[Flagstaff] Mastering Tough Conversations

Tough conversations define leadership. Whether it’s holding a team member accountable, managing up, or addressing silent resistance, how you handle these moments shapes your credibility, influence, and success. In this interactive, hands-on session, you’ll learn how to lead difficult discussions confidently, turn resistance into progress, and strengthen relationships—even after tough conversations. Join us in Flagstaff and sharpen your crucial conversation skills to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact!

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Use a structured framework to navigate high-stakes conversations confidently.
• Address challenging conversations such as silent bullying and passive resistance without escalating conflict.
• Manage up effectively—framing conversations to influence senior leadership.
• Hold performance and accountability conversations while keeping trust intact.
• Follow up after tough conversations to ensure lasting impact and stronger relationships.

• Thursday, May 1^st
• Northern Arizona University | W.A. Franke College of Business
• 5:30-6:00 pm Networking
• 6:00-7:00 pm Mastering Tough Conversations presented by Dr. Nicole B. Dhanraj

About the Speaker 

Dr. Nicole B. Dhanraj is a distinguished professional with extensive expertise in radiology, business operations, and project management. Her career began as a diagnostic imaging and CT technologist in the U.S. Army, and she has since become a recognized authority in diverse fields, including Human Resources, Business Management, Education, Quality and Efficiency, and Project Management. She has held multiple leadership roles and is the founder/cofounder of several successful businesses.

Dr. Dhanraj’s expertise in project management is demonstrated through her leadership in complex healthcare and business operations, where she has successfully driven efficiency, process improvement, and strategic growth. As a certified PMP, she has led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale initiatives, and implemented best practices in agile and traditional project management methodologies. Her ability to navigate project lifecycles, optimize workflows, and deliver high-impact results has positioned her as a sought-after consultant in both corporate and nonprofit sectors.

As a passionate educator, Dr. Dhanraj serves on two nonprofits—one dedicated to supporting military members and their families, and the other to providing radiology career opportunities to underserved populations. She is also a highly sought-after business coach, dissertation mentor, and adjunct professor. Her teaching portfolio spans a wide range of topics, including Organizational Development, Organizational Behavior and Transformation, Strategic Operations, Human Resource Management, Project Management, and Healthcare Leadership.

Dr. Dhanraj’s excellence in education has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Stanley Drazek Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Maryland and two awards for excellence from the Association for Medical Imaging Management. She has also been featured on the cover of ASRT Scanner magazine and honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteering.

Her academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Martin’s University, a Master’s in International Relations from Troy State University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Management from Capella University. She has also completed Appreciative Inquiry training at Case Western Reserve University and holds a multitude of certifications spanning various industries, including project management.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Dhanraj is deeply committed to addressing critical global issues, including poverty, education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. She is a prolific writer, blog contributor, and speaker on these topics and more, sharing insights to inspire change and drive impactful solutions. Dr. Dhanraj actively volunteers with organizations supporting the U.S. military, radiology, human resources, project management, and education, and was notably appointed to the Guam Green Initiative by the Governor of Guam.

Dr. Dhanraj’s boundless energy and passion extend to her personal pursuits, where she thrives as a creative problem-solver and multitasker, tackling challenges with the same precision and dedication she applies to her professional endeavors. Whether she’s advancing radiology, leading strategic projects, shaping future leaders, or championing community causes, Dr. Nicole B. Dhanraj exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and impact.