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What should we do as leaders when things don’t go according to plan? Setbacks are inevitable. How we respond to them shapes our credibility, our teams, and the leaders we become. In this episode, we explore five hard questions that emerge when a decision fails, a goal is missed, or circumstances force us to rethink the plan. We examine how to respond before defensiveness takes over, how to decide whether persistence or a change in direction is called for, and how to separate genuine accountability from taking responsibility for everything. We also look at what our teams need from us when they are disappointed and how we can create space for learning without rushing everyone toward positivity. A setback does not automatically make us stronger leaders. Growth comes from what we choose to examine and what we change because of it. When we reflect rather than ruminate, turn lessons into new behaviors, and keep taking meaningful risks, we can move forward with greater wisdom, clarity, and courage. Key Takeaways: Respond Before You React:Explore what leadership requires in the first moments after a plan falls apart.Know When to Change Course:Consider the questions that can reveal whether persistence or a pivot is needed.Own What Is Yours:Examine how leaders can take accountability without assuming responsibility for every contributing factor.Help the Team Recover:Discover what people may need from their leader before they are ready to move forward.Turn Setbacks Into Growth:Learn what separates meaningful reflection from simply reliving a difficult leadership experience. Resources from The Courage of a Leader The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

How can we build trust faster as leaders? Trust grows over time, yet we have more ability to accelerate it than we may realize. Sometimes, a single courageous action can change how someone experiences our leadership. We look at five questions every leader should be asking about trust. We examine what happens when we extend trust first, how everyday behaviors strengthen credibility and connection, and where our good intentions may not match the way others experience us. We also explore what appropriate transparency looks like during uncertainty and why saying “I don’t know yet” can be more trustworthy than silence. We also confront what happens when we get it wrong. A mistake does not automatically have to destroy trust. How we own it, apologize, make it right, and communicate what others can expect from us next can reveal our integrity in powerful ways. When we are willing to go first, trust becomes something we actively create through the choices we make every day. Key Takeaways: Extend Trust First:Explore what can change when we stop waiting for others to earn every ounce of trust before we offer it.Notice What Builds Trust Daily:Consider which everyday leadership behaviors may be strengthening trust, and which ones may be quietly weakening it.Examine How Others Experience You:Discover why our intentions are only part of the trust equation and what else leaders need to pay attention to.Lead Transparently Through Uncertainty:Explore what trustworthy communication can look like when we do not yet have all the answers.Repair Trust When It Breaks:Consider what matters most after a mistake and how our response can shape what happens next. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

How do you give difficult feedback without damaging trust? Katie O’Brien Ceccarini, author of Fearless Feedback: Everything Managers Have Never Been Taught About Feedback and founder of Endurance Management Coaching, brings two decades of experience leading, managing, and training teams. She shares how leaders can prepare for hard conversations, navigate emotional reactions, and say what needs to be said while preserving the relationship. Katie explains that fearless feedback starts before we ever choose the right words. It begins with our mindset, the strength of the relationship, and the intention we bring into the conversation. When we believe in the other person’s ability to grow, we are more likely to communicate with conviction, clarity, and care. She also shows us how to stay present when feedback brings up defensiveness, emotion, silence, or resistance. Instead of reacting to what we see on the surface, we can get curious about what may be happening underneath. We can acknowledge someone’s experience without abandoning the message, and we can refocus the conversation without turning it into a debate. When we strengthen our mindset, relationships, and delivery, we can give feedback with greater courage, build trust through difficult moments, and create conversations that help people grow. Key Takeaways: Prepare Your Mindset for Feedback: Explore how the beliefs you bring into a conversation can shape how your message is received.Strengthen the Relationship First: Consider how trust and safety can create a stronger foundation for honest feedback.Open the Conversation Well: Discover how a thoughtful headline can make difficult feedback easier to hear and engage with.Navigate Difficult Reactions: Examine how the HEAR framework can help you respond when feedback triggers defensiveness, emotion, or resistance.Make a Better Second Choice: Learn how noticing your first reaction can help you approach challenging feedback conversations with greater courage. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Guest: Katie is a developer of people with two decades of experience leading, managing, and training teams. Her career spans early education, a decade at Yelp where she created and scaled all Customer Success training, and then as Head of Learning & Development at Opendoor she elevated employee onboarding and leadership development. She has the rare ability to bridge the gap between what HR and L&D leaders need and what actually lands with leaders in the business. In 2026, she published Fearless Feedback: Everything Managers Have Never Been Taught About Feedback, a practical guide that equips managers for the development and performance conversations that HR professionals depend on them to have. Today, Katie runs Endurance Management Coaching, partnering with organizations like eBay, Munchkin, Vital Farms, and PAN Communications to develop their managers and leaders. Over the past 20 years, she’s managed, trained, and developed thousands of people, and everything she teaches comes from real teams, real conversations, and real results. Katie’s leadership style is best described as human, with standards. She cares deeply and holds a high bar. When she’s not working, she’s getting dirty at the barn with her horse, training for triathlons, or hanging out with her son and husband in Denver. https://www.enduranceboss.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-ceccarini About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

