Productive Conflict & Positive Intent

“If we all get along every time, one of us isn’t necessary—that’s why productive conflict matters.”

In this episode of The Unscripted Leader, host Steve Margerin sits down with Clint Hooppaw—Mayor of Apple Valley, Minnesota and leadership coach behind High Point Advisors—for a refreshingly honest conversation about leading with intention in challenging environments. Clint brings 30+ years of executive experience and over a decade in public service to explore how leaders can embrace productive conflict, recognize the loudest voices aren’t always the majority, and create space for meaningful dialogue—even when emotions run high.

Guest Introduction:
Clint Hooppaw is the Mayor of Apple Valley, MN and a seasoned executive with more than 30 years in banking and credit unions. Alongside his public service career, Clint leads High Point Advisors, helping financial institutions strengthen leadership, communication, and decision-making. Known for his thoughtful approach to conflict and consensus-building, Clint bridges public and private leadership in a uniquely relatable way.

Key Takeaways:
Productive conflict is essential—if everyone agrees all the time, someone isn’t needed.
The loudest voices aren’t the majority; leaders must seek out quieter perspectives.
Assuming positive intent changes the tone of disagreements and fosters trust.
Public and corporate leadership share surprising similarities in conflict, culture, and communication.
Titles often create hesitation—leaders must intentionally draw out unheard voices.

Chapter Markers:
0:00- Intro
0:51- Welcome Clint Hooppaw – Mayor, banker & leadership advisor
2:53- What “productive conflict” really means in today’s environment
6:00- Loudest voices vs silent majority: Collective Illusions in leadership
9:38- Corporate vs public service: Surprises from running a city
12:36- When there’s no easy fix: Mediating tough constituent conflicts
15:56- Assuming positive intent in high-stakes disagreements
21:33- Issues vs people: Protecting your team from leadership conflict
25:27- Verbal Judo: De-escalation skills for leaders and bankers
29:42- Training bankers to tell the story behind the numbers
33:08- How Clint manages a day job, city leadership & community service
35:55- Flexible consulting: Starting where the client is (not where you wish they were)
42:11- Closing on the power of mentors, small moments & paying it forward

Keywords:
The Unscripted Leader, Steve Margerin, Clint Hooppaw, Apple Valley Mayor, High Point Advisors, productive conflict, leadership communication, positive intent, public service leadership, conflict resolution, verbal judo, executive coaching, civic leadership, organizational culture, consensus building, podcast