Fear doesn't have to be eliminated or conquered. Instead, we can befriend it, stay curious about its messages, and move forward with purpose alongside it, rather than waiting for it to disappear before taking action.

Liz Hall is a journalist, coach, mindfulness teacher, and editor of Coaching at Work magazine for the past 20 years. She is a recognised thought leader in psychological safety, race equity in coaching, and the climate emergency, and has pioneered the integration of mindfulness into coaching practice. She initiated Climate Coaching Action Day in 2020 and established the Round Table for Race Equity and Coaching, bringing together professional bodies to advance equity in the field.

This episode will help you

• Understand how connecting with your deeper purpose can help you move forward alongside fear rather than waiting for it to disappear.
• Discover practical ways to befriend your inner critic and develop self-compassion as a renewable resource rather than a depleting one.
• Learn specific mindfulness practices you can use to stay present and grounded when navigating difficult conversations or systemic change.

Resources

• Connect with Liz via LinkedIn
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

Highlights

• [00:05:06] Finding purpose
• [00:09:42] The future of coaching
• [00:12:37] Compassion in coaching
• [00:22:59] Leading a conscious life
• [00:28:21] Relational mindfulness
• [00:34:41] Befriending fear
• [00:39:41] What Fearless Forward means to Liz
• [00:40:12] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Embracing our wholeness – including our fears, grief, and uncertainty – while staying connected to what brings us alive can lead us to unexpected renewal and purpose, even in the darkest moments.

Bruce Cryer is a multifaceted professional with a career spanning creativity, science, leadership, and wellness. He’s the former CEO of HeartMath, a research-based organisation focused on stress management and heart-brain coherence, where he led for 11 years and taught courses on wellbeing and leadership at Stanford University.

Before his work with HeartMath, Bruce trained at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and had a professional performing career in New York. After facing serious health challenges in 2009, he returned to his creative roots in singing, dancing, and photography.

This episode will help you

• Understand how heart coherence – a scientifically validated state of physiological alignment – can reduce stress, improve decision-making, and create more resilient leadership in high-pressure environments
• Learn practical approaches for navigating major life transitions and health crises by staying connected to what truly matters, rather than being paralysed by fear or uncertainty
• Discover how integrating creative expression and emotional authenticity into professional life can unlock new possibilities and prevent burnout, even after decades in demanding roles

Resources

• Connect with Bruce via LinkedIn
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

Highlights

• [00:10:20] Physiological coherence
• [00:16:45] Bringing data to personal development
• [00:19:06] "Will I ever dance again?"
• [00:29:28] A voice that needs to be heard
• [00:36:16] "Just love the people"
• [00:42:58] A new direction
• [00:46:01] What Fearless Forward means to Bruce
• [00:48:50] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

The behaviours and strategies that bring us success may not be the same ones that lead to fulfilment. Pausing to listen to our fears, rather than constantly outrunning them through action, can reveal what truly matters and guide us towards more meaningful leadership and life choices.

Peter Whealy is a learning and development professional with nearly 30 years of experience working in various learning consultancies. He joined one of the big four consultancies in 2014, where his work took him from London to San Francisco, and finally to Geneva, supporting clients with learning strategy, workforce transformation projects, and leadership development.

He has recently published a book which offers a framework for leaders and organisations to navigate AI adoption while maintaining a people-first approach. His work focuses on ensuring AI is used to amplify human talent rather than simply as an efficiency and cost-cutting tool.

This episode will help you

• Understand how pausing to listen to fear can lead to greater clarity and fulfilment in leadership
• Learn why centring human connection and purpose creates better long-term business outcomes
• Discover a practical framework for evolving your leadership identity from providing answers to asking better questions

Highlights

• [00:07:28] From lying in a hospital bed to running a tiathlon
• [00:10:55] A moment of pause in the mountains
• [00:15:30] "Lead with AI, stay human"
• [00:18:40] Strengthen, Partner, Amplify, Reshape
• [00:23:09] What humans need to create change
• [00:27:39] Navigating difficult choices posed by the emergence of AI
• [00:33:40] The biggest challenges faced by leaders today
• [00:38:24] What Fearless Forward means to Peter
• [00:40:12] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Connect with Peter via LinkedIn
• Lead with AI. Stay Human – Peter’s book
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn