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What if the path to career success and personal fulfillment requires embracing fear rather than avoiding it? Jill Schulman, Marine Corps veteran and author of "The Bravery Effect," reveals a transformative understanding of bravery that challenges conventional wisdom.

Forget everything you thought you knew about courage. Schulman defines bravery as "taking voluntary action in the presence of fear toward a worthwhile goal" - a skill anyone can develop with practice. Through compelling insights drawn from military experience and positive psychology research, she illustrates how workplace fears of rejection, failure, and uncertainty create a devastating compound effect when we consistently choose to step back rather than forward.

The conversation delves into practical strategies for building your "bravery muscle," including visualization techniques that leverage the fear of regret and tools for navigating difficult conversations with authority figures. Schulman's POISE model (Purpose, Observed behavior, Impact, Seek understanding, Enact plan) provides a framework for speaking truth to power while minimizing potential negative consequences.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Schulman reveals how true bravery involves vulnerability - admitting when you need help, actively seeking feedback, and creating what she calls a "brave tribe" around you. The Marine Corps phrase "embrace the suck" encapsulates her central message: discomfort isn't something to avoid but rather the essential ingredient for growth and achievement.

Whether you're hesitant to share ideas in meetings, reluctant to pursue a promotion, or struggling to create a team environment where candor thrives, this episode offers evidence-based approaches to transform fear from an obstacle into a catalyst for meaningful change. What would your future self advise you to do with the opportunities before you today?

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And don't forget to check out our previous episodes for more tips and strategies to boost your workplace happiness. You can find them on your favorite podcast platform or on our website.

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Stay inspired, stay motivated, and stay happy at work!