In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Ryan Berman, corporate fear fighter, founder of Courageous, and author of Return on Courage. Together, they explore why courage is one of the most important leadership skills in today's rapidly changing world and how leaders can move beyond fear to create meaningful impact.

Ryan shares the journey that led him from the advertising world to building a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations embrace courageous leadership. Drawing from years of research and conversations with astronauts, Navy SEALs, business leaders, psychologists, and innovators, he introduces his framework for courage: knowledge, faith, and action. He explains why courage is not recklessness, why clarity is the foundation of courageous leadership, and how organizations can create cultures where people are willing to take smart risks and learn from failure.

Listeners will gain valuable insights from Ryan's experiences working with global brands and leadership teams, including practical lessons on overcoming fear, prioritizing what matters most, and building the confidence to navigate uncertainty. He also shares powerful stories about leadership, parenting, and personal growth, demonstrating that courage is not reserved for extraordinary moments but is built through small, intentional actions every day.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders:

• Create clarity around what matters most.
• Treat challenges as experiments and learning opportunities.
• Take action even when you don't have all the answers.

Join us in this episode to discover how courage can become a competitive advantage in leadership, business, and life, and learn practical ways to strengthen your own courage muscle.

Guest Links:

Website: https://ryanberman.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bravewhatshard/

Courageous Podcast: https://ryanberman.com/courageous-podcast/

Book – Return on Courage: https://www.returnoncourage.com/

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Dr. Apollo Emeka, decision-making expert, entrepreneur, former FBI intelligence analyst, and U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret. Together, they explore the power of decisions and how a single choice can alter the course of a life, career, or organization.

Apollo shares his remarkable journey from leaving traditional school after fourth grade to earning a doctorate, serving in military intelligence and Special Forces, working for the FBI, and ultimately helping leaders make better decisions in high-stakes environments. Drawing from his unique experiences, he explains why intellectual courage is one of the most important leadership skills in today's increasingly complex and uncertain world.

Throughout the conversation, Marc and Apollo discuss the challenges leaders face when navigating ambiguity, making decisions without complete information, and creating clarity for their teams. Apollo introduces his Complete Decision Protocol, a practical framework that helps leaders identify what truly matters, avoid critical mistakes, and move forward with confidence.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders:

• Develop the intellectual courage to face uncertainty head-on.
• Focus on the decisions that create momentum and eliminate distractions.
• Create clarity for your team while empowering them to shape the path forward.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, decision-making, and the choices that shape our lives. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or navigating a personal crossroads, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make your next big decision with confidence.

Connect with Dr. Apollo Emeka:

Website: https://www.apolloemeka.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apolloemeka

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@apolloemeka

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apolloemeka

In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Anthony Dyer, a retired U.S. Air Force Special Missions Aviator, author, and mental health advocate. Anthony shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina to flying combat missions aboard AC-130 gunships and HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters in some of the world's most dangerous environments.

Throughout the conversation, Anthony reflects on the lessons that shaped him as a leader, including the values of perseverance, repetition, service, and empathy. He recounts the extraordinary rescue mission that earned his unit the prestigious Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year award and offers a firsthand look at the realities of leading and performing under extreme pressure. Anthony also shares the deeply personal story behind his memoir, Moon Child, revealing his struggles with trauma, addiction, loss of identity after military service, and the path that ultimately led him to healing and recovery.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of preparation, resilience, vulnerability, and the courage to seek help when facing life's toughest challenges. Anthony's story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about performance during moments of crisis, but also about the willingness to confront our own struggles and grow through them.

The episode concludes with actionable advice for leaders at every stage of their journey:

• Lead with empathy and understanding.
• Embrace perseverance through adversity.
• Seek help when you need it.
• Stay grounded in your values while continuing to grow.
• Remember that vulnerability can be a source of strength.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about service, sacrifice, resilience, and the leadership lessons that emerge when we face life's darkest moments and choose to keep moving forward.

Connect with Anthony Dyer:

Email: anthonyp.dyer@gmail.com

Instagram: @marco_brollo21

Purchase Anthony's book: https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Child-Special-Missions-Aviator/dp/B0DZMXBHJ4