Sharon Podobnik: Courage as a Skill and Learning to be Brave

#73: In this conversation, Sharon Podobnik (leadership coach, facilitator, and founder of The Center for Conscious Leadership) and Suzanne Weller explore the multifaceted nature of courage, emphasizing its inner and outer dimensions. They discuss personal experiences of courage, the evolution of what courage means over time, and the importance of somatic practices in understanding our bodies' responses to fear and discomfort. The dialogue also touches on the significance of boundaries and the courage required to say no, highlighting that courage is a skill that can be developed rather than an innate trait. In this conversation, Sharon Podobnik and Suzanne Weller explore the importance of setting boundaries, the individualization of oppression, and the need for collective responsibility in creating social change. They discuss the concept of courage as a skill that can be developed, the significance of acceptance in the face of challenges, and the role of community in fostering empowerment. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of recognizing our agency and the power of saying no, while also advocating for a shift in societal expectations and norms.

Takeaways:

• Courage is a value that becomes a way of being.
• Courage often involves discomfort meeting purpose.
• Life experiences shape our understanding of courage.
• Courage is not about fearlessness but about dancing with fear.
• Somatic practices help us understand our body's responses.
• Recognizing when to say no is crucial for self-care.
• Teaching young girls to say no can change the world.
• Organizations often take advantage of our willingness to say yes.
• Self-help often places undue responsibility on individuals.
• Collective action can alleviate individual burdens.
• Community and connection are essential for empowerment.
• We all have a role in creating social change.

Get more information about Suzanne and Weller Collaboration at wellercollaboration.com

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