Have you ever worried that if you’re honest about your struggles, your team will lose respect for you? Many leaders default to fear and control to protect authority but that approach actually kills creativity and trust.

On this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson shows why being “safe” doesn’t mean being weak. True safety creates environments where teams can take risks, tell the truth, and do their best work. Skill may get you in the room, but character is what keeps you there.

This week J.J. is joined by Blaine Hogan — a creative director and storyteller who has worked with Nike, LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more. Blaine shares how panic attacks, failure, and rebuilding character shaped his leadership and why honesty and vulnerability became the very tools that made him stronger. His story shows you how to stop leading from fear, build the kind of trust that fuels creativity, and turn personal setbacks into the credibility your team needs to follow you.

You’ll take away: -Why “safe” doesn’t mean “soft” and how safety drives performance -How fear-based leadership destroys creativity and trust -Why character outlasts skill in every leadership role -How honesty and vulnerability strengthen your authority -Practical ways to build teams that take risks and deliver results

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify

When you stop leading from fear and start leading with courage and character, you’ll create the kind of culture where people and performance can truly thrive. That’s the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

If your business is just delivering “good service,” you may already be forgettable. Customers don’t talk about good — they remember extraordinary. Those are the moments that earn loyalty, spark word-of-mouth, and make your business unforgettable. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson unpacks lessons from Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality — the philosophy that turned 11 Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world. For J.J., this isn’t just about restaurants; it’s about how leaders in any industry can pair ambition with heart to create experiences people never forget. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: -Why “good service” is black and white, but true hospitality is in color -How small, intentional gestures create lasting loyalty -The three pillars of unreasonable hospitality: connection, generosity, and systems -Why hospitality is the ultimate competitive advantage in today’s world -Practical ways leaders can surprise, delight, and create impact people never forget Unreasonable hospitality isn’t about grand gestures or massive budgets. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and systematizing moments of care that make people feel seen and valued. When you lead this way, you don’t just stand out — you create a culture where both your team and your customers thrive. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify Start creating the kind of unforgettable moments that win loyalty, spark growth, and redefine what leadership looks like. That’s the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

If you confuse, you lose. It’s the single biggest mistake leaders and businesses make — and it’s costing them influence, connection, and growth. In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson breaks down the StoryBrand framework and shows why story is the most powerful tool for capturing attention and driving action. Most leaders put themselves at the center of the story, but your customers don’t need another hero — they need a guide. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: -Why customers always want to be the hero — and how to step into the guide role -How “if you confuse, you lose” explains why most leaders fail to inspire action -The 7 elements of a clear and compelling story (and how to apply them in leadership & marketing -How clarity in communication builds trust, motivates teams, and drives result -Practical steps to start using StoryBrand today to lead with impact Through stories and lessons pulled directly from his work with leaders worldwide, J.J. shows how shifting from hero to guide changes everything — for your business, your team, and the people you serve. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify It’s time to stop confusing your audience — and start leading with the clarity, confidence, and compassion of a true Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com