What does it actually mean to have courage in a world where taking risks can come with real consequences? What happens when the work you're doing to build a better future starts costing you your own well-being, freedom, or sense of self? In this episode of the Women Changing the World podcast, Lis Best talks with Michelle MiJung Kim, founder and CEO of The Courage Studio, award-winning author of The Wake Up, and producer and host of I Feel That Way Too, about collective courage, social justice, values alignment, burnout, entrepreneurship, AI, and creating the conditions for meaningful change. Michelle explores what courage actually means, and why creating the conditions for courage matters so much more than simply inviting people to “be courageous.” Michelle shares how losing 90% of her income after speaking out on Palestine, walking away from her successful company, and rebuilding a deliberately small business has changed her relationship with stability, freedom, and self-worth. They also explore how to approach AI through personal values and non-negotiables, rather than fear, shame, or feeling behind. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or on your favorite podcast platform. Episode Outline: [00:04:14] Michelle’s journey from youth activism, management consulting, and tech to social entrepreneurship, and the tension between stability, freedom, and living your values. [00:08:32] Rethinking stability: moving from external financial security toward internal self-trust and the belief that you can navigate uncertainty. [00:11:56] What courage really is, why individual bravery isn't enough, and how we can create the conditions for collective courage. [00:18:26] What it means to dismantle the systems we participate in, and why meaningful change can require us to examine what we benefit from. [00:24:06] When being useful becomes tied to your sense of worth, and what Michelle learned from burnout, entrepreneurship, and choosing herself. [00:35:07] Michelle’s two-month trip to Korea, making space for uncertainty, rest, identity, and homecoming. [00:37:44] AI and social justice: how to move beyond “use AI or fall behind” and make intentional choices based on your values and non-negotiables. [00:46:53] Why Michelle created I Feel That Way Too as another way to create space for collective courage and make difficult questions feel less lonely. Connect with Us: Lis Best's website Learn more about the Girls Club Collective Connect with Girls Club Collective and Lis Best on LinkedIn Join the next GCC Community Power Hour Inquire about coaching with Lis Connect with Michelle MiJung Kim: Learn more about Michelle MiJung Kim on her website Sign up for her newsletter Connect with Michelle MiJung Kim on LinkedIn Listen to the I Feel That Way Too podcast Read The Wake Up: Closing the Gap between Good Intentions and Real Change This episode was post-produced and edited by Yanina Mora. The intro and outro music was created and produced by Daniel Mark. About Lis: Lis Best is an executive coach for impact leaders, founder of the Girls Club Collective, and host of the Women Changing the World podcast. Since launching her business in 2020, Lis has helped hundreds of leaders navigate ESG and sustainability careers, launch heart-centered businesses, and become more effective change agents.
