One year ago, we started the podcast with one big question: What would change if more leaders spoke honestly and bravely at work?

In this special anniversary episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments and takeaways from the past 12 episodes. If you’re new here, this is the perfect introduction. And if you’ve been with us from the beginning, it’s a chance to reflect on the ideas and insights that still resonate.

We share why we launched the podcast, how important it is to find the yin to your yang, and why we deliberately focus on practicing candor and courage at work, where the stakes are higher, but the impact can be greater.

Thank you for being on this journey with us. We’re just getting started!

Learn more at candorandcourageatwork.com & connect with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hr-habitude

When the wrong words could cost you trust, credibility, or even your job… how do you speak up anyway?

In this episode, we explore High Stakes Candor, what it means to prioritize the other person’s success over your temporary discomfort, and why that mindset is essential when the stakes are high. Plus, Denise shares about the time she had to decide whether to live up to her reputation for candor or to be “nice” to her boss.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize “coasting” in high-value relationships, avoid the silent avoidance trap most leaders fall into, and calibrate how much candor is the right amount.

Learn more at candorandcourageatwork.com & connect with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hr-habitude

Courageous leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions.

In this episode, we explore what courage looks like in practice: creating psychological safety, supporting career development for your employees, and following through on what you say you’ll do (even if it means calling every two weeks for ten months).

You’ll learn why psychological safety is non-negotiable, how to see your team members’ goals through their lens (not yours), what courageous perseverance really looks like in action, and how to set one specific goal that you WILL follow through on this week.

Resources Mentioned:

• Three Keys of Execution
• Everyone Can Lead
• Blaze Performance
• Get Clear Living

About the Guest:

Kent Vaughn is the CEO & Co-Founder of Blaze Performance and Co-Founder of Get Clear Living. Before launching his own companies, he held leadership roles at Kimberly-Clark and Franklin Covey, where he worked closely with executive teams to improve strategy and execution. Over the past 30 years, Kent has partnered with hundreds of organizations to strengthen operational leadership, boost employee engagement, and drive organizational performance. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/kent-vaughn-a75a795).

Learn more at candorandcourageatwork.com & connect with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hr-habitude