What comes to mind when you think about leadership? Do you feel the pressure to always have the answers, or shy away from tough conversations out of discomfort?
In this episode of Inspiring Possible, Christy Pennison welcomes award-winning author, leadership coach, and organizational development expert Tess Fyalka for a candid conversation about what it really takes to lead—and why courage and vulnerability are at the heart of effective leadership. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience and her book, Walking the Leadership Ledge: The New Leader’s Guide to Building Resilience and Confidence at Every Step, Tess offers practical wisdom and encouragement for anyone navigating the demands of leadership.
The conversation focused on how most leaders are thrust into their roles feeling unprepared and uncertain. Tess shares her own journey from feeling in over her head to discovering a passion for empowering others to lead with confidence. One concept discussed was the tension between values like kindness and courage, and how leaders often avoid difficult conversations under the guise of caring for others—when, in reality, they are protecting themselves from discomfort.
A key theme that emerged was the importance of clarity: setting clear expectations, defining what great looks like, and creating a culture of open conversation and feedback. The discussion explored the traps that can hold leaders back, from thinking they must always have the answers to letting fear keep them from holding others accountable or inviting honest dialogue.
As the episode concludes, Tess encourages leaders to let down their armor and choose vulnerability, highlighting how honesty and transparency not only foster trust but also invite growth—for both leaders and their teams. The episode offers actionable insights on building a strong onboarding process, cultivating curiosity, and leading from your values.
We dove deep into:
- The internal challenges of leadership—fear, self-doubt, and the pressure to “know it all”
- Balancing kindness with courage and why discomfort is a necessary part of growth
- The power of curiosity and clear communication in building team alignment and accountability
- Practical onboarding strategies to set new team members up for success
- How to create a culture of conversation that transforms feedback and performance
Whether you’re an experienced leader or just starting your journey, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible for your leadership and your team.
You are not alone if you think you need to have all the answers. But letting go of that pressure and embracing vulnerability is the path to authentic, lasting leadership.
– Tess Fyalka
About Tess Fyalka
Tess Fyalka is an award-winning author, leadership and team coach, corporate trainer, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience in leadership management, corporate training, and organizational development. Her acclaimed book, “Walking the Leadership Ledge,” is a practical guide for new and seasoned leaders looking to build resilience and confidence. Tess specializes in helping leaders and teams thrive by aligning values, fostering courageous conversations, and creating cultures where everyone can succeed.
To learn more about Tess and her book, visit walkingtheleadershipledge.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Don’t miss out on this powerful episode that reframes what it means to be a leader—inviting listeners to lead with curiosity, clarity, and the courage to be real. Tune in to Inspiring Possible and discover how choosing vulnerability and open communication can transform not only your leadership, but your entire organization.
