Leadership today is more complex, faster-paced, and more uncertain than ever before, and I see how that's leaving many capable leaders stuck between playing to win and playing not to lose. In this episode of the Live Brave Podcast, I'm joined by Alan Guarino, who I worked alongside for many years, and together we reflect on what modern leadership truly demands when clarity is elusive and the stakes feel higher.

Drawing on decades of advising senior leaders and insights from his new book Greatness Code, Alan shares a practical framework for sustained success built on social capital and five essential qualities: stamina, courage, resilience, persistence, and passion. Together, we explore how leaders can redefine success beyond titles, prepare for life after peak roles, and build leadership capacity that lasts across an entire career.

This conversation offers a grounded look at leadership as a long game, shaped by character, relationships, and the choices we make when certainty isn't guaranteed.

Alan's book: Greatness Code

Alan Guarino is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1982. His father immigrated to the United States in the 1920's, and then left school after the eighth grade, Alan was raised by working class parents to value service, and strive to achieve. Like many Baby Boomers, he has lived the American Dream—rising from humble beginnings to become a trusted advisor to global leaders.
Over the course of his career, Alan has advised and recruited hundreds of top executives—guiding careers, transforming boards, and helping organizations around the world execute their strategies.

Join me in February for the Courage Is Calling Reset Retreat: https://www.meawisdom.com/workshop/courage-is-calling-reset-on-your-bravest-path/

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So often we tell ourselves that growth will come once we feel more confident, more prepared, or more certain. But what I've learned, through my own life and through conversations like this one, is that growth usually begins much earlier than that.

I sit down with Lisa Nichols to explore what happens when we stop waiting and start saying yes. Yes to what's already within us. Yes to the next step, even when it feels unfamiliar. And yes, to using our gifts, rather than focusing on what we think we lack.

Lisa shares the deeply personal story behind her book Something Extra, inspired by her daughter Allie, and how that journey reshaped the way she thinks about courage, leadership, and possibility. Together, we talk about comparison and how easily it pulls us off course, the quiet ways we hold ourselves back, and why stepping forward before we feel ready is often the very thing that changes us.

This conversation is an invitation to notice where you might be sitting on the sidelines of your own life and to consider what could shift if you simply said yes and stepped in.

My question for you:

Where are you being invited to say yes right now, even if a part of you would rather wait until you feel more ready?

Get Lisa's book Something Extra: https://somethingextrabook.com/

Your personal brand is shaped by the stories you tell and the truths you hide. And when those stories come from fear, self-protection, or old narratives, they quietly limit your confidence, visibility, and leadership presence. In this conversation with personal branding expert Goldie Chan, I explore what happens when you stop shrinking your story and begin showing up with more honesty, courage, and authenticity. We talk about how personal branding really works, how to protect your energy in a digital world, and how evolving your narrative helps you step forward as the leader you are becoming.

On this episode, we explore:

• How your personal brand is shaped by your inner stories

• Why hiding your story limits confidence and visibility

• What authentic personal branding looks like in real life

• The role of community in strengthening your courage

• Practical shifts for showing up bravely online and at work

Join me in February for the Courage Is Calling Reset Retreat

• The Courage Gap — Available on Amazon + independent bookstores

•LinkedIn Learning Course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/activating-courage-transform-discomfort-into-bold-confident-action

✉️ Stay connected Www.margiewarrell.com/newsletter

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@margiewarrell https://www.youtube.com/@margiewarrell

Goldie Chan is a keynote speaker, author, advisor and cancer survivor. Goldie founded Warm Robots, an award-winning social media strategy and creative agency based in Los Angeles with global clients.

Get Goldie's book: Personal Branding for Introverts

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldiecylon/