Leadership often asks us to be steady, composed, and productive, even when real emotions are moving underneath.
This is an UNFILTERED compilation, in which we bring together some of the most powerful, raw and unfiltered moments from our UNFILTERED series.
Across these episodes my co-host Daphna Horowitz and I very intentionally work to slow down and speak honestly about emotional truth at work. Anger. Grief. Presence. These are emotions many of us were taught to hide, especially in professional spaces. Not because they are wrong, but because they can feel inconvenient or uncomfortable.
We explore anger as information that points to values, boundaries, and care. We talk about grief as something that does not end when leave ends, and why silence can feel more painful than acknowledgment. We also look at presence, because allowing emotional truth requires the willingness to stay instead of rushing past what feels hard.
This is not about fixing emotions or performing leadership the right way. It is about noticing what is real, naming it with care, and choosing intention over reflex. You do not need to have all the answers. You only need the courage to stay with what is true.
Key Takeaways:
02:43 – Anger as Information – Greater understanding of how anger often signals passion, values, and boundaries rather than something to suppress or feel ashamed of.
09:12 – Gender, Anger, and Perceived Competence – Clearer understanding of how cultural double standards shape whose anger is accepted, whose is questioned, and how this impacts leadership expression and self-trust.
Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Anger and What your Fire is Trying to Tell You at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-anger-and-what-your-fire-is-trying-to-tell-you/
15:36 – Naming Grief Creates Connection – Clearer understanding of why acknowledging loss supports trust and humanity, while avoidance can deepen isolation and discomfort.
22:57 – Grief Has No Timeline – Greater understanding of how grief continues long after formal support ends and why leaders must allow flexibility, language, and care beyond bereavement leave.
Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Grief and the Loss of Loved Ones at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-grief-and-the-loss-of-loved-ones/
31:17 – Presence Versus Immediate Gratification – Greater understanding of how the pull to multitask and stay busy can undermine attention, trust, and meaningful leadership connection.
36:48 – Tech Boundaries and Chosen Presence – Greater understanding of how intentionally stepping away from devices strengthens focus, presence, and the quality of leadership attention.
Listen to the full episode of UNFILTERED: Courageous Conversations about Focus and Presence in a Distraction-Heavy World at https://www.courageofaleader.com/captivate-podcast/unfiltered-courageous-conversations-about-focus-and-presence-in-a-distraction-heavy-world/
Resources Mentioned
The Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the Courage Assessment) - In less than 10 minutes, find out where you’re empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done. Get it here: https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/
You don't need to have all the answers to lead well. Get your copy of the Clarity Kit for just $17 to learn the five practices to bring more clarity, confidence and courage into your leadership - https://courageofaleader.com/the-clarity-kit/
About the Host:
Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.
As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.
Amy’s most popular keynote speeches are:
- The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy
- The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration
- The Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and Community
- The Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team
Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.
http://www.courageofaleader.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley
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