507. Unlocking Wild Courage: How to Turn “Negative” Traits Into Superpowers with Jenny Wood

15 snips

May 26, 2025

Jenny Wood, a former Google executive and author of *Wild Courage*, dives into turning perceived negative traits into strengths. She reveals how embracing qualities like 'shameless' self-advocacy and 'nosy' curiosity can combat imposter syndrome. Practical tips abound, such as sending a 'shameless Monday email' and flipping 'I' statements to 'you' for better connections. Jenny shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, encouraging listeners to see discomfort as a signal for action and to practice wild courage to unlock opportunities.

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INSIGHT

Reframing 'Negative' Traits as Strengths

Traits like weird, selfish, shameless, nosy, and brutal can be reframed as superpowers.
Embracing these traits can unlock career and personal success beyond traditional expectations.

ADVICE

Embrace Shameless Self-Advocacy

Use shameless self-promotion to advocate your value and work confidently.
Overcome imposter syndrome by confidently sharing your skills and accomplishments.

ADVICE

Send Weekly Shameless Wins Email

Send a 'shameless Monday email' sharing two wins and two new goals weekly.
This builds confidence and makes you stand out positively to leaders and clients.

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What if the very traits you’ve been told to hide are actually your greatest assets? This week, I’m joined by Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, to explore nine provocative traits—like being weird, selfish, nosy, shameless, or even brutal—and how to use them as superpowers.

Jenny shares how embracing qualities like “shameless” self-advocacy and “nosy” curiosity can help you push past imposter syndrome and open doors you didn’t know existed. We break down practical frameworks like defining your “power assets,” sending a “shameless Monday email,” and practicing “woo with you”—flipping “I” statements to “you” statements to build stronger relationships and influence outcomes.

Jenny’s journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur is a masterclass in acting despite fear and reframing discomfort as a signal to move forward. If you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or fear of standing out, this episode will help you see those challenges as opportunities. Opportunity lives just outside your comfort zone—and Jenny’s stories and tools show you how to step into it.

Challenge of the Week:

Practice one small act of wild courage—ask for something that feels uncomfortable, whether it’s at work, at home, or even sending back your order at a restaurant. Notice what happens when you advocate for yourself and step out of your comfort zone.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

How to flip traits like “selfish” and “nosy” into career strengths
The Monday “shameless” email and other simple frameworks to stand out
Why learning to say “no” (and being a little “brutal”) leads to more success

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Learn more at itsjennywood.com
Read Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It by Jenny Wood
Take Jenny’s “Wild Courage” Quiz
Follow Jenny on Instagram: @itsjennywood
Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn
Free Resources
Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA