Small Brave Moves – Details, episodes & analysis

I know you're struggling with dysfunction, misunderstanding, lack of clarity, and inconsistent results on your team. But you don't have to do it alone. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and this is it. 

Welcome to the Small Brave Moves podcast. If you’re a mid-level to C-suite leader who knows there is always room for improvement, owns your growth, and are ready to take your leadership to the next level, you're in the right place. 

Together, we’ll shatter the limiting beliefs and mindsets that have been holding you back from achieving the highest levels of communication, culture, and performance on your team and pave the way for you to make the Small Brave Moves and have the Five Tough Talks that are standing between you and the leader you want to be. 

I’m your host, Nicole Bianchi, Chief Bravery Officer and Tough Talk Expert. I am widely regarded as the go-to source for leadership and bravery. I am a best selling author, Master Certified Executive Coach, and an NSA Certified Speaking Professional with decades of experience leading cultural transformation on leadership teams in Fortune 300 environments. 

This is how to be braver in leadership and in life for exceptional results. 

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
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Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into the critical importance of straight talk in leadership and life. We explore why direct, honest communication—no matter how uncomfortable—builds trust and drives real progress. From sharing an embarrassing personal story to discussing how straight talk transformed a CEO’s approach, this episode provides actionable insights on how to practice straight talk with bravery and grace. Learn how to foster a culture of trust and integrity by embracing open, honest conversations. Tune in for practical tips to improve your leadership and personal interactions.

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we explore the power of authenticity in leadership. We discuss exercises to build trust within teams, including a transformative six-minute monologue that helps leaders share their true selves. Learn how to balance authority with approachability, discover your authentic self, and align your leadership with your core values. If you're ready to start your journey towards more authentic and brave leadership, this episode is for you. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories that will help you lead with integrity and purpose.

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
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LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we redefine what it means to be brave in leadership. Forget superheroes—true bravery is about the small, intentional moves we make every day. We discuss the concept of "Bravership," explore how to lead with authenticity, and introduce the nine key mindsets of brave leaders. Plus, learn how to create "Butterfly Moments" that drive profound change in your life and leadership.  

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into the transformative power of relentless curiosity in leadership. Whether you’re navigating high-stakes negotiations, leading through uncertainty, or striving to build a more innovative team, curiosity is the secret weapon that unlocks better solutions and deeper connections.

I share a high-pressure leadership moment where I worked on a project that was deemed “impossible”, forcing me to shift from proving expertise to embracing curiosity. We explore how asking better questions, listening beyond the first response, and stepping outside your comfort zone can elevate your leadership impact.

Tune in to learn:
✅ Why curiosity is the key to problem-solving and innovation
✅ How to shift from “having the answers” to asking the right questions
✅ Practical ways to foster a culture of curiosity in your team
✅ The four steps to developing relentless curiosity as a leader

Curiosity is the key to unlocking growth and trust—for yourself, your team, and your organization. Are you leading with curiosity? Let’s dive in.

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

What happens when you have to make one of the toughest leadership decisions—letting someone go?

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, Nicole Bianchi sits down with sales and leadership expert Mark Hunter, also known as The Sales Hunter, to dive deep into the realities of the "Moving On" conversation, from Nicole's best selling book and online course "Five Tough Talks". 

Mark shares powerful personal stories from his career, including the emotional weight of firing employees, high-stakes terminations, and navigating difficult workplace dynamics. He also reflects on his own journey—from struggling with a stutter as a child to becoming a globally recognized sales leader—and the Small Brave Moves it took to get there.

Together, Nicole and Mark unpack:
✅ The emotional and strategic preparation required for tough conversations
✅ The mindset shift that can help leaders fire someone with compassion and integrity 
✅ Why avoiding hard conversations creates bigger problems for teams
✅ The Small Brave Moves that will strengthen your sales and leadership game

Whether it's having a tough talk, making a tough decision, or even reaching out to a cold lead—this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you be a better, braver, and more authentic leader.

Follow along with Mark's journey👇
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Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, Nicole breaks down the process of preparing for tough conversations in leadership. 

From crafting a clear plan to managing emotions during the talk, she shares a proven three-phase framework for before, during, and after the conversation.

Drawing from personal stories (like how hip-hop dance taught her the power of preparation!) and leadership experiences, Nicole provides actionable steps to help you build confidence and lead with clarity. 

Tune in to learn how to approach tough talks with intention, align on outcomes, and grow as a brave leader.

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves® podcast, Nicole is joined by Chris Dill, Vice President and CIO at Kiewit, to explore the leadership lessons and Small Brave Moves® that have shaped his remarkable 30+ year career in technology. 

Chris shares stories of stepping into challenging roles, fostering team alignment, and building trust through genuine leadership.

From taking on the challenge of an "unfixable" team to preparing for tough conversations with empathy and honesty, Chris offers actionable insights for leaders at all levels. Learn how his authentic approach has transformed struggling organizations and discover why investing in relationships and having brave conversations are essential for long-term success. 

Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and making an impact.

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we tackle one of the toughest conversations in leadership—the “Moving On” talk. 

This conversation is about establishing a new path forward when a project, position, or relationship is no longer working. Through personal stories and experiences, Nicole shares how to approach these conversations with empathy and clarity, transforming what can be a difficult moment into an opportunity for growth. 

From guiding an employee through a transition to ending a project that’s misaligned, this episode provides actionable steps on how to navigate moving on with compassion and professionalism. 

Tune in to learn how to lead these courageous conversations and create healthier, forward-focused environments. 

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter

In this episode of the Small Brave Moves podcast, we dive into the “Being Better” conversation—one of the Five Tough Talks® every leader should be ready to have. When a team member isn’t showing up as their best self consistently, it’s essential to step in with compassion and clarity. 

Nicole shares a personal story of her own “being better” moment, illustrating how these conversations can lead to transformative change. Learn how to approach ongoing issues with behavior or performance through a structured five-step framework, designed to encourage improvement and strengthen trust. 

Tune in for insights on guiding your team members to rise to their potential with empathy and purpose.

Work with me⬇️
🎤Book me as your next keynote speaker
🏅Hire me to coach you or your leadership team
🗣️Get certified in the Five Tough Talks
📖Check out my books, often referred to as corporate survival guides, Small Brave Moves and Five Tough Talks

Find me👇
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Small Brave Mondays Weekly Newsletter