The Courage To Lead

The Courage To Lead

What does it really take to be a courageous leader? To walk away from the 9-to-5 and build something of your own? To rise above divorce, bankruptcy, illness—or any of the setbacks life throws your way—and still create meaningful success? On The Courage to Lead, business and leadership coach Harlan Hammack interviews bold entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, dynamic keynote speakers, and industry leaders who’ve done just that. These are real conversations about risk, resilience, and rising to the occasion—packed with hard-earned wisdom, practical takeaways, and the inspiration to help you step up and lead with courage. New episodes uploaded weekly. More at www.ib4e-coaching.com.

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 291 - Adrienne Barker - Courage to Define Your Niche

    Adrienne Barker, MAS brings over 35 years of business experience to the table as a business educator, podcast host, producer, and guest booking agent. She’s the host of Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed, a regular speaker on Clubhouse and The Morning Chatter, and is dedicated to helping you and your brand shine—on air and online. Adrienne has helped consultants, universities, nonprofits, hospitality companies, and product-based businesses increase visibility, refine messaging, and achieve measurable results. Whether running a LinkedIn lead generation campaign, producing a podcast, or turning a podcast into a book, Adrienne combines imagination with proven process. You can connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennebarkermas/ You can also catch her on her podcast - Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed - wherever you get your podcasts. ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #communication #adriennebarker #niche #podcasttobook #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    42 min
  2. OCT 28

    Episode 290 - Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer - Courage to Lead with Fierce Grace

    Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer is a USA Today bestselling author, executive coach, and internationally recognized expert in human capital strategy. With over 30 years of C-suite experience across industries, Cynthia empowers individuals and organizations to challenge limits, invest intentionally, and unlock untapped potential. She is the creator of the Now, Near, Next career framework, the Human Capital Investment Strategy (HCIS), and the 7-Minute Pivot, a daily practice for meaningful change. Through her masterclasses, books, and speaking engagements, Cynthia equips professionals to reclaim their power, reframe their path, and outperform their past. You can connect with Dr. Cynthia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ You can also learn more about her work and her leadership coaching on her website: https://www.bentzenperformancepartners.com/ Be sure to grab copies of her book - Now, Near, Next - a long with the companion guide - Intentional Allyship - on her website and wherever fine books are sold. You can also pre-order her newest book - Human Capital Investment Strategy, available in 2026. ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #cynthiabentzenmercer #humancapital #nownearnext #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    56 min
  3. OCT 21

    Episode 289 - Shelby Joy Scarbrough - Courage to Remain Curious

    Shelby Joy Scarbrough is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker focused on advancing civility and leadership. A former Presidential Trip Coordinator for the Reagan White House and a State Department protocol officer, Shelby’s career has been rooted in diplomacy, respect, and human connection. Shelby is Co-Founder and CEO of the Global School of Entrepreneurship, offering a new and innovative MBA program that offers a one-year, one-cohort, one-life-changing experience for aspiring entrepreneurs. Shelby’s upcoming book, entitled “Pioneer: Destiny of the Dreamers, and Doers“ is a labor of love, documenting the qualities of those who embody the pioneering spirit. You can connect with Shelby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-scarbrough/ You can also learn more about Shelby on her website: https://shelbyjoyscarbrough.com/ Shelby's books - Civility Rules and Undaunted - are both available on her website and wherever fine books are sold. ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #shelbyscarbrough #civility #curious #author #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    1 hr
  4. OCT 14

    Episode 288 - Dr. Kate McCombs - Courage to be Authentic

    Dr. Kate McCombs is a leadership professor, consultant, and founder of RH Leadership, where she helps organizations build stronger leaders today, so they don’t pay for it tomorrow. She specializes in equipping emerging and mid-level leaders with research-backed, practical tools to lead with authenticity, communicate effectively, and drive measurable business impact. With 15+ years of experience spanning corporate leadership, consulting, and academia, Kate combines academic rigor with real-world insight. She has published widely in journals such as the Journal of Managerial Psychology and Leadership & Organizational Development Journal and speaks frequently at conferences, universities, and leadership forums. At Samford University’s Brock School of Business, she teaches courses in leadership, organizational behavior, and management while continuing to research leader identity, influence, and well-being. Through RH Leadership, she partners with organizations to design custom leadership development programs, deliver engaging workshops, and provide executive coaching that closes the gap between intention and impact. You can connect with Dr. McCombs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mccombs-74455130/ You can also learn more about her and her programs on her website: https://www.rhleadership.com/ ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #authenticity #rhleadership #drkatemccombs #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    43 min
  5. OCT 7

