Episode 09 - The Courage Gap with Dr Margie Warrell
The Courage Gap with Dr Margie Warrell
What if the single biggest barrier to courageous leadership isn’t fear – but the stories we tell ourselves about it?
In this powerful episode of The Influence Gap, Bernadette McClelland sits down with bestselling author and behavioural science expert Dr. Margie Warrell to unpack why courage – not strategy or smarts – is the key to breakthrough results in business, sales leadership, and life.
Tune in for eye-opening insights into the real cost of avoiding tough conversations, how to transform fear into fuel for action, and why vulnerability in leadership is actually a sign of strength – not weakness. Dr. Margie Warrell also shares practical steps from her book “The Courage Gap,” explores why embracing discomfort accelerates growth, and reveals how shifting your internal story is essential for true impact. This episode is packed with actionable wisdom for anyone ready to lead with more authenticity, bravery, and influence.
Key Takeaways
- The biggest barrier to courageous leadership is often the story we tell ourselves about fear.
- Avoiding hard conversations has a real cost to trust, teams and results.
- Vulnerability in leadership is a strength, not a weakness.
- Discomfort accelerates growth, and there are five practical steps to braver action.
Episode Overview
[00:00] Introduction and guest welcome
[02:23] The Courage Gap: Why courage matters
[03:36] The gap between knowing and doing
[04:16] Identity, uncertainty, and leadership behaviors
[07:36] Sales leadership pitfalls and team trust
[10:56] Inner mastery and family business challenges
[13:50] Speaking truth to power and managing risk
[16:43] The value and timing of difficult conversations
[19:42] Respect, vulnerability, and honesty
[22:46] Handling challenging personalities
[25:34] Five steps to braver action
[26:22] Challenging your limiting stories
[28:12] Identity protection and growth
[29:54] Choosing vulnerability as a leader
[32:05] Humanity, humility, and connection
[34:28] Leading through uncertainty and values
[35:07] Collaboration in uncertain times
[36:54] Book details and rapid fire wrap-up
[37:48] Final thoughts on influence and leadership