Fear is a constant force in our work lives—whether it’s fear of failure, job insecurity, or financial anxiety, these worries shape how we show up and perform. In this episode, I sit down with Farnoosh Torabi, one of America’s leading personal finance experts, host of the Webby winning podcast, So Money, and four-time author, to explore our role as leaders in helping people deal with their fears… or not. how managers can help employees navigate fears while still driving success.

Farnoosh will shift your relationship with fear from something negative we try to avoid to a source of guidance and wisdom. As leaders, we need to be aware of how fear impacts the people we lead. Together, Farnoosh and I dive into the hidden fears people won’t always voice—from imposter syndrome to money struggles—and what leaders can do to acknowledge and address them, while maintaining boundaries, and fostering a supportive and equitable workplace.

If you’re a leader looking to build trust, boost engagement, and help your team thrive in times of uncertainty, this episode delivers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

• [00:03:40] Fear as a Protector: Farnoosh shares a childhood story of the power of fear to keep us safe. 
• [00:10:01] Getting Laid Off & Turning Fear Into Opportunity: Farnoosh shares her story of being laid off in 2009, and how this propelled her career into what it is today.
• 00:26:30] The Role of Leaders in Advocacy for Employees: Emily and Farnoosh discuss how managers can advocate and offer alternative career path opportunities to support.
• [00:35:31] Navigating Tough Conversations About Pay Raises & Financial Stress: Emily and Farnoosh offer practical guidance on setting boundaries while leading with empathy.
• [00:45:27] Managing Your Own Fears as a Leader: Emily and Farnoosh discuss how to balance vulnerability with what’s appropriate to share with our employees and how to consider the impact we can have as leaders.

Access the full episode transcript.

Check out the recommended resource Of Color, a financial wellness platform that can be offered as a benefit to employees. 

Join the Conversation:

This year we’re taking audience questions! Send in your toughest people management and leadership challenges, and we’ll anonymize them and tackle them in an upcoming episode. Email Abigail on our Let’s Talk, People team with your situation as a written note or voice memo to [email protected].

Connect with Emily Frieze-Kemeny on LinkedIn and Instagram or explore her work through AROSE Group’s website.

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