Most Leaders Avoid This Skill — And It's Costing You | S2 E11

Great leadership advice rarely comes from textbooks. More often, it comes from a single moment, a hard conversation, or a piece of feedback that changes how someone sees themselves as a leader.

In this special compilation episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms brings together powerful moments from past conversations with founders, executives, and leadership experts to explore the advice that has shaped their leadership journeys.

From learning how one conversation can alter the course of a career, to navigating criticism about communication style, to understanding how leaders build connection and resolve conflict, this episode highlights the real-world lessons that leaders carry with them for decades.

You’ll hear insights on how courageous communication strengthens leadership, why curiosity and empathy are essential in team culture, and how great leaders learn to turn feedback, conflict, and uncertainty into growth.

Guests Highlighted in this Episode:

• Aimee: https://youtu.be/Ukjz6NJJfUI?si=5yzQQ0AJNaeoDyg8
• Barrie: Coming soon!
• Bud: https://youtu.be/DMA1L2B5xsM?si=srmjuQMitsuHnMem
• Catharine: https://youtu.be/dQl8Pf0T8Og?si=K3T_4e2FSohZZQfY
• Cathleen: https://youtu.be/A1FVVQ1hmi4?si=3hL9HjSPJwbggHgB
• Eric: https://youtu.be/mMCg-aW8eoQ?si=i5JmIHei6gLUe6j5
• Jonathan: https://youtu.be/KPxqtHuO03A?si=zk3OhvO_mTxcHkRp
• Crystal: https://youtu.be/kKnJMK_BP7w?si=ryuh_2GX7yu2-KD7

The discussion also tackles questions…

• How can one conversation change the trajectory of a career?
• What should leaders do when they’re labeled “too aggressive” or “too direct”?
• How do effective leaders handle workplace conflict before it escalates?
• What leadership habits help teams feel heard, valued, and understood?
• How can leaders create stronger connections with their teams without becoming a therapist?
• What role does curiosity play in leadership and decision-making?
• How can leaders build courage to speak their truth in difficult environments?
• What advice do experienced leaders wish they had received earlier in their careers?

Themes:

• Leadership development through real-world experiences
• Courageous communication in leadership
• Navigating feedback and perception as a leader
• The power of influence and meaningful conversations
• Conflict resolution and leadership curiosity
• Building human connection in professional environments
• Growth mindset and personal leadership evolution

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/