The Courage Effect

Lessons Learned from Leaving Meta

#69 In this livestream conversation recorded on 2.25.2025, Suzanne and 3 other Meta refugees (Bridget Belden, Mellicia Marx, and Suzanne Rothmeyer) discuss their decision behind leaving Meta platforms. They share their individual experiences, values, and the impact of social media on their lives and businesses, while also exploring alternative platforms and strategies for connecting with their audiences.
You’ll hear their insights on navigating platforms like Substack and Pinterest, the value of creators, and the lessons learned from stepping away from traditional social media. The discussion emphasizes the need for personal agency, courage, and the potential for richer, more meaningful connections in a digital age.
Takeaways:
Personal responsibility is crucial in navigating social media.
Where you invest your time, energy and attention is an individual (and values-driven) decision.
Social media platforms can create disconnection despite their intended purpose.
Substack and other platforms can provide a better fit for community building. While SEO and personal websites are valuable tools for business visibility.
Community and connection can thrive outside traditional social media.
Diversifying platforms can help mitigate risks associated with single platforms.
Lessons learned include the importance of planning and being proactive. 
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Listener Favorite: Personal Safety with Barb Jordan

#17: Suzanne Weller speaks with Barb Jordan, a personal safety expert and founder of Always Bev, an organization dedicated to educating individuals about personal safety. Barb shares her personal journey, including the tragic loss of her sister to gun violence, which inspired her to create Always Bev  (short for Always Be Vigilant). The conversation emphasizes the importance of intuition in personal safety, the process of grieving and healing, and practical tips for staying safe in everyday situations.
Takeaways:
Intuition is crucial for personal safety.
Trust your gut feelings; they often signal danger.
Building awareness of human behavior is essential.
Personal safety education can empower individuals.
Grief is a complex process that requires time and support.
EMDR therapy can be transformative for trauma recovery.
It's important to honor your own boundaries and say no.
Eye contact can help assess a person's intentions.
Body language plays a significant role in personal safety.
Creating a safe environment for yourself and others is vital.
Thanks to the support of our show sponsor BetterHelp.  Use this link for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored
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Listener Favorite: Breaking Expectations with Sports Photographer Elsa

#33: Elsa shares her story of becoming a successful sports photographer, which started when she shot a football game in high school and has led to covering some of the most preeminent events including the Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, US Open, and FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup.  She talks with Suzanne about learning to bet on herself, the courage it takes to work in a male dominated industry, and the importance of not carrying the load of other people’s issues as she continues to pursue her dream job.
Famous for capturing some of sports most defining moments, Elsa has the distinct honor of being the first woman staff photographer at Getty Images.
Thanks to the support of our show sponsor Armoire. Build the perfect rental wardrobe with brands that are unique, sustainably sourced and they’ll be shipped straight to your door. Visit armoire.style/thecourageeffect to get up to 50% off your first month. #sponsored
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Emerge 2025: The Courage Effect’s Evolution

#68: Suzanne sets the tone for the year, exploring her word of the year: "Emerge," a focus on shaking things up, and announces exciting changes coming in the months ahead – including a shift to a seasonal podcast format.
 
Referenced in this show:
The Courage Effect #36: Courageous Intentions for the New Year.
NSA Northwest’s 'Last Story Standing' Competition happening on February 15, 2025.
 
More information about Weller Collaboration: wellercollaboration.com
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Embracing Grief and Growth with April McCormick

#67: Suzanne explores themes of grief, transformation, and the power of courage with April McCormick. April shares the heart-wrenching story of her son’s passing and how it shaped her leadership approach, highlighting the importance of understanding others, finding meaning in pain, and the strength to confront incredibly difficult challenges.
April is a wife, mother, coach, and senior manager for flight test engineering at a major aerospace company who uses her story to inspire others as the host of the Uncomfortable Friend podcast.
Referenced in this episode:
April’s Uncomfortable Friend podcast episode 1: My Story - Lincoln
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
The Courage Effect #12: Owning Your Story
Father Richard Rohr
Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler
Thanks to the support of our show sponsor BetterHelp.  Use this link for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored
More information about Weller Collaboration: wellercollaboration.com
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Unlocking Potential: Courage, Joy, and Personal Truth with Roger Kastner

#66. Roger Kastner (organizational development practitioner, leadership coach, and host of the What Do You Know To Be True? podcast) joins Suzanne for an exploration into the fluid nature of personal truth and the journey from fear to courage. They discuss how purpose, joy, and organizational development can shape meaningful change in the workplace, with Roger sharing powerful insights on accountability, feedback, and the courage to disrupt the status quo for a better future.
Referenced in this episode:
First, Break All the Rules book from Gallup
Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Dr. Jamil Zaki
Thanks to the support of our show sponsor BetterHelp.  Use this link for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored
More information about Weller Collaboration: wellercollaboration.com
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Listener Favorite: Courageous Conversations with Suzanne Weller

#32: Now we’re in the holiday season, there’s a good chance we’ll be having hard or awkward conversations with family, friends, or colleagues.  Suzanne talks through some ways to prepare for what she calls a “courageous conversation” so we can transform these dreaded discussions into empowering, mutually beneficial exchanges.

Leadership Insights for Uncertain Times: A Conversation with Stacy Harris

#65. Suzanne is joined by visionary leadership coach Stacy Harris for a conversation about the tough realities leaders are facing right now – from navigating uncertain markets to managing remote teams and engaging a diverse workforce. They also share insights on their upcoming leadership mastermind Outsight <> Insight, and the importance of seeking diverse viewpoints to grow and lead effectively. A powerful episode, packed with tips to help you stay courageous and resilient as you open up to new perspectives.
Apply for the Outsight <> Insight leadership mastermind at https://www.oimastermind.com/
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The Power of Pause: A Courage Up! 30-Day Challenge Mindfulness with Allie Siegel

#64: Join our October “Courage Up!” Challenge to practice mindfulness with our special guest, Allie Siegel. She challenges us to dedicate just 5 minutes a day to connect our mind and body through mindful meditation, using our senses to break the autopilot mode. Your path to greater presence and balance starts now!
Allie's new drop-in series (starting in December) is for anyone interested in exploring/playing with some personal practices to thrive, using your natural mind-body connection. Registration details are at Practice 2 Thrive | Tula Creative or contact Allie at allie@tula-creative.com
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Surviving a Chaotic World: Practical Strategies for Navigating Stress, Anger, and Anxiety

#63 Suzanne dives deep into emotional resilience, sharing insights on how to balance emotions, recognize anxiety as unmet needs, and turn stress into positive outcomes. We explore the power of emotional literacy and the courage to turn anger, stress, and anxiety into catalysts for growth and creativity. 
Referenced in this episode:
Emotions Wheel
Permission to Feel by Mark Brackett, PhD
 
Thanks to the support of our show sponsor Armoire. Build the perfect rental wardrobe with brands that are unique, sustainably sourced and they’ll be shipped straight to your door. Visit armoire.style/thecourageeffect to get up to 50% off your first month. #sponsored
 
More information about Weller Collaboration: wellercollaboration.com
Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter here