

5 Steps to Braver Action: Closing the Courage Gap with Dr Margie Warrell
Why do so many smart, capable people hold themselves back from stepping into their potential? In this episode, I’m joined by leadership expert, bestselling author, and global speaker Dr Margie Warrell to explore the essential role of courage in navigating today’s uncertain world.
Margie shares her personal journey from rural Australia to global leadership advisor, and how her lifelong relationship with fear and self-doubt led her to develop a framework for courageous living.
Whether you’re facing a career crossroads, struggling with self-doubt, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will inspire you to take braver action — even in the midst of fear.
Margie is an award-winning author of six books, including her latest: The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action. With a PhD in Human Development and a Master’s in Leadership & Organisational Change, she combines research and lived experience to empower people to step through fear and into their potential.
A sought-after speaker, media contributor, and women’s leadership advocate, Margie has lived and worked across four continents and brings deep wisdom, compassion, and clarity to the topic of courage.
In this episode we cover
- The surprising way Margie defines courage (hint: it’s not about being fearless)
- Why fear is wired into us – and how understanding the brain helps us move through it
- Margie’s powerful formula for courage
- How to take charge of your self-talk and inner narratives
- An overview of the 5 steps to closing the courage gap:
- Intention – focusing on what you want, not what you fear
- Belief – rewriting limiting stories about your capabilities
- Connection – regulating your nervous system and leaning on community
- Action – embracing discomfort as a path to growth
- Learning – mining failure for gold, not shame
- How to create a culture of courage in the workplace and at home
Margie’s Website: https://margiewarrell.com/
Book: The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action
Free Courage Gap Assessment: Take it here
Live Brave Podcast with Margie
Follow Margie on LinkedIn
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