We often treat burnout as a personal failure when it is really a warning that our demands have exceeded our available time, energy, and support. Burnout prevention specialist Sophie Anderson shares five courageous habits that help us protect our energy before exhaustion takes over. She challenges us and helps us see how to practically get honest about our priorities, pause before automatically saying yes, create stronger technology boundaries, speak openly when our capacity is stretched, and make space for rest even when guilt shows up. Her perspective reminds us that capability and capacity are not the same, and that being able to do something does not always mean we have the energy or resources to take it on. By noticing the pressure we place on ourselves and making intentional changes, we can reduce overwhelm, support healthier teams, and lead with greater clarity and sustainability. Key Takeaways: Be Clear on Your Priorities:Explore how sorting what truly matters can reduce pressure and create greater focus.Say Maybe Before Saying Yes:Consider how pausing before committing can protect your time and prevent unnecessary overload.Implement Tech Boundaries:Discover how small changes to notifications and availability can reduce distraction and overwhelm.Speak Up About Overwhelm:Examine why honest conversations about capacity can strengthen support and reduce shame.Build in Rest and Recovery:Learn how making space for recovery can help you sustain your energy and leadership. Resources Mentioned Download your copy of the 5 Courageous Habits to Prevent Burnout for Leaders poster at https://www.sophieanderson.au/courage The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Guest: Sophie Anderson is a burnout prevention specialist and the creator of the Anderson Model of Burnout Prevention (AMBP™) - a practical framework that maps how burnout accumulates across three zones: Activation, Over-functioning and Depletion, and identifies the intervention points that stop professionals from crossing the threshold into burnout. She works with professionals, leaders and organisations across Australia and worldwide through personal coaching, keynotes and workplace wellbeing programs. Connect with Sophie at : https://www.sophieanderson.au/contact or [email protected] https://www.sophieanderson.au/ambp-framework About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

The higher we climb as leaders, the easier we expect decisions to become. Yet, the opposite is often true. Bigger responsibilities bring greater complexity, higher stakes, and more uncertainty. The strongest leaders aren't the ones who always know the right answer. They're the ones who have the courage to move forward without waiting for perfect certainty. In this episode, we unpack the questions that surface most often when leaders are faced with difficult decisions. We explore why fear can disguise itself as caution, how pressure quietly changes the way we think, when to trust data, intuition, and values, and why the quality of our decision-making process matters more than chasing perfect outcomes. Along the way, we're reminded that every decision becomes an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen trust, and grow into the kind of leader others are willing to follow, even when the path ahead isn't perfectly clear. Key Takeaways: Confidence Isn't the Starting Point– Why waiting to feel ready may be the very thing holding leaders back.The Process Behind Every Great Decision– Discover how a clear approach creates confidence when certainty isn't possible.The Cost of Waiting– See why the decisions we avoid often shape our teams more than the ones we make.When the Numbers Aren't Enough– How experienced leaders navigate the space between data, instinct, and values.What Every Tough Decision Leaves Behind– What happens after a decision often matters just as much as the decision itself. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

What if the biggest driver of employee engagement isn't charisma? Amy challenges one of leadership's most common misconceptions, showing why authenticity, presence, and intentional leadership inspire people far more than motivational speeches or big personalities. Through five practical leadership questions, she shares strategies for reconnecting disengaged employees, building trust through everyday interactions, creating a compelling purpose and a clear finish line that exponentially increase engagement, and leading with confidence during times of uncertainty. Amy reminds leaders that lasting engagement is built through consistent presence, honest communication, and making people feel valued. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen trust, inspire others, and shape a workplace culture where people can thrive! Want to go deeper? Email [email protected] and ask for Chapter 9: Build the Ultimate Corporate Culture from Amy's bestselling book, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage, and Get Extraordinary Results. It's a free resource that expands on the ideas of trust, engagement, compelling purpose, and courageous leadership shared in this episode. Key Takeaways: Trust Over Charisma– Why authentic leadership creates deeper and more lasting engagement than personality alone.Purpose That Inspires– How a compelling purpose and a clear finish line help people connect to meaningful work.Curiosity Before Assumptions– The role genuine conversations play in rebuilding trust with disengaged employees.Consistency Creates Culture– Why everyday leadership behaviors shape trust and engagement more than occasional big moments.Leading Through Uncertainty– How honesty, presence, and vulnerability help teams stay connected when the future feels unclear. Resources Get Your Free Copy of The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

Why do accountability systems fail even when roles and responsibilities seem clear? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Snyder, Founder and President of Innovation Elegance, LLC, to explore why most organizations unintentionally separate authority from accountability, creating confusion, project delays, and trust issues. Robert introduces his Five Verbs framework—draft, review, revise, approve, and distribute—and explains how it creates clearer ownership, stronger collaboration, and better decision-making. Together, we discuss why documentation is a leadership tool rather than administrative overhead, how teams can detect and address untrustworthiness earlier, and why discipline and empathy must work together to build high-performing cultures. We leave with a practical perspective on creating trust through clear expectations, transparent decisions, and systems that help people succeed together. Key Takeaways: Keep authority and accountability connected to strengthen trust and execution.Use simple, repeatable processes to create clarity across teams.Document decisions that matter and avoid relying on memory alone.Encourage healthy task conflict while preventing personality conflict.Build empathy through consistent habits, questions, and team rhythms. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Guest: Robert Snyder is the founder and president of Innovation Elegance, LLC. His thirty-year career spans roles such as developer, project management, change management, sales enablement, and the performing arts. His career path includes corporate roles, consulting roles, startups, PMP, and Agile certifications. He’s performed in numerous vocal, dance, and theater ensembles. Robert earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and his MBA in Strategy from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Robert is publishing a series of books on innovation methodology. Innovation Elegance: Transcending Agile with Ruthlessness and Grace - https://a.co/d/0e8MCIao Innovation Portfolio: Five Verbs Shape Your Team’s Legacy - https://a.co/d/0h1K85BO Elegant Leadership: Distinguishing the Good, the Bad, and the False (targeting 2027) About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results - https://a.co/d/06hsUz64 http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

