Modern Workplaces

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. Wherever you have a group of diverse individuals, each with unique backgrounds, distinct communication styles, and competing priorities, friction is bound to occur. While some level of debate can drive innovation, unresolved conflict is a silent productivity killer. It festers, lowers morale, increases turnover, and can even lead to legal complications.This is where employee conflict resolution training becomes not just a "nice-to-have" professional devel

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Real Talk Studio13 min read

45+ Roleplay Ideas for Training (Sales, Support & Leadership)

Sometimes, the hardest part of corporate training isn't the theory, it's the practice. You can teach the "LEAP" method for objection handling or the "STAR" method for feedback, but until a team member actually says the words out loud, it’s just abstract knowledge.This is where roleplay ideas for training become your most valuable asset.Roleplaying bridges the dangerous gap between "knowing what to do" and "doing it under pressure." However, coming up with realistic, non-cheesy scenarios is diffi

Reading

Book summaries for leaders

The ideas I return to: coaching, culture, and how people actually change. Short notes, written from the seat of a practising leader.

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01Summary: Corporate Escapology by Adam ForbesIf you’ve ever felt trapped in corporate life, Corporate Escapology by Adam Forbes is a must-read. It’s for leaders who want more autonomy, creativity, and fulfilment in their work—without necessarily quitting their jobs.02Summary: How to Know Everything by Elke WissHow to Know Everything by Elke Wiss is a compelling guide to mastering the art of asking questions, rooted in Socratic philosophy. This book is an excellent entry for leaders who want to foster deeper conversations, encourage critical thinking, and build collaborative environments.03Summary: Listen by Kathryn Mannix✅ Toby's Takeaway 🤖 Exercises 📹 Video 💡Big Ideas 💬 Best Quotes 🛒 Buy on Amazon📚 Should You Read This?Toby's Rating: 10/10If you’ve ever avoided a challenging conversation—be it delivering difficult news, consoling someone in distress, or navigating conflict—then Listen by Kathryn Mannix is a must-read. This book offers practical guidance for approaching emotionally charged discussions with empathy, clarity, and courage. It’s especially valuable for leaders seeking to improve communicatio04Summary: How To Listen by Oscar TrimboliHow to Listen by Oscar Trimboli is perfect for leaders who want to unlock deeper, more impactful conversations. The book provides an actionable framework that shows how better listening can strengthen professional relationships and drive resu05Summary: How To Know a Person by David BrooksHow to Know a Person by David Brooks is a profoundly reflective exploration of what it means to connect with others on a meaningful level. For leaders, it offers tools and perspectives to deepen workplace relationships, build empathy, and navigate conversations with authenticity.

Company

Real Talk Studio

The company I founded. Teams use it to rehearse feedback, conflict, and other conversations that matter — before they happen for real.

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