• The Art of Failure: How High Performing Leaders Turn Failure into Growth and Success
    Jan 8 2025

    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.

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    📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

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    8 mins
  • Conquer Yourself, Not Others in 2025
    Jan 1 2025

    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.

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    📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

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    5 mins
  • Alignment is the Greatest Gift of All - Happy Holidays
    Dec 25 2024

    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! 🎁✨

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    3 mins
  • Phillip James on Leading with Integrity, Straight Talk, and the Power of 'How We Work'
    Dec 18 2024

    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.

    Work with me⬇️
    🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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    22 mins
  • Why Leaders Need to Protect Their Energy During Tough Talks
    Dec 11 2024

    In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, Nicole dives into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of leadership: protecting your energy.

    Tough conversations can be draining, but preparing your body, mind, spirit, and emotions ensures you show up as your best self and increases your chances of positive results.

    Nicole shares practical strategies—from managing drainers and fillers to practicing visualization and deep breathing—to help leaders stay centered and focused during brave conversations.

    Tune in for actionable tips to prepare, execute, and reflect on tough talks with clarity and confidence.



    Work with me⬇️
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    10 mins
  • How to Prepare for Tough Talks in Leadership
    Dec 4 2024

    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.

    Work with me⬇️
    🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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    📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

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    10 mins
  • Leading with Trust and Truth: Chris Dill on Building Authentic Connections in Leadership for Big Results
    Nov 27 2024

    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.

    Work with me⬇️
    🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
    🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
    🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
    📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

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    33 mins
  • Moving On: How to Establish a New Path Forward From a Project, Position, or Relationship When It’s Just Not Working Anymore (Five Tough Talks)
    Nov 20 2024

    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.

    Work with me⬇️
    🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
    🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
    🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
    📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

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    10 mins