Conquer Local 623: Speaking Up & Leadership
- Jeff : Tell me about a courageous conversation you led.
- Jorge: I had to tell my new boss that his actions were undermining me with my team. It was uncomfortable, but that courageous conversation helped build trust and re-establish my leadership. Courage means saying the hard thing now; leaving it unsaid holds you back for years.
- Jeff : What was the outcome of speaking up to your new boss?
- Jorge: I told him directly, “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say.” I was afraid of offending him, but that courage changed our relationship. The confidence followed — not the other way around. Confidence is the reward for taking action when it feels hardest.
Coaching for Leaders 611: The Power of Courage in Leadership
- Dave : Confidence is what many of us want, but courage is the starting point. Did you find that to be true?
- Jorge: Absolutely. I felt dread and fear every time I had to stretch myself, but those were signs I was growing. Courage meant doing it anyway — reaching out, leading meetings, and engaging with senior leaders. And over time, the confidence followed.
- Dave : How did the Academy influence your career move?
- Jorge: Halfway through the Academy, I realized I’d been preparing for a role without even knowing it. Certifications, mentoring, and an MBA — it all came together when I interviewed and was able to articulate my impact clearly.
Equipping Leaders #74 – Leader Development
- Natasha : Why Toastmasters?
- Jorge: I joined Toastmasters not to become a better speaker, but to develop my “social game”. As an introvert, I prefer one-on-one interactions, but Toastmasters has forced me to practice in larger groups. Consistent practice in Toastmasters helped me be a better leader.
- Natasha : Was there a turning point?
- Jorge: Yes. About ten years ago, during a performance review, my boss said, “The reason you’re not being promoted isn’t your coworkers — it’s you.” I was furious. But later I realized he was right. That moment pushed me to lead myself first. It set me on a journey of transformation: Toastmasters, project management, an MBA, a move, and promotion into a digital transformation role.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODES
Conquer Local Podcast 623: Lifelong Learning and Leadership
Coaching for Leaders podcast 611: The Power of Courage in Leadership Growth
Coaching for Leaders podcast 611: The Power of Courage in Leadership Growth
I share my journey of career growth and transformation — from aligning local and global initiatives to using humor to foster collaboration, and how courageous conversations shaped my leadership.
Coaching for Leaders podcast 611: The Power of Courage in Leadership Growth
Coaching for Leaders podcast 611: The Power of Courage in Leadership Growth
Coaching for Leaders podcast 611: The Power of Courage in Leadership Growth
I discuss how I utilized the Coaching for Leaders Academy to help move my career forward, and the critical role of courage for leadership growth.
Equipping Leaders #74 – Courageous Conversations and Leading Yourself First
Coaching for Leaders podcast 611: The Power of Courage in Leadership Growth
Equipping Leaders #74 – Courageous Conversations and Leading Yourself First
I share my experiences on finding leadership mid-career, courageous conversations, accountability in leadership development groups, and ongoing leader development.
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