Ever felt that pit in your stomach when you want to speak up at work but fear holds you back? You’re not alone. In this chat, two leaders who’ve been in the trenches at Tesla share what it really takes to lead with courage in times of uncertainty—and why fear, while common, doesn’t have to run the show. Kristen Kavanaugh and Mike Randolph pull back the curtain on how fear shows up in leadership and how courage isn’t some grand heroic act but a series of small, value-driven choices every day. They dive into real stories from a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and unpack their “agency loop” framework—helping you recognize moments of discomfort, tap into your values, and make bold decisions that align with who you truly are. You’ll hear why emotional intelligence and respectful communication are essential for creating people-first cultures, and why diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords but business essentials that fuel innovation. Plus, they tackle the tricky stuff—politics, social pressures, and workplace toxicity—and offer practical steps to move forward without losing your humanity. If you’re looking for fresh ways to overcome fear, foster courageous leadership, and build workplaces where everyone can thrive, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Jump in to learn how to lean into courage, embrace curiosity, and create a culture that’s not just surviving but thriving—no matter the challenges. Got a story about a time you chose courage over fear? Drop it in the comments and let’s keep this conversation going. And if this episode hit home, share it with someone who might need that extra nudge today. Want more? We’ve got a bonus episode with behind-the-scenes Tesla leadership stories waiting for you over on Patreon. Head to patreon.com/worldofdifference to join the community and dive deeper. Catch Kristen and Mike on LinkedIn and Instagram (@KristenKavanaughOfficial and @MikeRandolphOfficial), and grab their book at courageover
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover how cultivating courage in the workplace can unlock bold decisions that drive real growth and innovation.
Learn strategies to overcome fear in leadership that empower you to lead with confidence and authenticity.
Build people-first cultures that inspire loyalty, boost morale, and create teams ready to tackle any challenge.
Embrace the importance of diversity and inclusion as a powerful driver of business success and competitive advantage.
Master emotional intelligence and respectful communication to transform workplace relationships and fuel collaboration.
My special guest is 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.
MICHAEL RANDOLPH is the cofounder and COO of The Agency Initiative,
where he helps leaders step into their agency and build values-driven
organizations. Previously, Mike led talent experience at YETI and shaped
leadership development and talent management at Tesla. With over a
decade of experience coaching senior leaders, he specializes in building
resilient, people-centered cultures that thrive in uncertainty.
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
