Courage Made Simple

In this second of their two conversations, Margareta Kull and Jackie Johnson (Executive Director of ICSA) focus on what leaders can learn from high-control systems and cults. Drawing on Jackie’s work with organisations, government and cult recovery, they explore how fear, pressure and manipulation can take hold in workplaces. They discuss early warning signs, the cost of ignoring discomfort, and h...

In the first of their two conversations, Margareta Kull and Jackie Johnson explore courage under control. Jackie shares what it was like growing up in Jehovah’s Witnesses—loss, rules and scrutiny—and why one clear breaking point helped her finally leave. The next episode focuses on what leaders can learn.   Interested in the Courageous Leader™ Process programme, you can find more information throu...

When your voice feels muted and there are layers above you, how do you speak up wisely? Host Margareta Kull talks with Peter Sonerell (HR Manager, United Nations Development Programme,  Afghanistan) about how managers and HR can lead in all directions—not by rank, but by responsibility. Practical moves for deliberate courage (stop, reflect, choose, act): open with a walk-and-talk, use I-language,...

What gives you courage when the pressure is high? In this episode, HR manager Peter Sonerell (United Nations in Afghanistan) shares practical lessons from a high-stakes context: be deliberate—stop, reflect, choose, act; build trust; say “I don’t know” and follow up; set boundaries without burning bridges; and make wiser decisions together in multicultural teams. A warm, grounded conversation about...

What happens when trust breaks — in your team, your relationships, or even your country? From political betrayals to silent exits at work, this episode explores the deep cost of broken trust. Not just emotionally, but in energy, loyalty, and self-worth. Whether you've felt that cost yourself, or want to understand the unintended impact your actions might have as a leader — this one’s for you. Cour...

What does it mean to stay human when life shakes you? Thomas Franzén has lived with cancer for most of his life. And yet, he has raised children, built teams, and led in complex organisations. In this episode, Thomas and I explore how courage shapes the way we show up — in conversations, in choices, and in life’s hardest moments. We talk about fear and the defenses we hide behind, about feedback a...

It’s easy to react. Harder to choose. In a world where urgency rules and everything feels important, clarity can be hard to find. You’re working hard — but deep down, you wonder: Is this really what matters most? If you've ever felt pulled in too many directions or like you're reacting instead of choosing, this episode is for you. In this episode of Courage Made Simple, we explore why focus is abo...

Bullying isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s silence, sarcasm, or exclusion — and it can happen anywhere. In this episode of Courage Made Simple, we explore how fear drives bullying, and how it shows up in schools, workplaces, homes, and politics. Through real-life stories — including my own daughter's experience — we look at what fuels a bully, what stops us from acting, and why the consequences ar...

In this episode, I introduce the Courageous Leader Process—four simple steps that help you shift from reacting on autopilot to acting with clarity and courage. This process is the foundation for leading with courage—at work, at home, and in the moments that matter most. It can support you in everything from those split-second moments when you’re about to react, to making wise, long-term decisions...

What does courage look like in everyday life? In this first episode, my friend Laurie Kehler and I talk about boundaries, honesty, and choosing what’s right—even when it’s uncomfortable.