In this second episode of Work Renaissance, I sit down with Dr. J.J. Peterson to unpack what it really means to lead like a guide instead of a hero. We talk about the stories leaders tell themselves, the scars they carry, and how those unprocessed wounds can turn them into accidental villains at work. J.J. walks me through the StoryBrand lens of hero, villain, victim, and guide, and we explore what it looks like to build teams where empathy and authority live side by side instead of competing with each other. We dig into vulnerability that helps versus vulnerability that quietly drains your team, how to hold your ground without becoming a people pleaser, and why some of the hardest professional “no’s” end up being gifts in disguise. If you’ve ever felt the tension between being ambitious and being kind, this episode will give you language, stories, and a new way to see your role as a leader. Welcome back to Work Renaissance. KeywordsWork Renaissance, leadership, work reform, StoryBrand, guide vs hero, workplace culture, internal marketing, communication, vulnerability, empathy, authority, Badass Softie, Darby Days, creativity, empowerment, diversity, equity, inclusion Chapters 00:00 Meeting Dr. J.J. Peterson and how we became instant “you too” friends 05:02 From improv comedy and the spotlight to raising a new generation of leaders 11:40 Hero, villain, victim, guide - using story to understand your role at work 18:55 How to show up as the guide with empathy and authority 26:30 Borrowed authority, owning your lane, and standing in your expertise 33:12 Vulnerability that helps vs vulnerability that quietly drains the room 40:48 Handling resistance, traditional leaders, and building real consensus 48:20 Meaning at work - redemption, something bigger than you, and true community 55:10 Letting people go, hearing no, and refusing to stay the victim 1:02:30 People pleasing vs guiding and where to find more of J.J. About Dr. J.J. Peterson Dr. J.J. Peterson is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Vanderbilt professor, and host of the Badass Softie podcast. As former Head of StoryBrand, he has helped businesses like Microsoft, Certified Angus Beef, Tempur Sealy, and other marquee global brands cut through the noise with clear, compelling communication. 🔥 Connect with Dr. J.J. Peterson:Work with J.J. → https://www.drjjpeterson.com/ 🎧 Listen to Badass Softie:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-softie/id1838054087Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6K4hQFIksalb6ZNtwPaWUR?si=c583d259c58d4540YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BadassSoftie 🎙️ Work Renaissance Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/workrenaissance/ ⏯️Work Renaissance YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@work-renaissance ☀️ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darbydays.co/?hl=en