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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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.

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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.

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🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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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.

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🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
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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.

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🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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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.

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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.

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🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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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.

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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