The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast: Bridging the Courage Gap in Your Business

Host: Jon Jantz
Guest: Dr. Margie Worrell
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Book Discussed: The Courage Gap: Five Steps to Braver Action by Dr. Margie Worrell

Introduction to Dr. Margie Worrell and the Courage Gap

In this enlightening episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host Jon Jantz welcomes Dr. Margie Worrell, a renowned expert on leadership and courage. With an impressive background that spans from the Outback in Australia to high-stakes environments like NASA and the US Congress, Dr. Worrell brings a wealth of knowledge on navigating risks and fostering courageous leadership. She is also the author of six books, including her latest, The Courage Gap: Five Steps to Braver Action.

Understanding the Courage Gap

Dr. Worrell introduces the concept of the "Courage Gap," which she defines as the chasm between knowing what should be done and actually taking action. This gap is not due to a lack of knowledge but stems from a deficiency in courage. Fear—of failure, rejection, or making mistakes—widens this gap, preventing individuals and business leaders from making necessary and often difficult decisions.

Margie Worrell [02:22]: "It is a lack of courage. And that gap is widened by our fear. What will happen? What if this person gets upset? What if I mess it up?"

Balancing Fear with Strategic Action

Jon shares his three decades of business experience, highlighting that while courage often leads to growth, there are times when pausing is strategically sound. Dr. Worrell emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between reckless actions and calculated, courageous steps.

Jon Jantz [03:51]: "Sometimes procrastination, but I would call it not procrastination. You're just going to stop for a moment and consider."

Dr. Worrell concurs, explaining that strategic pauses allow leaders to align their actions with their core values and assess the situation thoughtfully, ensuring that their courage is both effective and intentional.

Gender Differences in Experiencing the Courage Gap

The conversation delves into how the courage gap manifests differently across genders. Dr. Worrell acknowledges that women often face additional societal pressures and internalized self-doubt that can exacerbate the courage gap.

Margie Worrell [06:37]: "Women are judged more harshly when they don't get things right... Women are harder on other women."

She references the "Heidi Howard experiment" to illustrate how gender biases affect perceptions of ambition and competence, underscoring the need for women to overcome these ingrained challenges to bridge the courage gap effectively.

Building the Courage Muscle: Habits and Practices

Dr. Worrell introduces the concept of the "courage muscle," which requires regular exercise to strengthen. She outlines several daily habits that can help individuals build and maintain courage:

1. Physical Well-being: Maintaining energy levels through exercise.
2. Mental Focus: Concentrating on high-leverage tasks instead of becoming overwhelmed.
3. Emotional Resilience: Managing stress and self-doubt.
4. Spiritual Alignment: Connecting actions with core values and a sense of purpose.

Margie Worrell [14:29]: "Put yourself out there, ask yourself, what would I do today if I was being brave? And then do that very thing that comes to mind."

Additionally, she advises setting clear goals, visualizing positive outcomes, and maintaining a posture of confidence to influence both mindset and physiological responses.

Overcoming Fear in Uncertain Times

Addressing the current climate of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Dr. Worrell provides strategies for maintaining courage amid the unknown. She emphasizes the inevitability of uncertainty and the importance of taking incremental steps forward rather than waiting for absolute certainty.

Margie Worrell [19:36]: "There will always be uncertainty. And if you are waiting for certainty before you make a move, you're going to get left behind."

She encourages listeners to make informed decisions, manage potential downsides, and remain adaptable, likening the approach to navigating through a fog where movement provides better positioning than stagnation.

Practical Coaching: Reframing Fear of Rejection

In a practical segment, Jon puts Dr. Worrell in "coaching mode," seeking advice on overcoming the fear of rejection when approaching a significant sales opportunity. Dr. Worrell advises shifting focus from fear to desired outcomes, emphasizing visualization of success and understanding the value provided to clients.

Margie Worrell [16:57]: "Focus on what you want and not on what you fear... Visualize the best possible outcome."

She outlines a step-by-step approach:

1. Visualize Success: Envision the positive outcome and its broader benefits.
2. Define Value: Clarify the value offered to the client, not just personal gains.
3. Affirm Worthiness: Reinforce self-belief and alignment with core values.
4. Physical Posture: Use body language to influence mindset—breathe in courage, breathe out fear, and stand tall.

Navigating the Unknown with Courage

Dr. Worrell addresses how to act courageously in times of widespread uncertainty, advocating for action over paralysis. She likens standing still to being left behind, while movement, even with potential missteps, leads to greater learning and adaptability.

Margie Worrell [19:45]: "If you're not getting any information, you're not getting any feedback. But when you're in motion, you're getting something that's going to put you in a better position over time."

She encourages taking incremental actions, reassessing regularly, and maintaining a mindset geared towards continuous improvement and learning.

Conclusion and Connecting with Dr. Margie Worrell

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Worrell shares ways for listeners to connect with her and explore her work further. She directs interested individuals to her website, margieworrell.com, where they can find more information about The Courage Gap and her other resources.

Margie Worrell [21:26]: "You can also get it on Amazon and where good books are sold. And I also encourage people to connect with me on LinkedIn and Insta and social media. I'm everywhere under my name."

Jon thanks Dr. Worrell for her insightful contributions, leaving listeners with actionable strategies to bridge their own courage gaps and drive their businesses forward with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Courage Gap: The disparity between recognizing necessary actions and taking them due to fear.
• Gender Dynamics: Women often face additional hurdles in overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations.
• Building Courage: Daily habits and mindset shifts are essential for strengthening courage.
• Action Amid Uncertainty: Embrace movement and incremental steps to navigate and mitigate fear.
• Practical Strategies: Focus on positive outcomes, define value, affirm self-worth, and use body language to foster courage.

Notable Quotes:

• "It is a lack of courage. And that gap is widened by our fear." — Margie Worrell [02:22]
• "Put yourself out there, ask yourself, what would I do today if I was being brave?" — Margie Worrell [14:29]
• "If you're waiting for certainty before you make a move, you're going to get left behind." — Margie Worrell [19:36]

For those looking to cultivate more courage in their business endeavors, this episode provides both the philosophical framework and practical tools to close the courage gap and achieve meaningful growth.