    Episode 287 - Kayla Williams - Courage to Lead with Heart

    Kayla Williams is the founder of Twisted Consulting, helping business owners and organizations turn chaos into clarity with smart systems, strategy, and support. Kayla specializes in business operations, startup consulting, and practical AI implementation to help leaders scale sustainably—not just quickly. Kayla is also the co-founder of Automotive Service Assistance, a nonprofit that provides affordable car repairs to remove transportation barriers—because access to a vehicle often means access to food, work, school, and healthcare. While growing her business and launching the nonprofit, Kayla has navigated two brain surgeries—an experience that shaped how she leads: with purpose, resilience, and zero patience for perfectionism. You can connect with Kayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/consultantkayla/. You can also learn more about Kayla and her consulting services on her website: https://twisted-ai.net/ Be sure to check out Kayla's non-profit - Automotive Service Assistance - providing funding for auto repair & maintenance on a sliding scale fee based on income. https://www.linkedin.com/company/autoserviceassist/ ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #kaylawilliams #twistedconsulting #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    55 min
  6. SEP 30

    Episode 286 - Steven Morris - Courage of Alignment and Discipline

    Drawing on decades of experience with world-class teams, Steve guides clients to achieve clarity, focus, and results through the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and Positive Intelligence (PQ). His mission is to help leaders get unstuck, fuel growth, and build cohesive, healthy teams that achieve extraordinary success.Steve’s 31-acre Colorado farm provides a sacred space for clients to reconnect, recharge, and grow. As a navigator for his clients, Steve charts clear paths through uncharted waters, offering steady guidance, transformative tools, and unwavering support to help leaders elevate their game and achieve their greatest potential. You can learn more about Steven on his EOS work on his EOS website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/stephen-morris. You can also learn about Steven's executive coaching on his other website: https://stevemorriscoaching.com/. Be sure to sign up for his newsletter. ******************************************** Hey, Commercial Contractors: Want to learn how to take back financial control of your business and get off the cash flow rollercoaster? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting soon. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #stevenmorris #eos #pq #alignment #discipline #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    1h 3m
  7. SEP 23

    Episode 285 - Randy Hain - Courage to Serve First, Lead Better

    Another great guest and an inspiring conversation. Randy Hain is the founder and president of Serviam Partners and the co-founder of the Leadership Foundry. With a successful 30+ year career in senior executive leadership roles, corporate talent and executive search, he is a sought-after executive coach and leadership consultant for senior leaders and executive teams at some of the best-known companies in the U.S. who are seeking candid and expert guidance on how to identify and overcome obstacles to their success or develop new leadership skills. He is a husband, father of two adult sons, an active community leader, and serves on the boards of the causes he cares about most, including the Board for the Brock School of Business at Samford University and the Advisory Board for the SEC Career Tour. He is also passionate about advocating for adults with autism in the workplace. Randy is also the award-winning author of 12 books, including Being Fully Present,  Upon Reflection: Helpful Insights and Timeless Lessons for the Busy Professional, Essential Wisdom for Leaders of Every Generation, Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, and his newest book, Practical Virtue: An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following. You can connect with Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyhain/ You can also learn more about Randy's company and his services on his business website: https://www.serviampartners.com/ Randy's books are available on his company website (https://www.serviampartners.com/published-books/) or wherever fine books are sold.. ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #randyhain #practicalvirtue #servantleadership #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    48 min
  8. SEP 16

    Episode 284 - Frank Campbell - Courage to Secure Peace of Mind

    Frank Campbell is one of California’s elite licensed independent insurance analysts, holding Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations. With over 30 years of experience, Frank has built a reputation for uncovering hidden risks—finding that 88% of the life insurance policies he reviews have critical issues most people never notice. As the founder of Stratus Financial Partners, Frank provides independent, unbiased life insurance policy audits. He doesn’t sell insurance; he empowers families and business owners to truly protect their loved ones, legacy, and business interests. Frank is also the author of “How to Do a Proper Policy Review: No Beneficiaries Left Behind” and a sought-after speaker. He is known for simplifying complex topics and helping clients achieve real peace of mind. You can learn more about Frank's services on his company website: https://stratusfp.com/. You can also connect with Frank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-m-campbell-clu-98b91040/ Be sure to check out Frank's book - “How to Do a Proper Policy Review: No Beneficiaries Left Behind” on Amazon.com or you can take advantage of a FREE GIFT that Frank has offered to listeners. Go to https://stratusfp.com/freebook ******************************************** Want to learn how to attract, hire, and retain top-tier employees? Interested in learning how to scale your business to increase revenue and profit while working less? Then join my Business Success Mastermind group. A new cohort is starting. Now accepting applications: https://ib4e-coaching.com/mastermind ******************************************** Please support this podcast: https://ib4e-coaching.com/podinfo #leadership #leadershipcoaching #business #success #jfrankcampbell #insurance #peaceofmind #ib4ecoaching ******************************************** If you like this podcast, consider supporting the effort. Every little bit helps. Thanks.

    57 min
4.4
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

What does it really take to be a courageous leader? To walk away from the 9-to-5 and build something of your own? To rise above divorce, bankruptcy, illness—or any of the setbacks life throws your way—and still create meaningful success? On The Courage to Lead, business and leadership coach Harlan Hammack interviews bold entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, dynamic keynote speakers, and industry leaders who’ve done just that. These are real conversations about risk, resilience, and rising to the occasion—packed with hard-earned wisdom, practical takeaways, and the inspiration to help you step up and lead with courage. New episodes uploaded weekly. More at www.ib4e-coaching.com.