Why do capable, well-intentioned leaders still avoid the conversations and decisions they know matter most?In this episode of The Leader’s Mindset, Jason LeDuc sits down with Bill Benjamin, Partner at the Institute for Health and Human Potential (IHHP), to unpack the brain science behind leadership avoidance, emotional reactions, and what Bill calls “The Last 8%”—the most critical moments leaders routinely leave unsaid or undone.Bill has spent more than two decades working with organizations like NASA, the U.S. Marine Corps, and global enterprises, helping leaders build high-performing cultures rooted in emotional intelligence, courage, and accountability. In this conversation, he explains why our brains resist risk, how that resistance shows up at work, and what leaders can do to push through it skillfully.Also, apologies for the choppy video in places. We had some kind of technical difficulties we were unable to fix but wanted to bring you this powerful episode anyway!💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why the brain reacts emotionally before it thinks—and how that sabotages leadership• What an amygdala hijack is and how it derails decision-making• Why statements trigger defensiveness—and why questions create connection• The difference between family cultures, fear-based cultures, and high-performance cultures• Why psychological safety alone isn’t enough—and why courage must be layered in• How avoiding tough conversations quietly drives burnout, disengagement, and turnover• A simple, science-backed technique leaders can use immediately to regain clarity under pressureBill also shares the research behind The Last 8%, based on studies of tens of thousands of professionals, revealing why most leaders stop short just when it matters most—and how those moments shape trust, performance, and culture.Whether you’re a corporate executive, people manager, HR leader, or startup founder, this episode will challenge how you think about feedback, accountability, and leadership under pressure—and give you tools you can apply right away.👉 Watch the full episode and subscribe for more leadership conversations grounded in real research and real-world experience.💬 Join the ConversationWhat’s a “last 8%” conversation or decision you’ve been avoiding—and why? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Onward and Upward! 🚀✅ If you got value from this episode, do these 3 things:1) Like this video – It helps more people find these insights.2) Subscribe – New leadership content every week!3) Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear this!📌 Exclusive Leadership ProgramsWant to take your leadership development to the next level?📖 Take charge of your own leadership development with our online program: https://www.leducleadership.com/bethebossprogramIf you’re a Human Resources or Learning and Development professional and have a bunch of leaders you’d like to get trained, check out our corporate Leadership Academy for Tech Managers program: https://www.leducleadership.com/leadershipacademy📅 Ready to elevate your leadership skills? Book a discovery call: https://link.marketingmoneymachine.co/widget/bookings/training-discoveryLet’s create the leaders your team deserves.How to reach Bill:Website: https://ihhp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-benjamin-12b671/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bill.benjamin/How to reach Jason LeDuc:Email: info@leducleadership.comWebsite: https://www.leducleadership.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership
