What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel seen, safe, and motivated to lead? Chris Rollins is a keynote speaker, coach, and creator of The Ripple Effect Leader™ - a framework that helps teams become more human, more inclusive, and more effective. In this episode, Chris and Kara talk about leading with vulnerability, why emotional safety drives performance, and what it means to build a legacy that ripples beyond your role. Chris shares his personal story of growing up closeted, climbing the corporate ladder, and ultimately creating a coaching business that reflects his deepest values. If you're building a team, growing a business, or want to be a better leader, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and real-life strategies that work.

Chapters

00:00 Why “bring your full self to work” isn’t enough

01:20 Balancing the CEO hat and the talent hat

03:00 Preparing for a talk like a competitive golfer

05:45 What corporate success doesn’t teach you

07:30 Creating mindset rituals to show up with power

09:10 Why coaching is critical for personal growth

11:00 The power of mentors and support systems

12:15 Understanding your ripple effect as a leader

13:45 What emotional safety really looks like

15:15 Leading with vulnerability and curiosity

17:30 Generational differences in leadership styles

19:00 Handling drama vs. creating real support

21:00 How sharing your story builds trust

23:00 Pivoting from corporate to purpose-driven work

25:15 Turning your biggest fear into your biggest asset

27:30 Creating inclusive space even in polarized environments

30:00 Facing resistance with curiosity, not combat

32:45 A story about secondhand discomfort and transformation

35:00 Tips for speaking up and owning your power

37:30 How sharing his story helped Chris become a stronger leader

40:00 What powerful means to Chris

42:30 Why “soft” skills are actually performance drivers

44:30 How avoiding hard conversations kills culture

46:00 From discomfort to courage: what ripple effects can you create?

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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