Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage w/ Ranjay Gulati
Here’s the deal—fear isn’t the villain.
Left alone, it just drives.
In this episode, we sit down with Harvard Business School professor and Thinkers50 honoree Ranjay Gulati, author of How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage to talk about acting through fear—at work, in leadership, and in a world that feels permanently uncertain. We get into why uncertainty hijacks the brain, what separates risk from true unknowns, and how everyday people “hack” fear with rituals, reframes, and the right support squad. For leaders, we get real about absorbing ambiguity, setting a confident narrative (without turning into a motivational poster), and why courage—not conformity—is becoming a competitive advantage.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why uncertainty (not danger) triggers fear—and how to build a rapport with it
- The freeze → flight → fight reality, and practical “fear hacks” that actually help
- The four kinds of support that make courageous action possible (resources, info, moral, feedback)
- How to reframe your team’s story to build self-efficacy without the cringe
- What bold leadership looks like in down markets (plus the 9% who invest and win)
- Why outcomes don’t always prove courage wrong—and how to “give luck a chance”
- The culture shift from fear/anger to purpose/impact—and why courage is the new currency
Find Ranjay:
On LinkedIn
His Website
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.
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