Small Brave Moves

Authenticity isn’t a buzzword - it’s the brave, human way of leading that today’s workplace craves. In this episode of Small Brave Moves, Nicole Bianchi explores what it really means to lead with authenticity instead of polished perfection and performance. You’ll learn: Why 75% of employees want more authenticity from their leaders The hidden costs of drifting away from your true self in leadershi...

Bravery isn’t a personality trait - it’s a skill. And when you develop it, the return on investment is massive.  In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we're discussing the impact of one of the most underestimated skills in leadership - bravery. Not the big, cinematic kind, but the everyday bravery that drives trust, innovation, alignment, and performance. Safe leadership feels com...

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools a leader has - and one of the hardest to use well. Too often, leaders avoid it, sugarcoat it, or deliver it so vaguely that it never lands. The result? Teams left guessing, disengaged, and missing out on their full potential. In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we unpack:  Why most leaders struggle to give feedback (and how it holds teams ba...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked truths about leadership and culture: you don’t need a title to make an impact. When uncertainty is swirling - reorgs, layoffs, AI disruption, hybrid confusion - it’s tempting to shrink back and think " what difference can I make?" But the reality is, every Slack message, every meeting comment, every h...

What if your good intentions as a leader are actually holding your team back? It happens more often than you think. Many well-meaning leaders unintentionally stall their team’s growth by fixing problems too quickly, jumping in to save the day, or making decisions before their team even has the chance to try. While it feels helpful in the moment, it often creates dependence instead of development. ...

Real employee engagement starts with how your team feels every day, not just during the annual survey. In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, I’m sharing five powerful, no-cost ways to boost engagement that any leader can start using right now. These are practical, human-centered actions that build trust, spark motivation, and create a team culture people don’t want to leave. You’ll lea...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, I’m joined by internationally experienced leadership coach and courage catalyst Noomi Melchior Natan for a conversation every leader navigating hard or busy seasons needs to hear. We explore what it means to thrive, not just survive, during the most demanding chapters of leadership, and how to stay connected to your courage, clarity, and conviction...

There’s a silent struggle happening behind the scenes of so many high-achieving leaders: they’re carrying too much, but feel like they can’t ask for help. In this episode of Small Brave Moves, we name the fear, break the stigma, and explore how “the ask” can transform your leadership, your team, and your energy.  We explore: Why asking for help feels so vulnerable (especially for high-capacity lea...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we're talking about one of the most overlooked yet powerful leadership practices - meaningful one-on-one meetings. Let’s be honest: most one-on-ones are either inconsistent, rushed, or overly focused on status updates. But when done right, they’re your secret weapon for building trust, boosting engagement, and retaining top talent. I'll t...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we’re exploring something that might seem like a luxury—but is actually a leadership necessity: Flow and Ease®. If you’re a high-achieving leader who’s feeling overwhelmed, overbooked, or stretched thin, this conversation is for you. Because here’s the truth: hustle doesn’t equal impact. And letting go of control doesn’t mean letting go of your sta...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we're discussing one of the most relevant challenges in leadership today—how to lead remote and hybrid teams without falling into the trap of micromanagement. Because let’s be honest: working from anywhere can quickly turn into disconnected everywhere if we’re not intentional. We explore: How to create real connection without constant check-in...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast,  we dive into one of the biggest reasons leaders avoid hard conversations—the fear of emotional reactions.  Whether it’s tears, silence, deflection, or defensiveness, these responses can make even the most seasoned leaders second-guess themselves. But brave leaders don’t avoid the discomfort—they prepare for it. We explore: The four most common emo...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast we’re diving into a non-negotiable for building high-performing, innovative teams: psychological safety. You’ve probably heard the term before, but let’s get one thing straight—it’s not just an HR thing. It’s a leadership thing. In fact, it’s the foundation of every courageous, collaborative, and high-impact team Nicole has ever worked with. Nicole...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we challenge the hustle culture myth that faster is always better—and explore why the bravest leaders are the ones who dare to slow down.  We explore why brave leaders aren’t the ones burning the candle at both ends—but the ones carving out time to think deeply, act intentionally, and lead with clarity. You’ll learn how constant motion leads to mis...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we tackle a challenge that many powerhouse women in leadership quietly face: the constant tug-of-war between being seen as too much or not enough. We unpack the double standards women leaders often navigate—where authority can be labeled as “aggressive,” and warmth mistaken for weakness—and offer a new model: one where you don’t have to choose betw...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore one of the hardest but most necessary parts of leadership—recovering from failure. Whether it’s a misstep, a missed deadline, or a moment you wish you could take back, failure is inevitable for every leader. But here’s the truth: what defines your leadership isn’t the mistake—it’s how you respond. We break down the three types of leaders...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we tackle the hidden leadership habit that’s sabotaging your confidence and credibility—negative self-talk. Whether it’s those quiet, critical thoughts or the self-deprecating jokes you make to be relatable, the way you speak about yourself matters. It shapes how others see you and how you show up as a leader. From real-life stories to powerful min...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we're stepping into a different kind of brave leadership—the leadership of your health. I'm joined by Julie Griffin, executive health coach, certified functional medicine health coach, and former corporate HR leader with over 30 years of experience.  Julie brings a powerful blend of executive-level insight and deep knowledge of functional...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore what it really takes to detoxify a workplace and lead with courage and grace. I'm joined by Alan Utley, keynote speaker, certified leadership coach, and the HR pro behind the concept of fanatical grace. With 25 years of experience in senior HR roles, Alan shares powerful stories about the small brave moves that helped him shift from...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the concept of butterfly moments—those seemingly small but powerful shifts in thought or behavior that spark meaningful transformation in your leadership journey.  From quiet realizations to courageous decisions, these moments often arrive during times of discomfort, clarity, or reflection. Learn how to recognize, embrace, and create mor...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we tackle one of the most misunderstood elements of leadership: conflict. While most leaders shy away from it, the truth is that conflict—when handled well—can be a powerful catalyst for trust, innovation, and accountability. We'll discuss the costly impact of conflict avoidance and share how reframing conflict as an opportunity can strengthen...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into one of the most challenging aspects of leadership—working with toxic people. Whether it's a difficult colleague, boss, or client, toxic behaviors can chip away at your energy, confidence, and clarity. But here's the truth: you may not be able to change them, but you can control how you show up. We explore: How to reclaim your...

Are you leading your team through disruption—or waiting to be disrupted? In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore what it really takes to lead through disruption and embrace innovation, especially in the age of AI.  I’m joined by Trent Gillespie—former Amazon executive, AI strategist, and creator of the AI Sprint framework—who shares how leaders can navigate change, unlock inno...

If I stopped you in the hallway and asked, ‘What’s your leadership philosophy?’—would you have an answer? In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore why having a personal leadership philosophy is one of the most important tools for leading with clarity and confidence.  We break down how a clear, personal leadership philosophy can:  ✅ Build trust through consistency and clarity  ...

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we unpack one of the most underrated leadership tools: boundaries. Setting them isn’t selfish—it’s a bold act of self-respect, clarity, and effectiveness.  If you’re an executive leader, team builder, or high performer constantly feeling pulled in a million directions, this one’s for you. We explore why boundaries are essential to your leadership s...