Courage Made Simple

#10 What leaders can learn from high-control systems and cults

In this second of their two conversations, Margareta Kull and Jackie Johnson (Executive Director of ICSA) focus on what leaders can learn from high-control systems and cults. Drawing on Jackie’s work with organisations, government and cult recovery, they explore how fear, pressure and manipulation can take hold in workplaces. They discuss early warning signs, the cost of ignoring discomfort, and how curiosity, self-reflection and listening are essential to creating healthy environments. Courage, they argue, often begins with pausing, seeing reality clearly, and deciding what to do when you sense something is off. Want to get in touch with Jackie? Contact us here [https://courageous-leader.com/pages/contact-us] and we’ll connect you. Jackie has changed her email since these episodes were recorded, but she’s still with ICSA [https://internationalculticstudies.org/] in the USA. To learn more about our Courageous Leader™ Process Programme, click here [https://courageous-leader.com/pages/selfstudy]. You can also download our programme’s introduction package here. [https://courageous-leader.com/pages/courageous-leader%E2%84%A2-introduction-package-access] Follow me on Social Media @margaretakull

#9 Growing up in high-control systems and cults

In the first of their two conversations, Margareta Kull and Jackie Johnson explore courage under control. Jackie shares what it was like growing up in Jehovah’s Witnesses—loss, rules and scrutiny—and why one clear breaking point helped her finally leave. The next episode focuses on what leaders can learn.   Interested in the Courageous Leader™ Process programme, you can find more information through the link provided here. [https://courageous-leader.com/pages/selfstudy] If you’d like to get in touch with Jackie, please note that she has updated her email address since the recording of this episode. If you’d like to connect with her, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to pass your message along. This is the organization we’re talking about in the podcast. International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) [https://internationalculticstudies.org/] Follow Courageous Leader™ and Margareta Kull in social media @margaretakull

#8 United Nations in Afghanistan: Part 2, Speak up wisely.

When your voice feels muted and there are layers above you, how do you speak up wisely? Host Margareta Kull talks with Peter Sonerell (HR Manager, United Nations Development Programme,  Afghanistan) about how managers and HR can lead in all directions—not by rank, but by responsibility. Practical moves for deliberate courage (stop, reflect, choose, act): open with a walk-and-talk, use I-language, make a clear ask, then build buy-in layer by layer and more. Reflection: Which conversation are you postponing — and when will you have it this week? Visit our website: courageous-leader.com Download the free guide: couragemadesimple.com/freeguide If you would like to know more about our latest Self-Study program: courageous-leader.com/pages/groupselfstudy Next episode will be released in mid-december.

#7 United Nations in Afghanistan: Part 1, Courage under pressure.

What gives you courage when the pressure is high? In this episode, HR manager Peter Sonerell (United Nations in Afghanistan) shares practical lessons from a high-stakes context: be deliberate—stop, reflect, choose, act; build trust; say “I don’t know” and follow up; set boundaries without burning bridges; and make wiser decisions together in multicultural teams. A warm, grounded conversation about finding courage in relationships and values, plus a short reflection you can use today.   🧑‍🎓Interested in our new self-study program for groups? Click this link [https://courageous-leader.com/pages/groupselfstudy] to explore it! You’ll find, among other things, an introduction package that includes the first chapter of the book, a few videos, and other useful resources. If you work in HR, you might also be interested in our Case Builder – click here to learn more. [https://courageous-leader.com/pages/introductionpackage] 📚 Want to get the book? It’s available as a printed book, e-book, and audiobook. Follow the link [https://courageous-leader.com/products/the-book] to purchase your preferred format. You can also listen to the first chapter as an audiobook – just download it here if you’d rather listen than read. [https://courageous-leader.com/products/the-book]

#6 The cost of broken trust.

What happens when trust breaks — in your team, your relationships, or even your country? From political betrayals to silent exits at work, this episode explores the deep cost of broken trust. Not just emotionally, but in energy, loyalty, and self-worth. Whether you've felt that cost yourself, or want to understand the unintended impact your actions might have as a leader — this one’s for you. Courage often begins by accepting what is — not fixing the past. Follow us on social media. LinkedIn [https://se.linkedin.com/in/margaretakull], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/margaretakull/], Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@CourageousLeader1] Download the free guide to the Courageous Leader Process here. [https://courageous-leader.com/pages/freeguide]