The Courage Effect

Hosted by Suzanne Weller - Weller Collaboration

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104

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The Courage Effect is a show about what becomes possible when you stop waiting to feel ready. Hosted by Suzanne Weller, it's honest conversation about the fear, risk, and uncertainty behind every meaningful step — and how courage gets lived, not just talked about. Because it isn't reserved for the dramatic moments. It's a reinvention and it's speaking up. It's challenging inequality and it's saying hello to a stranger. The big leaps and the small, daily acts both count — and both are where change happens. These are the stories that move us forward. Let's go.

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September 2, 2026Episode 9046 min

Jessie Swisher Spiers: Why Great Leaders Stop Trying to Look Like Leaders

#90: Suzanne Weller sits down with Jessie Swisher Spiers (Executive Director of Seattle Humane) to talk about leading lived inside a high-stakes, mission-driven organization. Jessie traces her leadership back to a service-oriented upbringing in West Virginia and a career in nonprofit fundraising, and gets candid about the cultural shifts she's driven at Seattle Humane, the emotional weight of animal welfare work, and why trust, self-compassion, and adaptability matter so much in both leadership and life. Key Topics: Seattle Humane's scale: nearly 100,000 pets and people served each year, almost a million meals through the pet food bank, over 10,000 surgeries, and more than 5,000 adoptions annually. Leadership as an ongoing practice, not a destination — compared to yoga and gardening, and the discipline of letting go of what no longer serves growth. Being underestimated as a young woman leader, criticism about how she dressed, and choosing authenticity over a narrow leadership mold. Why trust, self-compassion, and adaptability matter as much in life as in leadership. Connect with Jessie Swisher Spiers: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-swisher-spiers-533a695/ ➡️ Seattle Humane: https://www.seattlehumane.org Connect with The Courage Effect: ➡️ Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration ➡️ Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect ➡️ Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller ➡️ Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about If this conversation resonated, share it and leave a review on your podcast platform. That's how this show grows — one courageous conversation at a time.

August 19, 2026Episode 8945 min

Julie Averill: Why the Best Tech Leaders Put People Before AI

#89: Suzanne sits down with Julie Averill (author of Chief Impact Officer and founder of Gold Thread LLC), who spent nearly three decades in retail technology, most recently as Global CIO at lululemon, where she helped scale the company from $2 billion to over $10 billion. Julie started out as the only woman in her college computer science classes, and this episode traces what that cost her: a mask she didn't know she was wearing until a mentor stopped her mid-pitch and asked how she was going to get her team to follow her when nobody knew the real Julie. Julie makes the case that culture isn't a soft skill, it's infrastructure – and Julie shares why she believes AI makes human leadership more important, not less. Highlights: The mentor question that cracked her open: "Nobody knows the real Julie" Why she believes culture isn't a soft skill, it's infrastructure Why AI makes human leadership more important, not less Resources & Links: The Courage Effect #85 with Brent Robertson: Unpacking Courage, Blasphemy, and Organizational Narratives: https://youtu.be/9DdLZ_r-QJc?si=qM79MC97Ng1sF0nl Julie’s recent New York Times article “I Helped Run Lululemon. Companies Need to Stop Kidding Themselves About A.I.”: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/03/opinion/ai-hype-tech-layoffs.html LinkedIn post with the video documenting her son Ermias’ return to Ethiopia and reconnect with his biological family: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/julieaverill_ethiopia-adoption-family-activity-7421985912537907200-NLug?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAYHHoBt_VDu18iZffDR7GAWQMQkClXARw Connect with Julie Averill: ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieaverill/ ➡️Her book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GM1KT1V5?lv=shuf&bestFormat=true&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VN2CAYAH8JEG3FSP0NG7&channelId=704&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_VN2CAYAH8JEG3FSP0NG7&plpRedirect=mhFallback ➡️ Her company: www.goldthreadllc.com Connect with The Courage Effect: ➡️ Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration ➡️ Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect ➡️ Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller ➡️ Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about If this conversation resonated, share it and leave a review on your podcast platform. That's how this show grows — one courageous conversation at a time.

August 5, 2026Episode 8849 min

Shawn Vanderhoven: Tap the Pause

#88: Discover how slowing down can revolutionize your leadership approach and help your team excel amidst constant distractions. Shawn Vanderhoven shares his journey, insights from research, and practical tools to implement deliberate pauses for improved focus, impact, and well-being. He talks with Suzanne Weller about his book Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World (which he co-wrote with his wife Anne). In this episode: The moment that changed the direction of his work Why the highest-scoring leadership behaviors were all forms of "tapping the brakes" Permission to focus vs. sponsoring it Why environment — not personal productivity — decides whether deep work is possible Shawn is a Partner at The Wiseman Group, a collaborator on the NYT bestseller Multipliers, and co-host of Leadership Matters with Liz Wiseman. A question to sit with: Where are you unknowingly training your team to stay "always on"? Resources & Links: Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World: https://www.pausebook.co/ Leadership Matters Podcast : https://thewisemangroup.com/leadershipmatters/ Liz Wiseman's Multipliers research and book: https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/ Connect with Shawn Vanderhoven: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnvanderhoven/ ➡️ Website: https://www.pausebook.co/ ➡️ Book Shawn to speak : https://www.pausebook.co/keynotes Connect with The Courage Effect: ➡️ Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration ➡️ Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect ➡️ Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller ➡️ Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about If this conversation resonated, share it and leave a review on your podcast platform. That's how this show grows — one courageous conversation at a time.

July 22, 2026Episode 8738 min

Sharon K. Gillenwater: The Myth of the Flawless Founder

#87: Suzanne Weller talks with Sharon Gillenwater; a four-time founder navigating one of entrepreneurship's hardest moments: rebuilding from scratch after her previous company (Boardroom Insiders) was unexpectedly shut down following its sale. In this episode, she shares how she turned that setback into her current venture, ExecutiveIQ, an AI-driven platform helping go-to-market teams engage the C-suite. Sharon opens up about the emotional and practical realities of starting over - leaning on transparency with her team and customers, rejecting the myth of founder perfection, and choosing focus over funding to compete with larger, better-resourced rivals. She also makes the case for a different kind of startup culture: one that rejects toxic "996" grind norms in favor of trust, work-life balance, and sustainable growth. Drawing on lessons from storytelling and her outsider's perspective on the industry, Sharon offers a grounded take on what it really means to lead lived, and why long-term sustainability beats rapid scaling every time. Resources & Links: 🔹 Sharon’s book Scaling with Soul: How to Build a Tech Company Without Losing Humanity: https://www.sharonkgillenwater.com/scaling-with-soul-how-i-built-sold-a-25-million-company-without-being-an-asshole 🔹 Executive IQ platform: https://www.executive-iq.com/ Connect with Sharon K. Gillenwater: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkgillenwater/ ➡️ Website: https://www.sharonkgillenwater.com/ ➡️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharonkgillenwater Connect with The Courage Effect: ➡️ Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration ➡️ Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect ➡️ Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller

July 8, 2026Episode 8640 min

Emily Parkhurst: Men Ask Forgiveness, Women Ask Permission

#86: In this episode, Emily Parkhurst talks with Suzanne Weller about her inspiring journey from classical musician to Founder and CEO of Formidable Media, an organization dedicated to amplifying women's voices in media, leadership, and healthcare. Discover how she challenges industry norms and advocates for more inclusive, impactful storytelling. Main Topics: The origins and mission of Formidable in transforming media coverage of women’s issues Addressing women’s reluctance and misconceptions about media engagement Building a sustainable, multi-revenue model for a purpose-driven media company Leadership development through unconventional career paths and mentorship The importance of women sharing their health stories and advocating for themselves Connect with Emily Parkhurst: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyparkhurst1/ ➡️ Formidable: https://beformidable.com/ ➡️ Formidable Women’s Health Summit on October 30th, 2026: https://beformidable.com/p/new-event-brings-actionable-health-info-to-everyday-women Connect with The Courage Effect: ➡️ Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration ➡️ Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect ➡️ Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller ➡️ Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about If this conversation resonated, share it and leave a review on your podcast platform. That's how this show grows — one courageous conversation at a time.

