Talking Billions with Bogumil Baranowski

Nancy Burger: From a Wall Street Executive to a Fear Whisperer - The Transformation Blueprint That Turns Your Biggest Fears Into Your Greatest Assets

9 snips

Sep 8, 2025

Nancy Burger, a workplace communication strategist and founder of the Fear Finding Project, shares her journey from Wall Street executive to fear whisperer. She dives into the transformative power of fear, suggesting it can be an information tool rather than a barrier. Nancy discusses the brain science behind fear responses and its impacts on leadership, confidence, and imposter syndrome. A powerful advocate for open communication, she shares strategies, such as using 'I statements' in difficult conversations, to create emotionally healthy work cultures.

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INSIGHT

Fear Is Information, Not Just Alarm

Fear uses a different brain pathway (limbic/amygdala) that feels without language and triggers survival reactions.
Engaging the prefrontal cortex lets you assess if the fear is rational and map a constructive path forward.

ANECDOTE

Leaving Wall Street To Rebuild Life

Nancy left Wall Street in her 50s, ended a 27-year marriage, and rebuilt her life into coaching and the Fear Finding Project.
Her transition grew from personal change into work helping leaders shift fear-based thinking.

ADVICE

Use Fear As A Springboard

When fear arises, notice it, label it, and use it as information instead of avoiding the task.
Unpack what the fear signals and use it as a springboard to take the next step rather than freeze.

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Find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/

GUEST PROFILE: Nancy Burger is a leading workplace communication strategist, executive coach, and founder of the Fear Finding Project who helps leaders overcome fear-based thinking after leaving her own Wall Street career to transform her expertise in human psychology into practical strategies for building emotionally healthy, high-performing cultures.

EPISODE NOTES:

3:00 - Nancy shares her stable suburban upbringing but reveals the hidden family dynamics that shaped her fear-based thinking patterns and career trajectory

6:00 - The courage to leave Wall Street: Nancy discusses conquering multi-layered fears to end a 27-year marriage and completely rebuild her life in her 50s

9:00 - Key insight: Fear as information tool - "Fear can become a tool. Notice this without judging it...use it as information instead of recoiling and avoiding the thing because it's scary"

12:00 - Brain science of fear: Understanding limbic system vs prefrontal cortex responses and why we need both pathways for survival and growth

15:00 - Imposter syndrome focus: Nancy's passion project - helping leaders understand "that is something they're making a choice about and they can change it"

18:00 - The power of words in building confidence: How feedback can either destroy or empower, drawing parallels to pilot training methodologies

24:00 - Difficult conversations strategy: Using "I statements" to avoid defensiveness - "I'm noticing" vs "You did this"

35:00 - Career evolution: From finance to writing to music to keynote speaking - "an iterative process...like the inner workings of a massive clock"

42:00 - Communication failure story: Learning to consider your audience's experience rather than just your own emotional state

55:00 - AI as tool, not threat: "Learn about it and understand that it is a tool...don't let machines help you interact with loved ones"

60:00 - Success definition: Impact over achievement - "Did I touch the people in my sphere of influence in a way that left an impact that's positive?"Podcast Program – Disclosure Statement

Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm’s employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.