When did telling the truth become an act of courage?
Meet Silvio. Halfway through a one-on-one with his direct report, he hears himself say, “I’m sorry.” Sorry for bringing up the missed follow-through. Sorry for expecting more. Sorry for pushing. The meeting ends politely, but nothing changes. Silvio is respected, thoughtful, and well-liked. Yet every time he softens the truth to avoid discomfort, his confidence takes another hit. What he wants most is the courage to stop chasing approval and start leading with conviction.
Today, Jay sits down with Ryan Berman, founder of Courageous, keynote speaker, and author of Return on Courage. For more than 25 years, Ryan has helped leaders and organizations overcome fear, embrace difficult conversations, and build the kind of courage that drives meaningful change. Together, they explore why courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the willingness to act despite it.
Notable Quotes
“Inaction is an action.” — Ryan Berman
“There is no change without courage, and there is no courage without fear.” — Ryan Berman
“Five percent of us will fight, and 95% won’t.” — Ryan Berman
“Knowledge, faith, and action.” — Ryan Berman
About Our Guest
Ryan Berman is the founder of Courageous, a keynote speaker, branding expert, and author of Return on Courage. He works with leaders and organizations to build courageous cultures, navigate uncertainty, and turn fear into forward momentum. His clients include Google, Procter & Gamble, Kellogg’s, Snapchat, and many other global brands.
Resources & Links
Ryan Berman
Website – https://ryanberman.com/
Return on Courage Book – https://www.returnoncourage.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bravewhatshard/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/couragebrands/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@thecourageouspodcast/shorts
Jay Abbasi
Website – https://jayabbasi.me/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast
Join Us Next Time
On Friday, Jay takes a deep dive into one of the biggest obstacles to courage: self-doubt. If you’ve ever held back from speaking up, questioned your abilities, or worried too much about what others might think, this episode will help you shift your mindset, quiet your inner critic, and build the confidence to show up more boldly in the moments that matter most.