June 24, 2026Episode 8550 min

Brent Robertson: Unpacking Courage, Blasphemy, and Organizational Narratives

#85: Suzanne Weller sits down with Brent Robertson, founder of Be Generative and TEDx speaker, for a conversation about courageous leadership, storytelling, and challenging the status quo. Brent shares why “blasphemy” is his word for what happens when someone questions the prevailing truth — and why that friction is often the start of real progress. He and Suzanne explore how leaders can create environments instead of just reacting to them, and why the stories people live inside shape their behavior, culture, and performance. A major theme of the episode is listening: not just to behavior, but to experience and narrative. Brent explains that if leaders want different results, they need to understand the deeper stories running through their organizations. They also discuss “love punches” — the hard truths that can help people grow when they’re shared with care and courage. If you’re interested in leadership, culture, and what it takes to break out of familiar patterns, this episode is for you. Key Themes: Challenging the status quo Storytelling and leadership Listening beyond behavior Culture and organizational change Courageous feedback Connect with Brent Robertson: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brentrobertson ➡️ BeGenerative: http://www.be-generative.com ➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/brentrobertson Connect with The Courage Effect: ➡️ Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration ➡️ Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect ➡️ Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller ➡️ Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about If this conversation resonated, share it and leave a review on your podcast platform. That's how this show grows — one courageous conversation at a time.

June 10, 2026Episode 8447 min

Kat Kibben: There's Always Another Way Out

#84: Discover how intentionality in creating your personal and professional environments can cultivate courage and lived leadership. In this episode, Kat Kibben talks with Suzanne Weller about their transformative journey into van life, insights on leading through uncertainty, and practical ways to build healthier, more resilient teams and communities. Main Topics: ➡️ How choosing discomfort fosters growth and courage ➡️ Challenging inherited rules from toxic workplace cultures ➡️ The power of quitting intentionally as a design tool ➡️ Building organizational resilience and emotional intelligence ➡️ The importance of asking for help and fostering curiosity Resources & Links: ➡️ The Bounce Back Factor book: https://threeearsmedia.com/the-bounce-back-factor-book/ ➡️ Kat Kibben’s Newsletter: https://katrinakibben.com/ ➡️ Three Ears Media: https://threeearsmedia.com/ Connect with Kat: ➡️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinakibben/ Connect with The Courage Effect: ➡️ Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration ➡️ Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect ➡️ Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller ➡️ Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about If this conversation resonated, share it and leave a review on your podcast platform. That's how this show grows — one courageous conversation at a time.

April 29, 20269 min

Season 2026 Teaser: It Starts With You

Think about the last environment you walked into — a meeting, a family dinner, a conversation with someone you manage or someone who manages you. Did you create that environment? Or did it just happen to you? Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about what we're in. What we don't always do — and what takes far more courage — is turn the lens around and ask: What am I creating? That's what the 2026 season of The Courage Effect is built around. The central idea: you don't just work in an environment. You create one. And most of the time, you're doing it unconsciously — replicating patterns from the systems that shaped you, even when those patterns aren't working. This season, we're asking three honest questions: When did you become aware of the system around you? When did you become aware of your impact on it? And what did you do about it? Coming this season: Kat Kibben, author of The Bounce Back Factor, who sold everything and ran their business from a van for three years — only to discover they'd been replicating broken leadership patterns all along. And Emily Parkhurst, who left her role as publisher and president of the Puget Sound Business Journal to found Formidable, a media company built specifically for women leaders that existing systems weren't seeing. Plus solo episodes, a live event in Seattle this summer, and livestreams where you can be part of the conversation in real time. The new season launches in June. Between now and then, sit with this: What environment are you creating — before you've even said a word? 📩 suzanneweller.substack.com | 🌐 wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect What are you walking into rooms and unconsciously building?

