We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 588: Unlocking Courageous Leadership with Ryan Berman
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE
Guest: Ryan Berman, Founder of Courageous Change Consultancy
Introduction to Courageous Leadership
In Episode 588 of the We Are For Good podcast, hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott engage in a profound conversation with Ryan Berman, the founder of Courageous—a consultancy dedicated to developing courage brands and training organizations to operationalize courage. This episode delves deep into the essence of courageous leadership and how leveraging courage can serve as a competitive advantage, especially within the nonprofit sector.
Ryan Berman’s Journey to Courageous Leadership
Timestamp: [01:34]
Ryan begins by recounting his personal journey, which underscores his passion for fostering courage both personally and professionally. Growing up outside of Washington D.C., Ryan describes himself as the "good with people," contrasting with his older brother who was deemed the "smart one." This early dynamic fueled his drive to outwork others and make a meaningful impact.
Ryan Berman [06:00]:
"I was the one who was like, oh, well, what am I going to do with my life? How am I going to make a dent in this world?"
His pivotal moment came at age 12 when a friend suggested he pursue television and radio. This encouragement led him to Ithaca College and eventually to a career in advertising in New York City. Over two decades, Ryan owned creative agencies, working with notable clients like Major League Baseball, Caesars Entertainment, UNICEF, Subway, and New Era. However, he realized that "courageous ideas die without courageous leaders," prompting a shift in his focus towards cultivating courage within organizations.
Defining Courage: Knowledge, Faith, and Action
Timestamp: [08:37]
Ryan redefines courage by breaking it down into three essential components:
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Knowledge (Think):
Understanding the situation and what is known.
Ryan Berman [11:40]:
"Knowledge is the think, faith is the feel, and action is the do." -
Faith (Feel):
The inner conviction and belief in the right move, even amidst uncertainty.
Ryan Berman [12:43]:
"Faith is the conviction sense and the inner belief sense." -
Action (Do):
Taking decisive steps based on knowledge and faith. Without action, knowledge and faith remain dormant.
Ryan emphasizes that removing any one of these levers disrupts the balance necessary for courageous leadership. For instance, knowledge without faith leads to paralysis, while faith without knowledge can result in recklessness.
Courage as a Competitive Advantage in Nonprofits
Timestamp: [13:27]
Applying his framework to the nonprofit sector, Ryan discusses how courage can differentiate organizations in a crowded and competitive space. He observes that nonprofits often face mission erosion due to multiple priorities and resource constraints. By prioritizing courage, organizations can:
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Clarify Their Mission:
Ensuring that the core mission remains front and center amidst growing pressures. -
Live Their Values:
Companies like Patagonia exemplify living their values authentically, which attracts like-minded supporters and donors. -
Create Magic:
Moving beyond mere operational efficiency to inspire and emotionally engage both teams and communities.
Ryan Berman [17:21]:
"The minute we all realize that we're mirrors... leadership is all about."
Overcoming Fear in Leadership
Timestamp: [19:33]
Ryan tackles the pervasive issue of fear in leadership, advocating for its normalization and strategic confrontation. He introduces the concept of FOMF (Fear of Missing Fear) to illustrate the importance of acknowledging fear rather than suppressing it.
Ryan Berman [20:34]:
"The most normal thing you could do is have a fear. It is as normal as the air we breathe."
By embracing fear, leaders can transform it into a catalyst for action. Ryan shares his personal experience of still feeling nervous before keynotes but finding fulfillment after overcoming that fear. This ongoing relationship between fear and courage is essential for sustainable leadership growth.
Building a Courageous Team
Timestamp: [24:22]
When addressing how leaders can cultivate courage within their teams, Ryan advises starting small—akin to a "courage gym." This involves initiating hard conversations and gradually building a culture of vulnerability and authenticity.
Ryan Berman [24:36]:
"Don't try to lift 500 pounds. Just bring that first conversation to the table and trust your team."
He emphasizes the importance of clarity in mission and values, encouraging leaders to simplify and reaffirm their organization's core purpose. This clarity helps teams navigate challenges and stay aligned with their mission, fostering an environment where courage can thrive.
Stories of Philanthropy and Courage
Timestamp: [33:21]
Ryan shares inspiring stories from his endeavors, including his initiative Sock Problems. This project offers themed socks that support various causes, with 25% of proceeds going to corresponding charities.
Ryan Berman [33:52]:
"If the idea is still there, you must do something about the idea."
By blending creativity with philanthropy, Ryan demonstrates how small, consistent actions can accumulate into significant impact over time. His approach underscores the importance of storytelling and innovative solutions in advancing nonprofit missions.
Conclusion and Actionable Advice
Timestamp: [36:35]
As the conversation winds down, Ryan offers a powerful piece of advice:
Ryan Berman [36:35]:
"It takes you 40 years to figure out who you are and the next 40 to be that person."
He encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection, align personal and professional values, and take deliberate actions to embody their mission. By doing so, leaders can create authentic and sustainable change within their organizations and communities.
Connecting with Ryan Berman
For those inspired by Ryan's insights and eager to incorporate courage into their leadership practices, he can be reached through his website ryanberman.com, as well as on LinkedIn and Instagram. His initiatives, including the Courageous Podcast and Sock Problems, offer additional resources for cultivating bravery and making a tangible impact.
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a clarion call for nonprofit leaders to harness the transformative power of courage. By embracing fear, clarifying mission, and fostering authentic engagement, organizations can navigate challenges and amplify their impact. Ryan Berman's expertise and actionable strategies provide invaluable guidance for those committed to driving positive change in the world.
“We are rooting for you. Ryan Berman. Thanks for awakening our courage.”
— Becky Endicott, [40:16]