In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into the art of failing, and how high performing leaders turn their slips, trips and falls into growth and success. 

Failure isn’t just a setback—it’s a critical part of growth. From small slips that reveal areas for improvement to major falls that shake our confidence, each experience offers powerful lessons.

Nicole shares candid stories from her own leadership journey, including navigating tough feedback with a CEO, addressing team misalignments, and confronting integrity issues at the highest levels. Through these stories, you’ll discover:

• The difference between slips, trips, and falls—and how to learn from each.

• Why vulnerability and intentional risk-taking are essential for leadership growth.

• How to reframe failure as a stepping stone toward resilience and success.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and honest reflections to help you lead with bravery, embrace failure, and keep moving forward—no matter how messy the journey gets.

In this short but inspiring New Year themed episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, Nicole kicks off 2025 with a powerful focus: Conquer Yourself, Not Others. 

Nicole dives into the essential mindset shifts needed to lead with more flow and ease—both professionally and personally.

Through reflective prompts and actionable insights, you'll explore:
✨ How to identify the areas of your life and leadership that need intentional edits or enhancements.
✨ Why focusing on what you can control is the key to lasting growth and success.
✨ The importance of small brave moves that align your habits, mindset, and behaviors with your goals.

Join Nicole as she shares her vision for embracing self-mastery in 2025 and invites you to set your intentions for a year of clarity, alignment, and purpose.

In this special holiday episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the profound power of alignment—both in leadership and in life. 

Whether it's aligning your team around shared goals or creating harmony in your personal relationships, alignment sets the stage for clarity, connection, and meaningful progress.

As we wrap up the year and look ahead to 2025, Nicole offers thoughtful reflections and actionable insights to help you create smoother communication, stronger bonds, and greater impact.

This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and give yourself—and those around you—the gift of alignment. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that blends leadership wisdom with a touch of holiday warmth. Happy Holidays! 🎁✨

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we sit down with Phillip James, Vice President of WEG Transformers USA, who leads nearly 600 employees across three manufacturing sites. Phillip shares how his decades-long career in manufacturing has been shaped by small, brave moves, intentional leadership, and navigating some of the toughest challenges in business.

From leading through the 2008 recession to addressing difficult workplace behavior, Phillip offers candid insights into the moments that tested his courage and defined his leadership style. We explore the importance of transparency, setting team expectations, and fostering collaboration through the "How We Work" conversation.

Learn how Phillip approaches tough talks with clarity and respect, the leadership philosophies that have guided him through challenging decisions, and how small, intentional actions can transform teams and build trust. Whether you're leading through adversity or striving to align your team, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and authentic leadership lessons.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, Nicole breaks down the process of preparing for tough conversations in leadership. 

From crafting a clear plan to managing emotions during the talk, she shares a proven three-phase framework for before, during, and after the conversation.

Drawing from personal stories (like how hip-hop dance taught her the power of preparation!) and leadership experiences, Nicole provides actionable steps to help you build confidence and lead with clarity. 

Tune in to learn how to approach tough talks with intention, align on outcomes, and grow as a brave leader.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves® podcast, Nicole is joined by Chris Dill, Vice President and CIO at Kiewit, to explore the leadership lessons and Small Brave Moves® that have shaped his remarkable 30+ year career in technology. 

Chris shares stories of stepping into challenging roles, fostering team alignment, and building trust through genuine leadership.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, Nicole breaks down the process of preparing for tough conversations in leadership. 

From crafting a clear plan to managing emotions during the talk, she shares a proven three-phase framework for before, during, and after the conversation.

Drawing from personal stories (like how hip-hop dance taught her the power of preparation!) and leadership experiences, Nicole provides actionable steps to help you build confidence and lead with clarity. 

Tune in to learn how to approach tough talks with intention, align on outcomes, and grow as a brave leader.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves® podcast, Nicole is joined by Chris Dill, Vice President and CIO at Kiewit, to explore the leadership lessons and Small Brave Moves® that have shaped his remarkable 30+ year career in technology. 

Chris shares stories of stepping into challenging roles, fostering team alignment, and building trust through genuine leadership.

From taking on the challenge of an "unfixable" team to preparing for tough conversations with empathy and honesty, Chris offers actionable insights for leaders at all levels. Learn how his authentic approach has transformed struggling organizations and discover why investing in relationships and having brave conversations are essential for long-term success. 

Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and making an impact.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we tackle one of the toughest conversations in leadership—the “Moving On” talk. 

This conversation is about establishing a new path forward when a project, position, or relationship is no longer working. Through personal stories and experiences, Nicole shares how to approach these conversations with empathy and clarity, transforming what can be a difficult moment into an opportunity for growth. 

From guiding an employee through a transition to ending a project that’s misaligned, this episode provides actionable steps on how to navigate moving on with compassion and professionalism. 

Tune in to learn how to lead these courageous conversations and create healthier, forward-focused environments. 

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into the “Being Better” conversation—one of the Five Tough Talks® every leader should be ready to have. When a team member isn’t showing up as their best self consistently, it’s essential to step in with compassion and clarity. 

Nicole shares a personal story of her own “being better” moment, illustrating how these conversations can lead to transformative change. Learn how to approach ongoing issues with behavior or performance through a structured five-step framework, designed to encourage improvement and strengthen trust. 

Tune in for insights on guiding your team members to rise to their potential with empathy and purpose.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the importance of the “What’s Going On” conversation—one of the Five Tough Talks every leader must master. This conversation is essential for addressing subtle yet impactful shifts in behavior, performance, or relationships within your team before they escalate into larger issues. 

Through a real-life story of navigating a high-stakes meeting between GE Aviation and British Airways, Nicole illustrates the power of getting to the heart of a problem by addressing the underlying issues. She breaks down three key areas to watch for shifts and shares practical steps to approach these talks: building understanding, building alignment, and building action. 

Tune in to learn how to recognize these changes, initiate a constructive conversation, and foster a culture of openness and trust in your team. 

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the first of the Five Tough Talks every leader needs to master: the "How We Work" conversation. 

I share personal stories, including how a simple conversation transformed a trip to Italy and strengthened my 25-year marriage, to illustrate the power of setting clear expectations. We dive into the importance of establishing rules, routines, and rhythms for aligned, high-performing teams and discuss practical steps to implement them. 

Whether you're leading a corporate team or navigating personal relationships, these conversations are essential to fostering trust, collaboration, and exceptional results. 

Tune in for actionable insights on how to lead your team—and your life—with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the first of the Five Tough Talks every leader needs to master: the "How We Work" conversation. 

I share personal stories, including how a simple conversation transformed a trip to Italy and strengthened my 25-year marriage, to illustrate the power of setting clear expectations. We dive into the importance of establishing rules, routines, and rhythms for aligned, high-performing teams and discuss practical steps to implement them. 

Whether you're leading a corporate team or navigating personal relationships, these conversations are essential to fostering trust, collaboration, and exceptional results. 

Tune in for actionable insights on how to lead your team—and your life—with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we celebrate a monumental achievement alongside franchise leadership expert Scott Schultz as we both earn the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. Recorded live from the Influence 2024 Conference in Denver, Colorado, we dive into the importance of accountability, the power of a supportive "swim buddy," and the small, brave moves that led us to this milestone. Scott shares his powerful 'C Game' framework—curiosity, connection, and consistency—as a solution for keeping teams engaged and driving success in any organization. Tune in to learn how to implement these principles in your leadership journey and make your own small, brave moves.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast I introduce the Five Tough Talks Online Certification Program, a self-paced leadership development course designed to help leaders at every level navigate difficult conversations with confidence and clarity. We dive into the five essential conversations that every leader needs to master, from setting team expectations to navigating tough departures. Learn how to boost team alignment, resolve conflicts, and unlock your team's full potential. Tune in to discover how this program can elevate your communication, culture, and performance, and why it’s the ultimate tool for creating exceptional results on your leadership team. 

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we tackle the essential skill of navigating tough conversations—whether in leadership or life. We explore why so many of us avoid these difficult talks, how fear often holds us back, and the missed opportunities that come with delay. Drawing from my experience, we dive deep into the five types of tough talks every leader must master. Learn how to transform these tough conversations into brave, productive ones that build stronger relationships and drive exceptional results. Tune in for practical strategies on preparing, practicing, and processing tough talks, and gain the confidence to handle them with clarity and courage.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we celebrate a monumental achievement alongside franchise leadership expert Scott Schultz as we both earn the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. Recorded live from the Influence 2024 Conference in Denver, Colorado, we dive into the importance of accountability, the power of a supportive "swim buddy," and the small, brave moves that led us to this milestone. Scott shares his powerful 'C Game' framework—curiosity, connection, and consistency—as a solution for keeping teams engaged and driving success in any organization. Tune in to learn how to implement these principles in your leadership journey and make your own small, brave moves.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we sit down with the extraordinary Renee Warren—award-winning entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder of We Wild Women. Renee shares her inspiring journey of transforming female-led businesses through powerful public relations strategies and the bold moves that have shaped her success. We discuss the art of saying no to what no longer serves you, the courage to pursue intentional living, and the personal transformations that come from trusting your path. From letting go of clients who weren’t aligned with her energy to consciously choosing the life she wants to lead, Renee offers insights on how to step into your authentic power. Tune in for practical wisdom on making small brave moves, living with purpose, and building the life you truly desire.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we honor the memory of September 11th by reflecting on the extraordinary bravery of Todd Beamer and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. We explore how Todd's final words, "Let's roll," exemplify the ultimate small brave move, taken in the most unimaginable circumstances. Nicole shares personal stories, including a touching moment with her son, Joe, who was born just days after 9/11 and now pursues a career as a firefighter, emulating the same courage we honor today. This episode challenges you to take inspiration from these brave individuals by making one small brave move in your own life. Tune in for powerful stories of leadership, courage, and the importance of practicing bravery in everyday moments.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into the critical importance of straight talk in leadership and life. We explore why direct, honest communication—no matter how uncomfortable—builds trust and drives real progress. From sharing an embarrassing personal story to discussing how straight talk transformed a CEO’s approach, this episode provides actionable insights on how to practice straight talk with bravery and grace. Learn how to foster a culture of trust and integrity by embracing open, honest conversations. Tune in for practical tips to improve your leadership and personal interactions.

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the power of authenticity in leadership. We discuss exercises to build trust within teams, including a transformative six-minute monologue that helps leaders share their true selves. Learn how to balance authority with approachability, discover your authentic self, and align your leadership with your core values. If you're ready to start your journey towards more authentic and brave leadership, this episode is for you. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories that will help you lead with integrity and purpose.