The best cultures aren’t built on fearlessness—they’re built on everyday bravery, honest conversations, and the courage to take one small step at a time. On this episode of the Learn-It-All™ podcast, Damon welcomes Chief Bravery Officer Nicole Bianchi, bestselling author and keynote speaker, for an unflinching look at why bravery isn’t a superpower you’re born with—but a daily practice anyone can build. Nicole Bianchi shares what science tells us about the brain’s hardwired response to risk, the role of “small brave moves” in rewiring our mindset, and how leaders at every level can use bravery as their competitive advantage. From the five tough talks every leader needs to master, to the power of “not now” and practical tips for courageous conversations about AI, this episode is a toolkit for anyone ready to grow, lead, or even reinvent themselves.
Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a new manager, you’ll find real-life stories, actionable frameworks, and liberating reminders that bravery is built—not born.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why bravery is an acquired behavior—and how to start practicing it through small, intentional moves
- The neuroscience behind fear and the tools to rewire your brain for growth instead of avoidance
- The nine mindsets and habits that drive everyday courage in leadership, with a focus on hope, intention, and embracing uncertainty
- Nicole Bianchi's framework for the five “tough talks” every leader must have (with conversation starters for each)
- How to set boundaries, get comfortable saying “not now,” and avoid burnout in a leadership role
- The real way to drive organizational culture change, foster brave conversations about AI, and model bravery from the C-suite on down
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why our brains default to fear—and how brave moves build growth
01:40 – Nicole Bianchi’s first small brave move and entrepreneurial leap
03:02 – The questions that shrank Nicole Bianchi fear (and can shrink yours)
04:39 – The value of permission to experiment & self-compassion for failure
05:45 – Nicole Bianchi’s passion: making bravery accessible for leaders
06:54 – Where fear comes from, and how to rewire for courageous action
08:50 – Flipping bravery: it’s not just for superheroes
10:01 – Why sharing your brave moves publicly ramps up success
11:14 – The top three mindsets for leading with courage
14:10 – Intentionality: choosing who (and what) you invest in
15:53 – The practical side of setting boundaries and saying “not now”
18:51 – How bravery gets easier the more you practice it
21:23 – Examples of everyday brave moves
23:39 – The five tough conversations every leader must master
27:06 – Conversation starters for tough “moving on” talks
31:10 – Feedback at the C-suite: why leaders stop getting it (and the risk if they do)
33:03 – The “continue and consider” framework for peer feedback
34:27 – Brave leadership at the organizational level: starting with ‘how we work’
35:54 – Why self-mastery comes before leading others
39:28 – When to walk away from a client (and why it’s brave)
41:02 – Learning without doing is treason: behavior beats theory
43:39 – Gallup’s research: One meaningful conversation a week outperforms any other leadership activity
44:57 – Preparation and accountability: the basics of tough talks
46:36 – Small brave moves and courageous conversations about AI
49:34 – Bravery...
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