Amy Gallo

Imagine a workplace where everyone truly gets along. While that might sound ideal, the reality is quite different. Recent research shows that nearly 94% of professionals have dealt with a toxic coworker in the past five years, and most agree that it negatively impacted their team’s culture. Amy Gallo, a leading voice in workplace relationships and author of the Amazon bestseller Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People), offers a way forward. Backed by over 14 years of research and insights from academics and behavioral experts, Gallo outlines practical strategies to handle challenging personalities. She identifies eight common types of difficult people and breaks down how to work with each of them—without losing your cool. Using real-world examples, sometimes uncomfortable but always relatable, she teaches audiences how to navigate tough interactions with more confidence and less stress. Her approach helps individuals build emotional resilience and recover more quickly from frustrating encounters, creating space for stronger, more collaborative teams.

Disagreeing with a colleague is rarely easy—and it becomes even more complicated when you're not in the same room. In today’s world of remote and hybrid work, misunderstandings can arise quickly, especially when communication happens primarily through messages or emails. Amy Gallo, author of The HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, specializes in helping professionals manage tension and resolve conflict, no matter the work setting.

Gallo explains that in virtual environments, our brains often jump to conclusions. Without tone, facial expressions, or body language, we’re more likely to misinterpret someone’s words. These automatic assumptions—what she calls “cognitive shortcuts”—can escalate simple miscommunications into larger issues.

To prevent this, Gallo encourages individuals and teams to be aware of these mental patterns and shift toward more generous, intentional interpretations. Her practical tips include stepping away from written chats in favor of voice conversations, and anchoring discussions around shared goals. These approaches not only reduce friction but also foster genuine human connection—even from a distance.

By teaching remote and hybrid teams how to communicate clearly and approach others with empathy, Gallo helps prevent conflict before it begins. Her tools are essential for anyone looking to build strong, respectful, and productive virtual relationships.

Most people shy away from uncomfortable conversations—but according to workplace relationship expert Amy Gallo, we shouldn’t. She believes that, when handled well, disagreements can lead to stronger work outcomes, deeper connections, and a more inclusive culture. Gallo, author of The HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict and Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People), has spent over a decade exploring how to navigate the kinds of conversations that many prefer to avoid.

Her approach is grounded in evidence and built around the concept of psychological safety—creating an environment where people feel secure enough to speak honestly. Whether addressing critical feedback, misunderstandings, or inappropriate remarks, Gallo offers clear frameworks to guide these difficult exchanges toward constructive outcomes.

With a mix of empathy and practicality, she empowers individuals and teams to embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth. Her work helps professionals not only manage conflict but also build stronger, more respectful, and inclusive relationships. After learning from Gallo, teams are better equipped to understand the interpersonal dynamics that shape their work—and more confident in tackling tough conversations when they arise.

Is your team dealing with quiet tension, behind-the-scenes gossip, or a fear of speaking up? When team members shut down opposing ideas or shift blame, collaboration suffers. Many leaders simply wish their teams would get along—but the answer isn’t avoiding conflict. In fact, research shows that teams who feel safe to disagree openly perform better, make smarter decisions, and drive more innovation.

According to workplace expert and bestselling author Amy Gallo, not all conflict is bad. The key is learning to distinguish between productive disagreement and harmful behavior like complaining or backstabbing. Gallo teaches that healthy conflict, when managed intentionally, fuels creativity and growth.

In her engaging, practical sessions, Gallo shares proven strategies to help leaders and managers create an environment where open dialogue thrives. She offers tools to encourage respectful tension, maintain collaboration during tough conversations, and rebuild trust when relationships break down. Her approach gives teams the structure and support they need to face conflict with confidence—and turn it into a powerful force for progress.

As co-host of the Women at Work podcast, Amy Gallo explores how women are challenging workplace norms and leading meaningful change. Through insightful conversations with experts and trailblazers, she highlights practical strategies for advancing equity and inclusion.

Gallo’s approach to addressing bias is both compassionate and actionable. She encourages individuals and teams to pause, reflect on their instinctive reactions, and tap into a growth mindset. This mindset shift increases their ability—and willingness—to recognize and respond to discrimination, whether they experience it directly or witness it.

Her tools help people move beyond defensiveness, understand different perspectives, and reconnect with their work and colleagues. By promoting awareness and empathy, Gallo’s methods not only reduce the impact of bias but also foster a more innovative, collaborative workplace culture.