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 between being respected or relatable.

From clarity without control to real talk and radical humanity, you’ll walk away with five practical mindset and behavior shifts that will help you lead with both power and grace.

Plus, Nicole shares an exclusive invitation to podcast listeners to attend a transformational leadership experience designed to help executive women reclaim their energy, amplify their light, and elevate their leadership. 

If you're tired of the tightrope and ready to rewrite the rules, this episode is your next brave move.

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 leadership failures—slips, trips, and falls—and provide a clear, practical roadmap to bounce back with confidence and integrity. You’ll learn how to own your mistakes, rebuild trust, and turn failure into fuel for growth. Plus, I share a recent high-stakes leadership stumble of my own and how I handled it in real-time.

If you’ve ever struggled with guilt after messing up, or worried your credibility took a hit, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to fail forward and come back even stronger.

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 mindset shifts, we’ll explore how negative self-talk chips away at your leadership and how to replace it with 3 Small Brave Moves that build self-assurance. You’ll learn how to reframe limiting language, catch yourself in the moment, and create a leadership presence that is grounded in confidence and clarity.

If you’re ready to stop undermining yourself and start owning your voice, this one’s for you. 

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 medicine and lifestyle behavior change to help high-achieving executive women prioritize their well-being.

If you're a leader who puts everyone else first, this episode will challenge you to rethink that—and give you practical, brave ways to reclaim your energy and your leadership from the inside out.

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 perfectionism to authenticity—and from conflict to connection.

We dive into how grace isn't about weakness, but about creating space for imperfection, leading with humanity, and building cultures where people can thrive.

Learn how to navigate tough conversations, choose relationships over being right, and lead with more flow, forgiveness, and bold compassion. If you're ready to make your workplace healthier and your leadership braver, this one's for you.

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 more of these transformative turning points in your leadership. 

Nicole shares real-life examples and strategies for using butterfly moments to build momentum, inspire your team, and course-correct your leadership path. Tune in and discover how to harness the subtle but mighty shifts that elevate how you lead—one Small Brave Move at a time.

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 both leadership and team culture. 

You’ll learn how to build psychological safety, model calm and constructive dialogue, and approach tough moments with curiosity instead of fear.

Tune in for practical tools and brave mindset shifts to help you turn conflict into a leadership superpower.

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 power in toxic environments

• Boundaries that protect your energy and sanity

• Mindset shifts to stop taking others’ negativity personally

• Brave ways to respond—without getting pulled into the drama

• And the ultimate Small Brave Move: how to lead a tough talk that just might create change

If you’ve ever found yourself drained after a conversation, dreading a certain meeting, or questioning your ability to lead because of someone else's behavior—this episode is for you. 

Learn how to rise above toxicity, preserve your leadership presence, and lead with courage.

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 innovation, and use AI to drive real results with clarity and courage.

Trent shares the Small Brave Moves that led him to leave a high-profile role at Amazon to help mid-sized companies become AI-powered growth engines. We unpack what’s changing in business (spoiler: it’s everything), and how leaders can prepare their teams, rethink innovation, and take strategic action—fast. 

If you're curious about: 

✅ Why AI is accelerating innovation—and what that means for your business
✅ The mindset shift leaders must make now to avoid falling behind
✅ How to equip your team to embrace AI with confidence
✅ What it looks like to lead bravely through uncertainty and change

This episode is your roadmap to thinking strategically, leading proactively, and shaping the future—one Small Brave Move (or ChatGPT prompt) at a time.

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
 ✅ Guide your decision-making during uncertainty and tough conversations
 ✅ Help you stay grounded in what matters most
 ✅ Make you a more confident, resilient, and authentic leader 

Learn how to define your leadership philosophy in a way that’s personal, authentic, and actionable. I share practical steps to identify your core beliefs, clarify your values, and articulate your leadership style—all in a way that helps you stay grounded in who you are and how you want to lead.

Tune in to discover how creating your own leadership blueprint can help you make better decisions, build trust, and show up with courage—one small brave move at a time.

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 success, how to communicate them clearly, and what it looks like to hold the line with kindness and consistency. 

Tune in to learn:
✅ Why boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re guideposts for how you lead best
✅ What saying yes to everything really costs you
✅ How to protect your deep work time (and stop drowning in meetings)

Plus, I share personal examples and client stories that will inspire you to take action—starting this week. 

If you want to lead with greater intention and energy, it starts by protecting what matters most. Let’s make the Small Brave Move to set boundaries that serve you and your team. 

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the transformative power of mindset, resilience, and reframing failure. I’m joined by the unforgettable Cam F. Awesome—12-time national boxing champion, former captain of Team USA, and now a dynamic speaker on positive self-talk, confidence, and resilience. 

Cam’s story is one of extraordinary reinvention. From being bullied as a child and later suspended from the Olympic team, to changing his last name to Awesome and building a career as a speaker and entertainer, Cam shares how positive self-talk became his greatest weapon. 

We get into:
 ✅ How Cam used mindset to rise from rock bottom to world champion
 ✅ Why imposter syndrome starts with humility—and what to do instead
 ✅ The surprising truth about failure and why it’s often your greatest opportunity
 ✅ How to check your self-talk and start treating yourself like someone you love 

This episode is packed with bold ideas, honest moments, and laugh-out-loud wisdom. If you're ready to rethink how you talk to yourself—and rewrite your story—this one's for you. 

🎧 Listen now and get ready to own your awesome. 

Uncertainty is inevitable—but how you handle it defines your leadership.

In this episode of Small Brave Moves, we explore the power of embracing uncertainty in leadership and life. From navigating unexpected challenges to making bold decisions when the path ahead is unclear, I share personal stories (including my first time driving my dad’s semi-truck! 🚛) and practical strategies for building resilience in the face of the unknown.

We dive into:
✅ Why uncertainty doesn’t mean you’re not brave
✅ How high-performing leaders navigate ambiguity
✅ The importance of focusing on what you can control
✅ Practical strategies to stay grounded and adaptable

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the fear of the unknown, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and tools to step forward with confidence—one small brave move at a time. 🎧

Brave leaders don’t just imagine a better world—they take action to create it. 

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore what it truly means to be a hope-driven leader. Leadership isn’t just about strategies and decisions—it’s about inspiring resilience, creating pathways to success, and instilling belief in a better future. 

I share a deeply personal story about how a simple yet powerful reminder from my mom shaped my leadership perspective, reinforcing the idea that hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a leadership skill. 

I share with you:
 ✅ How hope fuels resilience and perseverance in leadership
 ✅ Practical ways to instill hope in your team during challenging times
 ✅ Daily habits to grow a hope-driven mindset
 ✅ Why hope is a roadmap for navigating obstacles, not just wishful thinking 

Tune in and learn how to lead with hope, even in the toughest moments. 

Leadership isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about navigating your own journey with bravery, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode of Small Brave Moves, I sit down with Jesse Cody, founder of Hike the Good Hike, to explore the leadership lessons hidden in nature’s toughest challenges. Nearly a decade ago, Jesse found himself at a crossroads, struggling with mental health and questioning his future. Instead of staying stuck, he made a bold decision: to take a 2,000-mile journey on the Appalachian Trail—one that would reshape his life and leadership.

Together, we explore:
🏔️ How uncertainty and discomfort lead to growth
🏔️ Why perseverance is the ultimate leadership skill
🏔️ The power of taking a step forward—even when you don’t have all the answers
🏔️ How leaders can cultivate resilience in themselves and their teams

Jesse’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership often means embracing the unknown, facing challenges head-on, and trusting the process.

If you’ve ever struggled with mental health, finding your purpose, or simply need the courage to take your next step, this episode is for you. 

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, I sit down with Lindsay White, a leadership coach, people strategy expert, and founder of High Voltage Leadership.

