Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage and former Google executive, shares her inspiring journey towards embracing courage. She discusses how fear can lead creative individuals to settle for mediocrity and the crucial moments that ignite transformational change. Jenny introduces her concept of 'wild courage,' encouraging action despite fear. She emphasizes relationship-building through empathy with her 'woo with you' approach and tackles imposter syndrome, urging listeners to embrace their strengths and take bold steps toward their aspirations.
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insights INSIGHT
The Siren Song of Mediocrity
Many people settle for less than their original aspirations due to small decisions accumulating over time.
This "mediocrity" is subjective and often masked by outward success, representing a stagnation in personal growth.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Subway Moment
Jenny Wood's 'wild courage' journey began when she chased a man off a subway train.
This led to their marriage and inspired her to apply this principle in her life.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Healthy Manipulation
Be 'healthily manipulative' by understanding others' wants and helping them achieve them.
This builds influence through empathy, like writing a thoughtful note with a subtle ulterior motive.
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In 'Die Empty', Todd Henry addresses the common issue of putting off important work until tomorrow. He emphasizes the finite nature of time and resources, encouraging readers to make the most of each day. The book provides strategies for defining goals, maintaining curiosity, stepping out of comfort zones, and making steady progress on meaningful projects. Henry's approach is centered on the idea of 'dying empty' – ensuring that one's best work is not left unfulfilled at the end of their life[1][2][3].
In this episode of Daily Creative we are joined by Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage and former executive at Google. We delve into the concept of mediocrity and how many bright creatives can inadvertently settle for less due to fear and external pressures. Jenny shares her transformative subway moment that led her to embrace "wild courage" and how she has applied this principle to various aspects of her life and work. We discuss the importance of taking action despite fears, and Jenny introduces us to her unique approach to courage, highlighting traits such as being "healthily manipulative" to enhance influence and success.
Jenny also explains the idea of "woo with you," a technique to build relationships through empathy and valuing others, while staying rooted in ethical practices. We explore how courage isn't about eliminating fear, but progressing despite it, focusing on subtle yet determined actions that lead to significant change. Jenny emphasizes rejecting imposter syndrome and owning one's strengths proudly. Her book, Wild Courage, encourages readers to pursue their goals with deliberate, courageous steps that defy conventional expectations.
Key learnings from this episode:
Mediocrity often happens in small increments of settling, driven by fear disguised as wisdom.
Wild courage involves taking calculated risks and acting even when fear is present.
Influence can be cultivated through empathy and valuing others, embracing a mindset of healthy manipulation.
Daily Creative with Todd Henry 
