In an era of nonstop disruption, fear becomes a hidden tax on performance. This session equips Talent Development leaders to explain why today’s volatility amplifies “fear signals” and state the business case for courageous cultures—linking psychological safety to high-performing teams and competitive advantage. Participants will diagnose four common barriers that suppress workplace courage (fear of retribution, low psychological safety, compliance-and-blame mind-set, low trust / inclusion) and match each barrier with at least one HR-led leverage point to overcome it. Finally, they will apply the Agency Decision Calculus to a real decision, quantify the variables, and commit to a 5 percent more courageous action within that they can implement in their workplace right away.
Learning Objectives:

• Explain why today’s volatility amplifies “fear signals” and state the business case for courageous cultures—linking psychological safety to high-performing teams and competitive advantage .
• Diagnose four common barriers that suppress workplace courage (fear of retribution, low psychological safety, compliance-and-blame mind-set, low trust / inclusion) and match each barrier with at least one HR-led leverage point to overcome it (champion safety, build trust systems, reward everyday courage) .
• Apply the Agency Decision Calculus to a real decision, quantify the variables, and commit to a 5 percent more courageous action within their workplace.

Mike Randolph is the cofounder and COO of The Agency Initiative, where he helps leaders step into their agency and build values-driven organizations. Previously, Mike led talent experience at YETI and shaped leadership development and talent management at Tesla. With over a decade of experience coaching senior leaders, he specializes in building resilient, people-centered cultures that thrive in uncertainty. Mike holds a master’s degree in education from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College. He has served on multiple professional development boards of directors for HR, talent development, and higher education.