The Courage of a Leader

Amy Riley
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This is where top leaders tell real stories about achieving extraordinary results and share practical advice and techniques you can immediately apply for your own success. This is where you will get inspired and take bold, courageous action. Host of The Courage of a Leader™, Amy Riley is a renowned keynote speaker, #1 international best-selling author and sought-after leadership consultant who has been transforming leaders – at all levels – for more than 2 decades. Guests on The Courage of a Leader™ are powerful, successful leaders who are passionate about authentic, engaging, difference-making leadership. Amy gets beyond the theory and dives deep with her guests about how things really work, so you walk away with tangible ideas to grow your influence, inspire your team, and get extraordinary results. Join us to step into the full power of your leadership and achieve what you care about most. Here’s where you’ll ignite The Courage of a Leader! To apply for the show or to book Amy Riley as a guest or keynote speaker, visit The Courage of a Leader website at www.courageofaleader.com.

  1. Emotional Truths at Work: Anger, Grief, and What We’re Not Supposed to Say

    10H AGO

    Emotional Truths at Work: Anger, Grief, and What We’re Not Supposed to Say

    Leadership often asks us to be steady, composed, and productive, even when real emotions are moving underneath. This is an UNFILTERED compilation, in which we bring together some of the most powerful, raw and unfiltered moments from our UNFILTERED series. Across these episodes my co-host Daphna Horowitz and I very intentionally work to slow down and speak honestly about emotional truth at work. Anger. Grief. Presence. These are emotions many of us were taught to hide, especially in professional spaces. Not because they are wrong, but because they can feel inconvenient or uncomfortable. We explore anger as information that points to values, boundaries, and care. We talk about grief as something that does not end when leave ends, and why silence can feel more painful than acknowledgment. We also look at presence, because allowing emotional truth requires the willingness to stay instead of rushing past what feels hard. This is not about fixing emotions or performing leadership the right way. It is about noticing what is real, naming it with care, and choosing intention over reflex. You do not need to have all the answers. You only need the courage to stay with what is true. Key Takeaways: 02:43 – Anger as Information – Greater understanding of how anger often signals passion, values, and boundaries rather than something to suppress or feel ashamed of. 09:12 – Gender, Anger, and Perceived Competence – Clearer understanding of how cultural double standards shape whose anger is accepted, whose is questioned, and how this impacts leadership expression and self-trust. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your Fire is Trying to Tell You at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-anger-and-what-your-fire-is-trying-to-tell-you/ 15:36 – Naming Grief Creates Connection – Clearer understanding of why acknowledging loss supports trust and humanity, while avoidance can deepen isolation and discomfort. 22:57 – Grief Has No Timeline – Greater understanding of how grief continues long after formal support ends and why leaders must allow flexibility, language, and care beyond bereavement leave. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Grief and the Loss of Loved Ones at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-grief-and-the-loss-of-loved-ones/ 31:17 – Presence Versus Immediate Gratification – Greater understanding of how the pull to multitask and stay busy can undermine attention, trust, and meaningful leadership connection. 36:48 – Tech Boundaries and Chosen Presence – Greater understanding of how intentionally stepping away from devices strengthens focus, presence, and the quality of leadership attention. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-focus-and-presence-in-a-distraction-heavy-world/ Resources Mentioned...

    43 min
  2. The Inner World of Leadership: Doubt, Loneliness, and the Cost of Holding It All Together

    FEB 3

    The Inner World of Leadership: Doubt, Loneliness, and the Cost of Holding It All Together

    Leadership often looks confident and composed from the outside. Inside, it can feel very different. In this UNFILTERED compilation, we slow down and talk honestly about what leaders carry beneath the surface. Self doubt. Imposter syndrome. Loneliness. The pressure to stay in control. These are not flaws or failures. They are human responses to responsibility, care, and growth. We explore why imposter syndrome shows up most when we are stretching. Why leadership can feel lonely at every level, not just at the top. And how control, even when it comes from good intentions, can quietly drain energy, engagement, and creativity. This episode is not about fixing yourself. It is about recognizing what is happening inside, naming it, and understanding the cost of holding everything alone. If you have ever felt like you had to keep it all together while carrying more than anyone sees, this conversation is for you. You are not broken. You are growing. And you are not alone. Key Takeaways: 03:11 – Naming the Inner Experience - Greater understanding of why naming internal experiences changes how leaders relate to them. 09:05 – The Meaning Behind Imposter Syndrome - Clearer perspective on how uncertainty often accompanies responsibility and expansion, not incompetence. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about… Imposter Syndrome at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-imposter-syndrome/ 13:58 – Leadership and Loneliness - Recognition of how leadership transitions can subtly change connection and relationships. 21:14 – Designing Support on Purpose - Insight into the importance of intentionally creating spaces where leaders do not carry everything alone. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about the Loneliness of Leadership at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-the-loneliness-of-leadership/ 27:07 – Control with Good Intentions - Awareness of how the drive to do things well can quietly limit trust, engagement, and shared ownership. 34:09 – The Cost of Holding Everything Tight - Deeper understanding of how control shows up physically and emotionally, and why it affects creativity and momentum. Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-the-cost-of-being-in-control/ Resources Mentioned The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage...

    41 min
  3. Leading Forward: Leadership Lessons from a Year of Real Conversations

    JAN 20

    Leading Forward: Leadership Lessons from a Year of Real Conversations

    As we look back on 2025, this conversation brings together five voices who helped shape how we think about leadership when things feel uncertain, human, and real. Russell Harvey, Genevieve Retzlaff, Pat Broe, Mary Lynn Fayoumi, and Susan Inouye each offered a different lens on what it takes to lead forward instead of clinging to what used to work. Together, their insights reflect a year marked by pressure, change, and growth. We’re reminded that leadership is less about having the right answers and more about learning, self-awareness, connection, and trust. From personal resilience and emotional intelligence to empathy, authenticity, and belonging, these reflections point toward a more grounded and human way of leading. This look back isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, perspective, and choosing to move forward with intention, even when the path isn’t clear. Highlights 03:53 - Russell Harvey - Rethinking resilience as learning forward instead of trying to return to who we were Listen to Russel’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/redefining-resilience-moving-beyond-survival-to-growth-russell-harvey/ 09:25 - Genevieve Retzlaff - How leadership growth begins with self-awareness and expands outward to teams and organizations Listen to Genvieve’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/redefining-resilience-moving-beyond-survival-to-growth-russell-harvey/ 15:51 - Pat Broe - Holding empathy and accountability at the same time as the foundation of trusted leadership Listen to Pat’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/how-leaders-can-support-mental-health-while-strengthening-accountability-and-trust-pat-broe/ 20:12 - Mary Lynn Fayoumi - Leading through uncertainty by balancing vulnerability, confidence, and personal processing Listen to Mary Lynn’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/the-new-rules-of-courageous-leadership-in-uncertain-times-mary-lynn-fayoumi/ 25:30 - Susan Inouye - Creating cultures where people feel seen, accepted, and connected across generations Listen to Susan’s full interview at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/five-leadership-shifts-that-create-connection-and-build-belonging-susan-inouye/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s...

    30 min
  4. Leading Through Crisis and Change

    JAN 6

    Leading Through Crisis and Change

    Crisis and change have a way of revealing what truly drives leadership. In this episode, I explore how leading through uncertainty is less about control and more about clarity, trust, and intentional choice. I introduce a simple but powerful formula for composure and reflect on why staying steady does not mean ignoring emotions yet learning how to lead through them. Trust takes on new weight when answers are limited, and alignment often matters more than certainty. Even without the full picture, it is possible to move forward with courage, make grounded decisions, and guide others through change in a way that builds confidence rather than erodes it. Key Takeaways: Lead from What Matters Most - What anchors leaders when external conditions are unstable and priorities compete. Composure That Builds Confidence - How leaders can stay steady and present without pretending everything is fine. Trust as a Leadership Advantage - What creates trust when people are watching every move more closely. Shared Leadership in Uncertain Times - How inviting others into leadership strengthens commitment and resilience. Moving Forward Without Certainty - How to take meaningful action even when the full path is not visible. The Trust Equation - Trust equals credibility times connection times commitment times customer focus plus creation. Resources Mentioned Get your copy of The Courage of A Leader: How to Inspire, Engage, and Get Extraordinary Results - https://a.co/d/iyWioC0 The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/ About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays. As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are: The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration span...

    18 min
  5. UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about the Loneliness of Leadership

    12/23/2025

    UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about the Loneliness of Leadership

    What if one of the greatest challenges in leadership isn’t decision-making or pressure but loneliness?   In this Unfiltered Series conversation, leadership experts Amy Riley and Daphna Horowitz get real about the isolation that often hides behind confidence and success. Even the most connected leaders can feel unseen when everyone’s looking to them for answers.  Amy and Daphna explore how this quiet loneliness shows up at every level of leadership and why it’s not a flaw but a signal—a call to pause, reflect, and reconnect. They share how to build your personal “A-Team,” drop the mask selectively, and find spaces where you can be supported as much as you support others. True leadership, they remind us, isn’t about standing alone at the top—it’s about finding the courage to lead with openness and connection.    Key Takeaways:  1. How to Recognize When Leadership Feels Lonely - Learn the subtle signs of isolation that most leaders overlook—and why noticing them matters.  2. Why Loneliness Can Be a Teacher, Not a Threat - Discover how reframing loneliness helps you grow instead of hiding behind busyness or success.  3. The Secret to Building Real Support as a Leader- Hear how to design genuine circles of trust that remind you you’re not meant to do it all alone.  4. What It Means to Drop the Mask Safely - Find out how to be open and authentic without losing credibility or composure.  5. Turning Loneliness into Leadership Strength – How connection and vulnerability can become your greatest sources of influence.    Connect with Your Co-Hosts   Daphna Horowitz   www.daphnahorowitz.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/    https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573       Amy L. Riley   http://www.courageofaleader.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley    https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/      Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!    Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,...

    29 min
  6. UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your Fire is Trying to Tell You

    12/16/2025

    UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your Fire is Trying to Tell You

    In this episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your fire is trying to tell you, Amy and Daphna explore the misunderstood emotion of anger, an experience many of us are taught to hide or downplay. Together, they unpack why anger is often labeled as “unprofessional” or “unproductive” and instead reframe it as a natural, informative and deeply human emotion. They discuss how anger can signal our values, highlight boundaries and even serve as a catalyst for meaningful change when expressed with clarity and intention. From leadership to personal relationships, the conversation encourages listeners to acknowledge their emotions rather than suppress them and to use anger as a tool for understanding and conscious action.   Timestamps 00:00 – Why anger feels taboo 00:04:32 – Anger as a catalyst for action 00:09:30 – What healthy expression looks like 00:13:18 – Gender differences & perception of anger 00:19:15 – Naming the emotion beneath the reaction 00:21:24 – Speaking from clarity instead of charge 00:23:45 – The cost of suppression and artificial harmony 00:28:10 – From reaction to response in 6 steps 00:32:57 – Anger as a sign of what we value 00:33:48 – Staying connected to our emotional experiences Connect with Your Co-Hosts   Daphna Horowitz   www.daphnahorowitz.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/    https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573       Amy L. Riley   http://www.courageofaleader.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley    https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/      Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!    Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    36 min
  7. UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control

    12/09/2025

    UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about The Cost of Being in Control

