In this keynote-style conversation, PJ Diamond reframes personal identity as a leadership strategy rather than a risk to manage. We explore why boundaries belong at the center of the story leaders tell, what boundary-setting looks like in practice (with a real alignment-check example), and what actually creates transformation inside a community. PJ closes with a concrete boundary challenge you can try this week.

About our guest: PJ Diamond is the Director of Programs at Leadership Austin, where she develops leaders who bridge differences and build community across Central Texas.

Connect: leadershipaustin.org | alpleaders.org

Bravery doesn't always look like a bold speech or a big leap. Sometimes it's a ten-second decision no one else notices. In this pre-conference conversation, ALP Executive Director C. Marie Taylor sits down with Nicole Bianchi, Chief Bravery Officer, Tough Talk expert, and host of the Small Brave Moves podcast, ahead of her opening keynote at the 2026 ALP National Conference in Omaha.

Nicole unpacks what a brave move actually looks like at work, tells the story of one small courageous act that shifted an entire room, and shares what leaders will carry into this year's theme: Bridging Connections. Building Community.

It's short, honest, and built to move you. If you lead people, build teams, or shape culture, consider this your nudge to be in the room on July 13.

Register now

Find Nicole: nicolembianchi.com and the Small Brave Moves podcast

During the ALP National conference in Orlando Florida in June 2022, Aaron Miller (Leadership Louisville Center) was joined by Shannon Drake (Leadership Greater Huntsville) and Michelle McInnis (Lake Charles, Louisiana Chamber and Leadership Southwest Louisiana) to talk about their experience at the conference. It's a short episode, recorded during a session on "How to Start a Podcast", and hopefully it will inspire you to come to the next in-person ALP conference!