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.