April 8, 202632 min

Listener Favorite with Fumbi Chima: Getting There is One Thing, Staying There is Another

What does it really take to be a woman at the top — not just to get there, but to stay? In this listener favorite, Suzanne Weller sits down with global technology executive Fumbi Chima for an honest conversation about directness, equity, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to stop shrinking your truth. Dr. Fumbi Chima is an executive coach at The ExCo Group and has held CIO and senior executive roles at Boeing Employees Credit Union, Adidas, Fox Networks Group, Burberry, Walmart, and American Express. She sits on the public company boards of Whitbread and WTW. Born in Nigeria and educated in England, she has spent nearly three decades at the intersection of business and technology — and taught herself to code along the way. Key takeaways: Getting to the top and staying there are two different challenges — and the second one doesn't get nearly enough airtime Curiosity (about other people, other cultures, other ways of thinking) is the foundation of a true global mindset Fumbi's Gen Z daughters pushed her to say what she actually meant. She listened. Moving from ten words to seven isn't about being blunt. It's about being honest enough to stop protecting people from the truth you're carrying. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to the theme of courage and growth (04:26) - Women at the top: Benefits and loneliness (06:11) - Challenges women face to stay in leadership roles (07:37) - The reality of diversity scorecards vs. genuine inclusion (12:28) - Fumbi’s childhood in Nigeria and England (15:05) - Self-teaching technology and building new skills (17:37) - The power of ambition and owning your career goals (20:22) - Confidently celebrating achievements and owning your voice (25:18) - Cultivating a global mindset through curiosity (33:37) - Ongoing learning in AI and data for future leadership (34:37) - Closing thoughts on embracing disruption and innovation Connect with Dr. Fumbi Chima on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fumbi-chima/ Connect with The Courage Effect: Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you: Leave a review on your podcast platform If this conversation resonated, share it. That's how this show grows — one courageous conversation at a time.

March 4, 202627 min

Listener Favorite with Dr. Jeremy Nobel: Crafting Connections in a Lonely World

In this episode, Suzanne Weller engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Jeremy Nobel about the complexities of loneliness. They explore the different types of loneliness (psychological, societal, and existential) and emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing these feelings. Dr. Nobel shares insights from his book, 'Project Unlonely,' and discusses how the arts can serve as a powerful tool in combating loneliness. The conversation highlights the need for human connection, the courage to express feelings of loneliness, and the role of creativity in fostering relationships and emotional well-being. About Dr. Jeremy Nobel: He’s a primary-care physician, public health practitioner, and award-winning poet with faculty appointments at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Harvard Medical School. He is the founder and president of The Foundation for Art & Healing, and author of the book Project Unlonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection. Takeaways: Loneliness is a universal experience that everyone faces. There are different types of loneliness: psychological, societal, and existential. Loneliness is not the same as being alone; it's a subjective feeling. Acknowledging loneliness requires courage and can foster connection. Loneliness can be a signal indicating a need for human connection. The pandemic has made conversations about loneliness more acceptable. Arts and creativity can help combat feelings of loneliness. Recognizing the signs of chronic loneliness is crucial for mental health. Sound Bites: "Loneliness is a universal experience that everyone faces." "Vulnerability is essential for authentic connections." "Arts and creativity can help combat feelings of loneliness." Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Loneliness: A Human Experience 13:04 The Role of Arts in Combating Loneliness Connect with Dr. Nobel: Website: https://jeremynobel.com/ The Foundation for Art & Healing: https://www.artandhealing.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_-GxBhC1ARIsADGgDjscusqh0TIxqNq2gTDMnNRzKr9zyELmGhveSCPokdnWF0GmsOEomHoaAqFWEALw_wcB Read his book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647051/project-unlonely-by-jeremy-nobel-md-mph/ Connect with The Courage Effect: Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about Support the Show: If this episode resonated with you: Leave a review on your podcast platform Share this episode with someone who would benefit from Dr. Nobel’s story