In this episode, Michael Apollo speaks with The Honourable Filomena Tassi, P.C., Senior Advisor at Barrack Hill Public Affairs and a former federal Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, about how leaders can make difficult decisions with integrity, clarity, and compassion when the stakes are high. We discuss how she stayed grounded through the pace and pressure of public office, why thorough briefings and trusted counsel are essential to sound judgment, and how deep listening builds trust—even when a final decision cannot satisfy everyone. Drawing on her experience navigating the Port of Montreal strike during COVID-19 and bringing mindfulness into the House of Commons, Filomena offers practical ways leaders can hear competing perspectives, take difficult meetings, communicate honestly, and choose the most responsible path when no option is perfect. This conversation explores how presence, humility, and respect without agreement can help executives, teams, and organizations make better decisions, sustain trust, and lead without losing sight of who they are.

Leading Minds Revealed with Michael Apollo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelapollo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelapolloofficial/ Website: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast Newsletter: https://www.mindfulinstitute.org/leading-minds-revealed-podcast#section-1751049894114

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, P.C. Senior Advisor, Barrack Hill Public Affairs Website: http://www.barrack-hill.ca LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/filomenatassi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbop3lTv88N/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilomenaTassi/

Timestamps:

00:00 Leading with integrity when decisions have consequences 02:00 From law and chaplaincy to federal politics 07:00 Staying grounded in a high-pressure leadership role 12:00 Mindfulness, reflection, and physical exercise 15:00 A framework for making well-informed decisions 21:00 Carrying the weight of leadership responsibility 23:00 Giving your best and taking the leap 27:00 The Port of Montreal strike: when no choice is easy 30:00 Why leaders must take difficult meetings 34:00 Mindfulness as preparation for deep listening 37:00 How listening builds trust 40:00 Listening without judgment or an agenda 45:00 Bringing mindful moments to Parliament 47:00 Jon Kabat-Zinn, protesters, and the power of presence 50:00 Why respect does not require agreement 52:00 Closing reflections and connecting with Filomena

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