    We all want to do things well — to be responsible, stay on top of it, make sure nothing slips through the cracks. But when does that turn into control? In this episode of UNFILTERED, Daphna Horowitz and Amy Riley get honest about the fine line between responsible leadership and the need to control everything. They unpack why leaders grip so tightly, what it costs in terms of energy, creativity, and trust, and how letting go can actually be a deeper form of wisdom. Join Daphna and Amy for a raw, relatable conversation on hidden control, delegation of authority, and the courage it takes to loosen your grip without letting things fall apart. Key Highlights 01:15 - The Illusion of Holding It All Together 03:15 - Hidden Control: Responsibility in Disguise 08:40 - The Bottleneck of Decision-Making 13:30 - The Illusion of Being ‘On Top of It’ 17:45 - The Fear Beneath Control 22:00 - From Dependency to Capacity: The Real Leadership Shift 27:15 - Control Lives in the Body 30:30 - The Four Shifts: Transparency, Collaboration, Curiosity, Boundaries 34:15 - Moment of Stillness: Letting Go as Wisdom Connect with Your Co-Hosts   Daphna Horowitz   www.daphnahorowitz.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphnahorowitz/    https://www.facebook.com/PEACSolutions    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leadership-live/id1524072573       Amy L. Riley   http://www.courageofaleader.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley    https://courageofaleader.com/podcast/      Thanks for listening!  Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!    Subscribe to the podcast  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the, podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.    Leave us an Apple Podcasts review  Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    34 min
  8. The Courage Needed to Integrate Technology and Drive Innovation

    11/25/2025

    The Courage Needed to Integrate Technology and Drive Innovation

    Join us as we explore how courageous leadership helps us integrate technology with purpose instead of pressure. We look at leaders who chose clarity over complexity and used vision to guide innovation. Their success came from reconnecting to why the work matters, asking better questions, and shaping tools around real human needs. When we lead this way, we create space for confidence, trust, and momentum.  We also show how cultures shift when leaders speak openly, encourage small tests, and celebrate learning. Bold, people-centered goals create energy and push teams to think in new ways. We share a simple framework built on clarity, communication, connection, and commitment that keeps us steady when change feels messy. When we act with courage, our teams feel it, and they follow with more creativity and readiness.    Key Takeaways:  Lead with Purpose - Learn how to anchor any new technology or change in a clear why that brings people with you. Build Confidence Through Clarity - Expect tools to land better when you speak openly about what you know, what you don’t, and what matters most. Create a Culture That Learns - Why small experiments, curiosity, and honest reflection spark stronger engagement than perfect plans. Set Human-Centered Goals - How bold goals tied to human outcomes help people think differently and fuel innovation. Use the Four C’s to Stay Grounded – A simple framework you can use the next time change feels heavy.    Resources Mentioned  Get your FREE Copy of Chapter 11 from Amy’s book, Courage of a Leader, by emailing rachelle@courageofaleader.com – Put “Visionary Chapter” in the Subject Line  Want a Complimentary Leadership Conversation?  Email rachelle@courageofaleader.com – Put “Courage Conversation” in the Subject Line  The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.  Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/   You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/   About the Host:   Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.    As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.    Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:   The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy  The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration The Courage of a Leader:...

    14 min
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About

This is where top leaders tell real stories about achieving extraordinary results and share practical advice and techniques you can immediately apply for your own success. This is where you will get inspired and take bold, courageous action. Host of The Courage of a Leader™, Amy Riley is a renowned keynote speaker, #1 international best-selling author and sought-after leadership consultant who has been transforming leaders – at all levels – for more than 2 decades. Guests on The Courage of a Leader™ are powerful, successful leaders who are passionate about authentic, engaging, difference-making leadership. Amy gets beyond the theory and dives deep with her guests about how things really work, so you walk away with tangible ideas to grow your influence, inspire your team, and get extraordinary results. Join us to step into the full power of your leadership and achieve what you care about most. Here’s where you’ll ignite The Courage of a Leader! To apply for the show or to book Amy Riley as a guest or keynote speaker, visit The Courage of a Leader website at www.courageofaleader.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Riley
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Amy Riley
  • Show Website
    The Courage of a Leader