In this episode of Amazing Authorities, host Mitch Carson speaks with Kate Lowry — executive coach for mission-driven startup CEOs, former Fortune 500 strategist, leadership psychology expert, and author of the upcoming book Unbreakable: How to Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders.
Kate breaks down the rise of fear-based leadership across industries, why 70% of leaders now use fear as their primary management tool, and how this trend is damaging innovation, creativity, and long-term growth inside organizations.

She also explores why mission-driven CEOs are struggling more than ever with regulatory turbulence, VC board pressure, economic instability, and rising emotional demands — and how leaders can stay resilient rather than collapse under fear-driven environments.

Kate reveals the psychological patterns behind fear-based leaders, how employees can protect their emotional agency, and why strengths-based leadership (as practiced by Patagonia and Southwest Airlines) consistently outperforms fear-driven cultures.
She also gives an inside look at her new book, launching October 28th, which offers practical tools for navigating and outsmarting fear-based leaders at work and in society.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why 70% of today’s leaders use fear — and how it destroys innovation and suppresses employee potential

• The predictable behavior patterns of fear-based leaders and how to protect yourself

• How strengths-based leadership drives trust, revenue, and long-term stability

• The unique challenges mission-driven startup CEOs face in today’s volatile environment

• How VC board dynamics create pressure, surveillance, and CEO vulnerability

• What Kate reveals in Unbreakable — actionable tools to stay grounded and resilient under controlling leaders

• Why fear-based leadership reflects broader political and societal trends

• How to strengthen emotional maturity to navigate chaotic leadership styles

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