What if the hardest thing you ever face becomes the experience that shapes you into a stronger leader? Steve Garraty shares how a cancer diagnosis at age 18 became one of the most defining experiences of his life. Through a season marked by uncertainty, loss, and physical hardship, he discovered the power of perspective, resilience, and gratitude. Steve reflects on how adversity can shape us, not by avoiding difficult emotions, but by choosing how we respond and what we learn along the way. In our conversation, Steve offers practical insights for navigating challenges with courage and intention. He explores the importance of leaning on support systems, moving beyond a victim mindset, and finding meaning in life's hardest moments. We also discuss how these lessons have influenced the way he leads others, helping him approach leadership with greater empathy, patience, and appreciation. His story reminds us that while adversity is unavoidable, it can become a powerful catalyst for growth, perspective, and purposeful leadership. Key Takeaways: Reframe difficult experiences to build resilience and long-term growth.Crest a support system and lean on others, even when people are disappearing from your life.Acknowledge hardship without becoming trapped by it.Authentically practice gratitude and transform the way you lead others.Make past struggles a source of confidence and strength for future challenges. Resources The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ Get your copy of Steve’s book, Greatfruit: How Cancer Led to Living a More Fruitful Life - https://a.co/d/0bG6NVcZ About the Guest: Steve Garraty is a cancer survivor, husband, and father of two beautiful children he was told he would unlikely ever have due to chemotherapy. He has a finance degree from the University of Georgia. He’s been in sales and leadership roles for thirty years and has hired, trained, and coached hundreds of people. Steve is passionate about coaching and mentoring others to achieve their goals and accomplish more than they ever imagined. His experience battling cancer led to him being a better parent and leader with a new perspective to live a better, more fruitful, and wonderful life. About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

In the second episode of the Courage in Action series, Amy explores the traits that define courageous leadership in today’s workplace. She challenges the idea that leadership is about having all the answers and instead focuses on the courage required to navigate uncertainty, have difficult conversations, build trust, and lead authentically. Through practical leadership examples, Amy breaks down how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, adaptability, and vulnerability strengthen leadership credibility and team connection. This episode is a grounded reminder that courageous leadership is not built through perfection. It is built one intentional choice, one conversation, and one act of courage at a time. Key Takeaways: Leadership Beyond Titles – Why courageous leadership is demonstrated through behavior, not authority or position.Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure – Discover how self-awareness and emotional discipline strengthen leadership effectiveness.Building Trust Through Honesty – Explore how transparency and authenticity create stronger team trust during uncertainty.Courage Through Everyday Choices – Learn how courageous leadership traits are developed through consistent practice and reflection.Vulnerability and Credibility – How healthy vulnerability strengthens trust, psychological safety, and leadership connection. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

In this first episode of the new Courage in Action series, Amy answers some questions she receives from leaders and their teams about the reality of change, especially when it is unexpected or uncomfortable. She walks through how leaders can pause instead of react, how they can lead their teams with intention, and why resistance to change is often more about identity than logic. She also shares practical ways leaders can create safety, build trust, and bring clarity when answers are not fully known. This is your opportunity to set the tone when change feels uncertain. Key Takeaways: Avoid emotional reactions - Discover a simple technique to create space between reaction and response during changeResistance and Identity – Uncover why change feels personal and how to work through itCreating Safety – Learn how to build trust and stability even without full answersManaging Overload – Explore how to make multiple changes feel more manageable for teams Resources: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

Most leaders want change, but we often avoid the one place it has to start. Truth. In this encore presentation of our conversation with David Johnson, we challenge the instinct to jump straight to vision and instead ground ourselves in reality. We explore why leaders struggle to be fully transparent, how avoiding hard truths slows everything down, and what it really takes to move people through resistance. We walk through how to create momentum with early wins, how to focus on the people who are willing but waiting, and why transformation is not about tearing things down but building something stronger. This is a conversation that shifts how we think about change. When we face where we are with clarity and lead with honesty, we create the conditions for real progress and lasting results. Key Takeaways: Reality First – We learn why honest assessment is the foundation of effective change. Build Momentum – We see how early wins create energy and forward movement. Transparency Wins – We understand how openness builds trust and engagement. Focus the Middle – We learn how to influence the majority who are undecided. Change Creates Value – We discover how transformation strengthens entire systems. Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Guest: David Johnson, founder and managing partner of Abraxas Group, has a 20-year track record of driving organizational change. David has served as interim executive or financial advisor to dozens of middle market companies in transition. Throughout his career, David has demonstrated a commitment to thought leadership, with numerous speaking engagements and articles on the topics of change management, performance improvement, restructuring and turnaround to his credit. David received his MBA from the University of Chicago and completed his undergraduate studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University. About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration The Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and Community The Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

This encore presentation revisits our conversation with Natasha Miller Williams, a speaker and writer who brings data and insight together to advance the conversation about inclusion in the workplace. Together we explore a powerful idea: one person can challenge an established system. We talk about why systems inside organizations often continue long after they stop serving people well, and how leaders at every level can begin shifting them. Natasha introduces the S.E.E.R. approach: See, Expect, Express, Repeat. It offers a practical way to recognize unfair or unbalanced systems, speak up with clarity, and stay committed to change even when resistance appears. We also discuss the responsibility leaders have to create environments where people feel safe sharing perspectives that may be unpopular or overlooked. When leaders listen with empathy and act on what they hear, they strengthen trust and open the door for better decisions. This conversation reminds us that meaningful change often begins with one voice choosing to speak. Key Highlights One Voice Can Start Change – We explore how any leader, regardless of title, can challenge systems by speaking up and sharing a perspective that may not yet be represented in the room.Awareness Comes First – We learn why noticing whose voices are heard and whose are missing is the first step toward creating more balanced and inclusive systems.Clarity Drives Better Outcomes – We discuss the importance of knowing the outcome we expect when challenging a system so conversations stay focused on meaningful change.Communication Shapes Influence – We look at how understanding what others value helps us express ideas in ways that increase the chances they will be heard and acted on.Persistence Creates Momentum – We reflect on why challenging systems requires patience, support from others, and the courage to keep going when change takes time. About the Guest: Natasha Miller Williams is a speaker and a writer who brings data and insights together to advance the conversation on inclusion in the workplace. Her career has spanned many aspects of business, but what matters most to Natasha is finding ways to improve how we all relate to each other and the opportunities we can create for everyone. Natasha shares her perspective and research on belonging, self-expression, and organizational resilience at keynotes, panels and workshops. She’s been a guest speaker for The Conference Board, Society for Human Resource Management, DiversityInc, DiversityMBA, Human Capital Institute, and many talent, inclusion and performance conferences. She is recognized as one of Crain’s Notable DE&I Executives, DiversityMBA Magazine’s Top 100 Executive Leaders and Top 100 Women of Influence. Natasha has been featured in several career and lifestyle magazines including Black Enterprise and SharpHeels. She sits on the editorial board for Training Industry Magazine and on the board of directors for the Village of Oak Lawn’s Chamber of Commerce. About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley/ Link mentioned in the podcast The Inspire Your Team assessment (the courage assessment): https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to The Courage of a Leader podcast! If you got inspired and/or got valuable leadership techniques you can use from this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have questions or feedback about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new The Courage of a Leader podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which helps us ignite The Courage of a Leader in more leaders! Please take a minute and leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

International Women’s Day is more than a calendar moment. It is a leadership opportunity. In this episode, we challenge ourselves to move beyond performative gestures and celebrate in ways that actually build visibility, confidence, and equity. We share four practical ways to recognize the women on our teams with intention and specificity. We reflect on whether they feel seen, heard, and valued. And we raise the harder questions about systems, opportunity, and fairness. Because celebration without structural awareness is incomplete. International Women’s Day is a moment. What we choose to do with it can spark meaningful change. Key Takeaways: Intention Over Performance – Moving beyond surface-level gestures strengthens credibility and trust.Recognition That Builds Confidence – Specific acknowledgment increases impact and professional visibility.Normalizing Ownership of Value – Creating space for women to name their contributions builds confidence without apology.Peer Influence Matters – Colleague-to-colleague recognition reinforces belonging and belief.Celebration and Systems – Meaningful celebration requires examining equity in pay, advancement, and opportunity. Read more about International's Women’s Day at https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode: The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment) https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

