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Finding Brave

Finding Brave

Written by: Kathy Caprino
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 Finding Brave with Kathy Caprino helps listeners access the courage they need to honor their true passions, talents, and values in life and work, and leverage them for more success and happiness. Listen in as Kathy and her inspiring, top-level guests share a wealth of strategies and tips for building a braver, more rewarding life and career. Careers Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • 321: How to Be a Likeable Badass

    321: How to Be a Likeable Badass
    Jan 8 2026
    What if the very traits you've been told to soften, like being collaborative or agreeable, are actually essential to your success, not obstacles to it? In this episode of Finding Brave, we explore why so many professionals, especially women, feel trapped between being liked and being respected, and what it really takes to be both. In this episode, Kathy Caprino speaks with Alison Fragale, an organizational psychologist, professor at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, and bestselling author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. Drawing on her extensive research on status, power, negotiation, and influence, Alison helps individuals understand how respect is formed and how it can be intentionally built without compromising your authenticity. In our conversation, Alison breaks down the two core dimensions that shape how others evaluate and perceive us: warmth and competence. She explains how our behaviors signal, or fail to signal, competence, how feedback like "you're too nice" is often misunderstood, and why pulling back on warmth is rarely the right answer. Through powerful examples from her research, consulting career, and personal experience, she reveals how small behavioral shifts can dramatically change how others perceive your authority and credibility. This episode offers practical, science-backed insight for anyone navigating leadership, visibility, or influence at work. If you have ever felt misunderstood or unsure of how to show up fully and effectively while being your true self, this conversation will give you a new lens and and transformative ways forward. Key Highlights From This Episode: Introducing Alison Fragale and her research on status, power, and influence. [01:00]Lessons from Alison's early consulting career at McKinsey and how career dissatisfaction can drive self-awareness and meaningful change. [04:44]The science behind status, why respect matters, and the "likeable badass" framework. [12:51]Understanding the two key ways people evaluate others: warmth and competence. [14:35]How gender bias shapes status and perception in the workplace. [17:26]Ways that feedback like "you're too nice" often miss the point, what it's actually communicating, and how to signal capability without sacrificing warmth or authenticity. [21:28]Why asking for advice, not feedback, leads to clearer insight and stronger allies. [25:37]Alison's personal story about self-deprecation and learning from direct feedback. [28:07]Unpacking key distinctions between power and status, and their effects. [33:32]Final takeaway: How talking up others builds status and influence, and is one of the most rewarding, fruitful and joyful things we can do. [37:50] For More Information: Alison Fragale Alison Fragale on LinkedIn Alison Fragale on YouTube Alison Fragale on Instagram Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Alison's book, Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve ——————— READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER? Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today! Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20 as my thank-you for tuning in! Visit my Career Help page, or click the links below for more information and to register today and save 20%: – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions) ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble I'm thrilled to be an Advisor on the terrific Hubble Expert Advisory group, a curated and knowledge-packed platform for thoughtful and helpful conversations and honest advice on life, work, startup and business growth and navigating professional, career and leadership challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, executive, and personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting with you and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me in just seconds. Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free ...
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    42 mins
  • 320: Be Yourself at Work: Show Up, Stand Out, and Lead from the Heart

    320: Be Yourself at Work: Show Up, Stand Out, and Lead from the Heart
    Dec 18 2025
    What does it really mean to be yourself at work without hiding, performing, or shrinking to fit expectations? In this Finding Brave conversation, we explore why authentic presence is not a soft skill or a personal indulgence, but a powerful leadership practice that builds trust, connection, and impact in today's fast-moving, emotionally complex workplaces. Today's inspiring guest is Claude Silver, the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to shape culture and leadership at scale. A sought-after speaker and the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart, Claude brings a deeply human lens to leadership that is grounded in emotional intelligence, courage, and self-awareness. Her work challenges the outdated belief that professionalism requires emotional distance or self-erasure. In this wide-ranging and deeply personal discussion, Claude shares formative stories from her own life that shaped her understanding of authentic presence. Together, Kathy and Claude unpack what authenticity looks like in real moments at work, from navigating difficult conversations to noticing the inner "song" that shapes how we show up. Claude breaks down her three emotional pillars, namely, emotional optimism, emotional bravery, and emotional efficiency, and explains how emotions can guide more grounded and courageous leadership. The episode also explores why leading with heart matters more than ever in an AI-driven, always-on world, and how taking up space, asking for what you need, and speaking honestly can transform both individual careers and workplace cultures. Listen in and consider what might shift if you gave yourself permission today to be fully seen and fully heard at work! Key Highlights From This Episode: Introducing Claude Silver and what's missing from how we talk about authenticity. [00:59]Why being authentic is a privilege and the power of knowing yourself. [06:40]How early experiences with dyslexia shaped Claude's self-image and personal growth. [10:18]A pivotal Outward Bound moment that revealed the power of changing the "song" in your head. [13:56][18:05] What authentic presence really looks like beyond theory and performative professionalism.[23:27] Claude's three pillars: emotional optimism, emotional bravery, and emotional efficiency.[30:47] Leading with heart in an AI-driven world that often feels rushed, disconnected, or dehumanizing.Why taking up space, speaking honestly, and being fully human changes work and culture. [33:35] For More Information: Claude Silver Claude Silver on LinkedIn Claude Silver on Instagram Links/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: Claude Silver's book, Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Kathy's Finding Brave interview with Andre Solo on "Being Highly Sensitive is a Super Power: Embrace and Leverage It" and Kathy's article "How I Found Out I'm a Highly Sensitive Person and Used It To Change My Life" ——————— READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER? Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today! Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20' as my thank-you for tuning in! Visit my Career Help page, or click the links below for more information and to register today and save 20%: – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions) ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble I'm thrilled to join the Hubble Expert Advisory group, a space for thoughtful conversations and honest advice on life, work, business and career challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me. Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free ...
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    37 mins
  • 319: A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society for All

    319: A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society for All
    Dec 4 2025
    The world around us has transformed dramatically—but has philanthropy kept up? For our Finding Brave guest today, John Studzinski, American-British investor and humanitarian and the author of the new book A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society that Benefits Everyone, this question isn't academic—it's deeply personal. His philanthropic journey began humbly, volunteering at a soup kitchen as a teenager. Today, he's recognized globally for transformative work addressing homelessness through London's Passage Day Centre and championing emerging artists through the Genesis Foundation. In the U.S., he serves on the boards of The J. Paul Getty Trust, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. In this inspiring conversation, John shares his views on how the true meaning of philanthropy has been lost and how it needs to transform to inspire the next generation to make a more meaningful impact. John tells us about his book and how it has helped inspire individuals to spend the gift of time serving the common good. From the power and importance of human connection to the essential need for empathy, John shares the critical lessons he hopes readers will take from his book. We discuss why giving is not very beneficial unless we understand how, at the same time, to receive. John walks us through how he manages his time in order to be of service to his communities the way he does. John goes on to explain what he believes would happen to humanity if people stopped giving and caring about the community. And he teaches us that so much of our dignity is dependent on what we've given instead of what we've spent or kept. If you have the desire to contribute in new ways and give of your talents and abilities to support the common good, this conversation will inspire you to action. Every person on this planet has authority that can be used for the common good, and leveraging those strengths and talents for the benefit of our communities is not only rewarding but deeply instrumental and meaningful. Key Highlights From This Episode: A bit about John's book, A Talent for Giving, and how it's a call to action to serve the common good with your talents. [04:48]How John's faith inspires him to give to the community, and why he always tries to put himself in another person's shoes. [12:47]John discusses how he stewards his time and manages to do everything that he does throughout the day. [16:27]Why empathy is a critical piece in giving, how John wants everyone to read his book, and the most important thing to learn from it. [18:23]The concept of shame, setting boundaries around giving, and how giving is only beneficial if you can receive. [24:30]What would happen in the world if everybody stopped caring about the common good and giving back. [28:55]John tells us about his process of dictating his book and which chapter surprised him the most. [33:30]The first place listeners can start if they want to give back to their community today. [38:23] For More Information: John Studzinski on LinkedIn Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: John's book, A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society that Benefits Everyone John's book on Audible Genesis Foundation Genesis Foundation on Instagram Genesis Foundation on Facebook Genesis Foundation on X PIMCO ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble! I'm thrilled to join the Hubble advisory group, a space for thoughtful conversations and honest advice on life, work, business, and career challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me. I help with: Career, leadership, and executive coachingCommunication and relationship skills trainingPersonal branding and thought leadership strategyWomen's leadership growth and advancementKeynote speaking and workshops on confidence and self-trust growth, visibility, thriving through uncertain times, and making a positive impact You'll also learn how to recognize and close the 7 damaging confidence gaps that block thousands of professionals from reaching their highest and most rewarding potential. Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving it a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way ...
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    47 mins
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