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Conversations That GrowTalking about the power of conversations Author: Sadaf Beynon
Conversations That Grow - where host Sadaf Beynon explores how one meaningful exchange can transform your business. In this introduction, discover why those pivotal conversations with mentors, partners, or even casual acquaintances matter so much. Join Sadaf as she sits down with business leaders to uncover the key conversations behind their success. Because great businesses are built on great conversations. Subscribe for new episodes coming soon! Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How Fear Shapes Leadership and What It Really Takes to Grow
Episode 123
Wednesday, 10 December, 2025
Fear plays a bigger role in leadership than most of us want to admit. In this episode, Mike Konrad shares the conversation that revealed his fear-based decision making — and how that moment became the turning point that reshaped his leadership, his business, and ultimately, his life.From being dismissed by his employer to building a company that has lasted more than 30 years, Mike opens up about the internal shifts behind his external success. He talks candidly about ego, bravado, revenge, approval, self-awareness, and the uncomfortable process of learning to lead differently.If you’re navigating growth, change, or the uncomfortable realisation that what once worked no longer does, this conversation will speak to you.What We ExploreThe surprising ways fear shows up in leadership decisionsThe mentor conversation that changed everythingHow fear-based thinking shapes cash flow, choices, and cultureMaking peace with the worst-case scenarioWhy early leadership traits often become later limitationsThe “starter fluid” analogy for ego, bravado, and urgencyHow Mike shifted from proving himself to serving othersWhy true leadership requires self-awareness and humilityThe mindset shift from doing everything yourself to trusting a teamRedefining success as freedom — not validationWhat leaders at the early, frantic stage need to hearKey Moments01:26 The fear-based decisions hiding in plain sight03:49 Becoming aware of the “lenses” shaping choices09:50 Making peace with the worst to break decision paralysis12:24 The conversation that sparked his business19:50 How rejection triggered motivation and identity23:54 The complicated emotional mix behind early leadership30:39 When your strengths become your liabilities33:06 The “starter fluid” metaphor for the early years36:57 From smartest in the room to “stupidest in the room”38:42 Redefining success as freedom45:26 Leading less from proving, more from serving47:03 Advice for leaders in survival modeAbout MikeMike Konrad is the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, a global leader in electronics reliability solutions, and the host of two podcasts:Reliability MattersThe Reluctant EntrepreneurHe writes and speaks widely on leadership, business growth, and the mistakes that shape us.Connect with MikeWebsite: mikekonrad.comPodcast: reluctantentrepreneurpodcast.comAqueous Technologies: aqueoustech.comIf you enjoyed this episodePlease follow Conversations That Grow, share this episode with someone who’d love it, or leave a review — it helps more people find conversations that spark growth.
