Learn how to be braver in leadership and in life for exceptional results with Master Certified Executive Coach, Best Selling Author, and Certified Speaking Professional, Nicole M. Bianchi. Small Brave Moves is a podcast for mid-level to c-suite leaders who own their growth and development, know there is always room for improvement, and are ready to start making the Small Brave Moves to achieve their goals, unlock their full potential, and lead with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.
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How Negative Self Talk is Sabotaging Your Credibility as a Leader
6:29
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6:29In 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 a…
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Executive Health Lessons Every Leader Needs with Julie Griffin
24:27
24:27
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24:27In 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 i…
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Alan Utley on Fanatical Grace: The Leadership Shift That Detoxifies Workplaces
26:19
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26:19In 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…
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Butterfly Moments: The Power of Micro-Transformation in How You Lead
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6:08In 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…
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Why Great Leaders Embrace Conflict, Not Avoid It
6:14
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6:14In 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 refram…
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How to Work with Toxic People: What Brave Leaders Do Differently
8:19
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8:19In 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 …
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Leading Through AI Disruption with Trent Gillespie
17:06
17:06
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17:06Are 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 sh…
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Why Every Leader Needs a Clear Leadership Philosophy (and How to Write Yours)
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6:23If 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: …
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The Secret to Sustainable Leadership: How to Set Boundaries at Work as an Executive Leader
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8:30In 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 …
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How to Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks: The Power of Positive Self-Talk with Cam F. Awesome
34:11
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34:11In 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 extraordi…
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Embracing Uncertainty: How Brave Leaders Navigate the Unknown
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5:51
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5:51Uncertainty 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-tr…
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Hope-Driven Leadership: How to Inspire Resilience and Navigate Challenges
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6:08Brave 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 sh…
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Leading Through the Darkness: Mental Health, Nature, & Lessons From a 2,000 Mile Hike with Jesse Cody
31:32
31:32
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31:32Leadership 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, …
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How Toxic Workplaces Led 2 HR Executives to Become Leadership + Culture Coaches with Lindsay White
29:41
29:41
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29:41In 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 lea…
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Active Listening Is Your Leadership Superpower with Heather Younger
24:17
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24:17Most leaders think they’re great listeners—until they realize they’re missing the most critical step. In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, I am joined by leadership expert Heather Younger to break down the 5-step framework for active listening that transforms team trust, communication, and engagement. Heather shares why active listenin…
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How Curiosity Drives Innovation and Growth in Leadership
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7:20In 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 hi…
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How to Fire Someone with Compassion and Integrity Featuring Mark Hunter The Sales Hunter
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29:17
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29:17What 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 …
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The Power of Intentional Leadership: How to Stop Running on Autopilot and Take Control of Your Growth
10:25
10:25
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10:25In 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…
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How Being There for Others Makes You a Better Leader
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5:53
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5:53In 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 uncove…
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Leaning on Your Circle: The Power of Swim Buddies in Leadership and Life
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8:32
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8:32In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the transformative power of leaning on your circle as a leader. Brave leadership isn’t a solo act—it thrives in connection, trust, and collaboration. Through personal stories, like a pivotal conversation on a corporate jet and lessons from my daughter’s “A-Team,” we’ll uncover the importa…
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The Art of Failure: How High Performing Leaders Turn Failure into Growth and Success
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8:19
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8:19In 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…
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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:…
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Alignment is the Greatest Gift of All - Happy Holidays
3:22
3:22
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3:22In 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 loo…
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Phillip James on Leading with Integrity, Straight Talk, and the Power of 'How We Work'
22:13
22:13
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22:13In 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 chal…
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Why Leaders Need to Protect Their Energy During Tough Talks
10:24
10:24
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10:24In 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 strate…
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How to Prepare for Tough Talks in Leadership
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9:53
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9:53In 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 h…
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Leading with Trust and Truth: Chris Dill on Building Authentic Connections in Leadership for Big Results
33:27
33:27
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33:27In 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 gen…
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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)
9:40
9:40
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9:40In 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 …
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Being Better: What To Do When Someone On Your Team Isn’t Showing Up as Their Best Self (Five Tough Talks)
8:11
8:11
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8:11In 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,…
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What’s Going On?: Exploring Shifts in Employee Behavior, Performance, or Relationships (Five Tough Talks)
9:36
9:36
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9:36In 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…
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How to Ask for Help, Permission, or Acknowledgement as a Leader (Five Tough Talks)
12:36
12:36
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12:36When was the last time you asked for something important—help with a project, recognition for your work, or time off? Asking can be daunting, but it's a powerful leadership skill. In this episode, I share a personal story about advocating for a salary adjustment and introduces the BRAVE framework (Background, Research, Advocate, Voice, End with Act…
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How We Work: Setting the Rules, Routines, & Rhythms for Team Alignment (Five Tough Talks)
11:15
11:15
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11:15In 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 in…
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Joe Thornton on Driving Growth and Challenging Mediocrity in Leadership
29:53
29:53
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29:53In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, I sit down with Joe Thornton, a powerhouse CEO, entrepreneur, and author with 40 years of experience in retail, executive management, and human resources. Joe shares his journey of leading growth at Scooters Coffee, now with over 800 locations across the U.S., and the small brave moves that shaped h…
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Introducing the Five Tough Talks Online Certification Program
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9:14
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9:14In 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…
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The Five Tough Talks All Leaders Need to Master for Highly Aligned and High Performing Teams
11:42
11:42
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11:42In 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 to…
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Live Into Your C-Game with Scott Schultz + Earning Our CSP Designation Live From NSA Influence 2024
15:55
15:55
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15:55In 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 …
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Renee Warren on Brave Moves, Authenticity, and The Power of Saying No
22:49
22:49
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22:49In 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 …
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9/11: Stories of Bravery Dedicated to Todd Beamer & Joe Bianchi
7:28
7:28
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7:28In 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 perso…
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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 …
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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 leadersh…
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Small Brave Moves are the Key to Life-Changing Leadership
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7:47
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7:47In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we redefine what it means to be brave in leadership. Forget superheroes—true bravery is about the small, intentional moves we make every day. We discuss the concept of "Bravership," explore how to lead with authenticity, and introduce the nine key mindsets of brave leaders. Plus, learn how to create…
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Trailer: Small Brave Moves - How to Be Braver in Leadership and in Life
4:18
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4:18I know you're struggling with dysfunction, misunderstanding, lack of clarity, and inconsistent results on your team. But you don't have to do it alone. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and this is it. Welcome to the Small Brave Moves podcast. If you’re a mid-level to C-suite leader who knows there is always room for improvement, owns your…
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