The best leadership isn’t just about the moments of high energy or the big reveals; it’s about what happens when the spotlight fades and the real work begins.
We’ve all felt that hesitation, the “ick” that creeps in when it’s time to move from sharing a vision to asking for a commitment.
Whether you are leading a team, pitching a project, or standing on a stage, that transition can feel like a pivot from inspiration to “sales,” and it often stops us in our tracks.
For a long time, my actuarial brain fought this. I worried that asking for a next step would feel manipulative or shift the focus away from the mission and onto myself. I wanted the impact of the work to stand on its own.
I recently explored this tension with Jenn Espinosa-Goswami on the Mic Drop Mindset podcast. We talked about how to move past that discomfort of the “call to action.” What I realized is that an authentic invitation isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about providing a clear path forward for those who are ready to navigate change.
When we frame our “next steps” as a way to deepen an impact rather than a transaction, the “ick” disappears. True leadership is about inviting others into a deeper journey, ensuring the breakthrough doesn’t end when the meeting or the speech does.
If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for a commitment because you didn’t want to break the “magic” of a moment, I think you’ll find this conversation helpful. It’s about finding a way to lead that feels as good as the message itself.
Listen to the episode on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
Speaking Adventures
It’s been a whirlwind month on the road, adding more “peeps to my jeep” across three states and two countries.
Three weeks ago, I was with the team at the Cooperative Response Center (CRC) in Austin, MN. They are the steady voices on the line supporting 12 million consumers 24/7. This is the kind of work that only gets noticed when something goes wrong. Behind every call is a person, and it was an honor to share a message about embracing the adventure in the incredible auditorium at the Hormel Institute.5
The journey continued into Wisconsin for two days with the Healthcare Leaders Association of Wisconsin (HLA-WI). It’s one of those groups you can feel the moment you walk into the room. They are navigating constant change and high expectations, all while staying focused on what matters most: people. I opened with “Embrace the Adventure” and came back the next day to close with my brand new keynote, “The Courage Advantage.”
The following week was a true sprint: 33 hours, 3 talks, 3 states, 4 flights, and 11 hours of driving. A huge thanks to HSMAI Minnesota, NEICU, and CRC for an unforgettable day and a half. This experience is a LONG way from the good old days of crunching numbers and analyzing risk (all of which I enjoyed for that season) but the humanity you bring to every interaction is what makes this journey so life-giving.
Just a few days ago in Chicago, I saw an agenda unlike any other: What to Do If You Dig Up Bones? Grass That Saves Money? I knew I wasn’t at your average conference. But the professionals at the Illinois Cemetery and Funeral Home Association (ICFHA) carry a responsibility most of us rarely think about until we need them most. I now know significantly more about cemetery grass than I ever expected, and it was an honor to share ideas on how to keep moving forward the Safari way.
My final trip in April started with a 6 a.m. flight out of Chicago, through Minneapolis, to Winnipeg, Manitoba to rent a car and drive 2.5 hours west to Brandon for the Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) event. Hanging out with these young leaders was hope-giving; their welcomeness to change and commitment to leading the next generation forward in a way that benefits humanity was truly inspiring.
It was also fun to tell my family I was driving at a speed of 118 (until they figured out the conversion from kilometers) and I even got an actual FROSTY MUG at an A&W in Portage la Prairie, which is really fun to say with a thick French accent. 😁
To follow more of my speaking journey, let’s connect on social media! Follow me on LinkedIn or YouTube, or join the conversation on Facebook or TikTok.
To all of you who have let me be a peep in your jeep… let’s embrace the adventure together, with the top down and the wind blowing through our hair (or where your hair used to be; you know who you are).
The journey continues!
Maisha ni safari
(Swahili… Life is a Safari)
Sincerely,
Steve Fredlund
You’ve Got This!Keynotes | Breakouts | Workshops | Retreats
(651) 587-5435 — SteveFredlund.com
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx presenter, and bestselling author of Do the Unright Thing: Memoir of a People Pleaser. After decades as an actuary, executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder—including leading humanitarian efforts in East Africa—Steve discovered that doing everything “right” doesn’t always lead to fulfillment or impact.
Drawing from that journey, he developed The Courage Advantage™ philosophy—centered on the everyday courage to move beyond expectation, lead with authenticity, and live in alignment with what truly matters. Through his engaging stories, humor, and practical insights, Steve inspires audiences to find greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment in both life and leadership.