#167. Every Leader is Afraid, Great Leaders Act Anyway

Welcome to episode 167 of the Decide Your Legacy podcast, "All Leaders are Afraid, " In this powerful conversation, host Adam Gragg is joined by Tara Jost, owner at Higgins Group, and Kelsey Torkelson, brand relations director at Decide Your Legacy, to tackle a topic every leader faces but few openly discuss: fear. Adam opens up about his own insecurities and explains why vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a source of empowerment—especially for leaders.

Together, the trio explores how fear manifests in leadership, from avoiding tough conversations to the stress of making decisions that impact others' lives. You'll hear real stories about facing hard moments, why accountability matters at all levels, and how great leaders act despite their fears. Plus, they're sharing three practical tools you can use right away to identify, confront, and move through fear—whether you're leading a business, a family, or your own life.

If you've ever struggled with indecision, worried about letting others down, or wondered how to break through a paralyzing fear of failure, this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable advice to help you lead courageously.

3 Foolproof Ways To Motivate Your Team: 3 Areas to Focus on as a Leader
https://decideyourlegacy.com/how-to-create-positive-productive-workplace/

7 Benefits of Being Courageous
https://decideyourlegacy.com/7-unexpected-benefits-to-facing-your-fears/

4 Ways You’re Demotivating Your Team: And What You Can Do About Each One
https://decideyourlegacy.com/5-things-that-make-work-suck/

10 Ways to Encourage People: How to Break The Invalidation Tendency
https://decideyourlegacy.com/one-big-relationship-mistake-most-people-make/

How to Make Good Decisions: 14 Tools for Making Tough Life Choices
https://decideyourlegacy.com/make-good-decisions-part-1/

COURSES:
Shatterproof Yourself 

CHAPTERS:
00:00 "Facing Fear Empowers Leadership"

03:13 Embracing Balance and Growth

07:42 Leaders' Universal Struggles and Fears

11:02 Solo Advocate for Accountability

13:10 Fear of Conversations and Isolation

19:17 Overpowering Fear as a Leader

20:44 Empowering Choices Over Negativity

25:31 "Effective Conversations Over Email Challenges"

28:20 Resistance to Change: Accountability Challenges

31:11 "Empowerment and Accountability Strategy"

34:25 Overcoming Fear with Accountability

37:24 Home Stress and Apology Modeling

41:05 "Conquer Fear with Commitment"

Be sure to check out Escape Artists Travel and tell them Decide Your Legacy sent you!