With 15+ years in corporate HR, Lindsay and I share a common story—navigating toxic workplaces, making the bold decision to walk away, and building careers dedicated to transforming leadership and workplace culture.

Together, we dive into:
✅ The tough conversations that define careers and cultures
✅ How to know when it’s time to walk away from a toxic workplace
✅ How to align your leadership style with your values 
✅ Why the small moments in leadership are the ones that make the biggest impact

Lindsay shares her career-defining "enough is enough" moment, the leadership lessons she’s learned from the HR trenches to coaching, and how to navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence.

If you’ve ever struggled with tough workplace dynamics, difficult team decisions, or finding your leadership voice—this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into the transformative power of relentless curiosity in leadership. Whether you’re navigating high-stakes negotiations, leading through uncertainty, or striving to build a more innovative team, curiosity is the secret weapon that unlocks better solutions and deeper connections.

I share a high-pressure leadership moment where I worked on a project that was deemed “impossible”, forcing me to shift from proving expertise to embracing curiosity. We explore how asking better questions, listening beyond the first response, and stepping outside your comfort zone can elevate your leadership impact.

Tune in to learn:
✅ Why curiosity is the key to problem-solving and innovation
✅ How to shift from “having the answers” to asking the right questions
✅ Practical ways to foster a culture of curiosity in your team
✅ The four steps to developing relentless curiosity as a leader

Curiosity is the key to unlocking growth and trust—for yourself, your team, and your organization. Are you leading with curiosity? Let’s dive in.

What happens when you have to make one of the toughest leadership decisions—letting someone go?

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, Nicole Bianchi sits down with sales and leadership expert Mark Hunter, also known as The Sales Hunter, to dive deep into the realities of the "Moving On" conversation, from Nicole's best selling book and online course "Five Tough Talks". 

Mark shares powerful personal stories from his career, including the emotional weight of firing employees, high-stakes terminations, and navigating difficult workplace dynamics. He also reflects on his own journey—from struggling with a stutter as a child to becoming a globally recognized sales leader—and the Small Brave Moves it took to get there.

Together, Nicole and Mark unpack:
✅ The emotional and strategic preparation required for tough conversations
✅ The mindset shift that can help leaders fire someone with compassion and integrity 
✅ Why avoiding hard conversations creates bigger problems for teams
✅ The Small Brave Moves that will strengthen your sales and leadership game

Whether it's having a tough talk, making a tough decision, or even reaching out to a cold lead—this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you be a better, braver, and more authentic leader.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the critical role of intentionality in leadership and life. Too often, leaders find themselves operating on autopilot—reacting to challenges instead of proactively shaping their path. But what happens when you pause, set clear intentions, and take deliberate action toward your goals?

From a powerful leadership experiment with Fortune 500 executives to personal stories of transformation, this episode unpacks how being intentional can elevate your leadership, deepen your relationships, and create real, lasting impact. We’ll cover:

✅ How to own your growth and stop waiting for opportunities to come to you
✅ The key to time-blocking and deep work to maximize focus and results
✅ The power of setting clear daily intentions to align with your goals
✅ Why accountability partners (or “swim buddies”) are game-changers for success

Brave leaders don’t leave their success to chance. They intentionally choose to make Small Brave Moves every day to shape the life and career they truly want. Ready to take control? Tune in now! 🎧✨

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the transformative power of being there for others and how it can elevate your leadership to new heights. Through heartfelt stories, including a military leader who changed the course of a young soldier’s life and lessons from coaching executives through fear and transformation, we uncover how presence and support make all the difference.

Learn actionable tips for showing empathy, expanding perspectives, and offering meaningful support that inspires bravery in others—and yourself. Discover how simple acts of generosity, like listening or sending a thoughtful note, can build stronger teams, deepen trust, and create lasting impact.

Tune in to understand why being there for others is not just a leadership skill but a cornerstone of bravery, authenticity, and connection in leadership and life.