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

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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.

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🎤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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When 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 Action) to help you make effective "asks" with confidence and clarity.

Learn how to overcome the discomfort of asking for help, permission, or acknowledgment, and take that first small, brave step toward advocating for yourself.

🎧 Listen now and start making the asks that lead to growth!

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🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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🗣️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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In 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 into the importance of establishing rules, routines, and rhythms for aligned, high-performing teams and discuss practical steps to implement them.

Whether you're leading a corporate team or navigating personal relationships, these conversations are essential to fostering trust, collaboration, and exceptional results.

Tune in for actionable insights on how to lead your team—and your life—with clarity and confidence.

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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🗣️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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In 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 his impressive career. We explore his leadership philosophy, the power of making bold asks, and the pivotal moments that transformed his career. Joe also dives into the importance of building strong teams, embracing tough conversations, and fostering authentic connections.

Tune in to learn practical insights on how to drive growth, lead with intention, and challenge mediocrity in your leadership journey.

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Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
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🗣️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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In 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 team expectations to navigating tough departures. Learn how to boost team alignment, resolve conflicts, and unlock your team's full potential. Tune in to discover how this program can elevate your communication, culture, and performance, and why it’s the ultimate tool for creating exceptional results on your leadership 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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In 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 tough talks every leader must master. Learn how to transform these tough conversations into brave, productive ones that build stronger relationships and drive exceptional results. Tune in for practical strategies on preparing, practicing, and processing tough talks, and gain the confidence to handle them with clarity and courage.

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

Find me👇
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Facebook