From Fear-Based to Fearless: Practical Steps for Aligning Values and Leadership in Uncertain Times with Kristen Kavanaugh and Mike Randolph
Ever wondered what really happens behind closed boardroom doors when leaders are faced with uncomfortable truths, especially when speaking up could cost them their job? This conversation isn’t just about corporate buzzwords or performative change. It’s an unfiltered look at how fear quietly shapes decisions, and how a handful of micro-courage moments can actually flip the script for whole organizations. If you think courage at work is all about bold speeches, think again. There’s a twist here that might just change the way you see your own leadership, and what’s possible for your team. Ready to find out what most leaders are missing (and why it matters now more than ever)?
In this episode, you will be able to:
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Discover how cultivating courage in the workplace can unlock bold decisions that drive real growth and innovation.
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Learn strategies to overcome fear in leadership that empower you to lead with confidence and authenticity.
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Build people-first cultures that inspire loyalty, boost morale, and create teams ready to tackle any challenge.
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Master emotional intelligence and respectful communication to transform workplace relationships and fuel collaboration.
My special guests are Kristen Kavanaugh, Mike Randolph
Kristen Kavanaugh brings a wealth of real-world leadership experience shaped by roles that truly matter, from her time as Senior Director of Inclusion, Talent, and Learning at Tesla to her service as a Naval Academy graduate and veteran. As Founder and CEO of The Agency Initiative, Kristen focuses on helping leaders and organizations step up with courage, not just when it’s easy, but when the pressure is on and the stakes are high. She’s also served as Vice Chair for the Department of Defense’s first-ever Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, showing her commitment to building workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Mike Randolph is the Co-Founder and COO of The Agency Initiative and a strategic leader with expertise in operational effectiveness and holistic people development. Most recently, Mike held a senior position at YETI, leading and designing Talent Experience programs. Prior to that, he led the Talent Management and Leadership Development organizations at Tesla where he integrated courageous leadership practices into the people systems and programs that accelerated growth.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:05:17 - Understanding Fear in Leadership and Organizational Culture
00:07:04 - Fear-Based vs Courageous Leadership: Lessons from Tesla
00:10:05 - The Impact of Fear-Based Leadership on Organizations and Society
00:13:11 - The Normalization of Fear and Surveillance in the Workplace
00:15:53 - Leadership Examples Challenging Toxic Normalization
00:17:17 - The Business Case for Protecting Rights and Embracing Diversity
00:19:11 - Leading with Empathy during Crisis and Uncertainty
00:23:02 - The Agency Loop: Courage as the Fuel for Authentic Leadership
00:25:55 - Cultivating Agency, Authenticity, and Growth in Leadership
00:28:00 - Building Courage and Resilience in High-Speed Environments
00:31:00 - Listening to Understand: A Foundation for Authentic DEI Efforts
00:33:00 - Addressing Burnout and Learning Agility in Today’s Workforce
00:35:00 - Embracing Curiosity and Courage to Drive Inclusive Leadership
00:38:42 - The Importance of Diverse Leadership Reflecting Customer Needs
00:40:29 - Navigating Cultural Differences and Building Peace at Tesla
00:42:18 - Anchoring Leadership in a Shared Mission to Overcome Conflict
00:44:08 - Courageous Leadership Amid Fear and Toxicity in the Workplace
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Connect with Kristen Kavanaugh and Mike Randolph
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Follow on Instagram at @courageoverfearbook, @mikerandolph.official, and @kristenkavanaugh.official for updates and community engagement.
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Purchase the book at courageoverfearbook.com
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Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer
A World of Difference Podcast