Leadership often asks us to be steady, composed, and productive, even when real emotions are moving underneath. This is an UNFILTERED compilation, in which we bring together some of the most powerful, raw and unfiltered moments from our UNFILTERED series. Across these episodes my co-host Daphna Horowitz and I very intentionally work to slow down and speak honestly about emotional truth at work. Anger. Grief. Presence. These are emotions many of us were taught to hide, especially in professional spaces. Not because they are wrong, but because they can feel inconvenient or uncomfortable. We explore anger as information that points to values, boundaries, and care. We talk about grief as something that does not end when leave ends, and why silence can feel more painful than acknowledgment. We also look at presence, because allowing emotional truth requires the willingness to stay instead of rushing past what feels hard. This is not about fixing emotions or performing leadership the right way. It is about noticing what is real, naming it with care, and choosing intention over reflex. You do not need to have all the answers. You only need the courage to stay with what is true. Key Takeaways: 02:43 – Anger as Information – Greater understanding of how anger often signals passion, values, and boundaries rather than something to suppress or feel ashamed of. 09:12 – Gender, Anger, and Perceived Competence – Clearer understanding of how cultural double standards shape whose anger is accepted, whose is questioned, and how this impacts leadership expression and self-trust. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your Fire is Trying to Tell You at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-anger-and-what-your-fire-is-trying-to-tell-you/ 15:36 – Naming Grief Creates Connection – Clearer understanding of why acknowledging loss supports trust and humanity, while avoidance can deepen isolation and discomfort. 22:57 – Grief Has No Timeline – Greater understanding of how grief continues long after formal support ends and why leaders must allow flexibility, language, and care beyond bereavement leave. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Grief and the Loss of Loved Ones at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-grief-and-the-loss-of-loved-ones/ 31:17 – Presence Versus Immediate Gratification – Greater understanding of how the pull to multitask and stay busy can undermine attention, trust, and meaningful leadership connection. 36:48 – Tech Boundaries and Chosen Presence – Greater understanding of how intentionally stepping away from devices strengthens focus, presence, and the quality of leadership attention. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-focus-and-presence-in-a-distraction-heavy-world/ Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Leadership often looks confident and composed from the outside. Inside, it can feel very different. In this UNFILTERED compilation, we slow down and talk honestly about what leaders carry beneath the surface. Self doubt. Imposter syndrome. Loneliness. The pressure to stay in control. These are not flaws or failures. They are human responses to responsibility, care, and growth. We explore why imposter syndrome shows up most when we are stretching. Why leadership can feel lonely at every level, not just at the top. And how control, even when it comes from good intentions, can quietly drain energy, engagement, and creativity. This episode is not about fixing yourself. It is about recognizing what is happening inside, naming it, and understanding the cost of holding everything alone. If you have ever felt like you had to keep it all together while carrying more than anyone sees, this conversation is for you. You are not broken. You are growing. And you are not alone. Key Takeaways: 03:11 – Naming the Inner Experience - Greater understanding of why naming internal experiences changes how leaders relate to them. 09:05 – The Meaning Behind Imposter Syndrome - Clearer perspective on how uncertainty often accompanies responsibility and expansion, not incompetence. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about… Imposter Syndrome at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-imposter-syndrome/ 13:58 – Leadership and Loneliness - Recognition of how leadership transitions can subtly change connection and relationships. 21:14 – Designing Support on Purpose - Insight into the importance of intentionally creating spaces where leaders do not carry everything alone. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about the Loneliness of Leadership at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-the-loneliness-of-leadership/ 27:07 – Control with Good Intentions - Awareness of how the drive to do things well can quietly limit trust, engagement, and shared ownership. 34:09 – The Cost of Holding Everything Tight - Deeper understanding of how control shows up physically and emotionally, and why it affects creativity and momentum. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-the-cost-of-being-in-control/ Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results. http://www.courageofaleader.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.