216: Fear-Based Leadership with Kate Lowry

In this eye-opening and incredibly validating episode, I sit down with CEO coach, venture capitalist, and author Kate Lowry to unpack one of the biggest workplace issues we are facing today, fear-based leadership. From tech to corporate to nonprofits, and even inside families and relationships, fear-driven leaders are everywhere, and most people have no idea how to protect themselves without shutting down or burning out. Kate and I dive into why these leadership styles are becoming more common, how they impact your mental health and professional confidence, and what you can do to stay grounded, empowered, and clear. If you have ever worked under a controlling boss, felt stuck in a toxic workplace, or struggled to speak up, this conversation will give you the tools and language you have been missing. In this episode, we talked about: - What fear-based leadership really looks like, micromanagement, manipulation, perfectionism, triangulation, emotional immaturity, and why turnover is often the biggest red flag. - Why fear-driven leaders are increasing across industries and how cultural, economic, and generational shifts are feeding this trend. - How emotionally immature leaders operate and why they get stuck in "me vs. you" thinking instead of "us vs. the problem." - The tools you can use right now to navigate toxic bosses, managing attention and availability, using the "spectrum of resistance," protecting your autonomy, and staying grounded. - Why real leadership requires vulnerability, collaboration, repair, and the willingness to admit you do not know everything. - Why top performers are not always the best managers and what actually makes someone a strong, emotionally intelligent leader. - What to do when a boss steals your idea, plus a communication framework that helps you address issues without triggering defensiveness. - How fear-based dynamics show up outside of work, in families, parenting, government, and relationships, and why recognizing them is the first step to real change. - Why psychological safety and emotional intelligence are the future of successful teams and high-performing companies. This was such a powerful and important conversation. If you want to understand fear-based leadership, protect your peace at work, or become a more grounded and compassionate leader yourself, this episode will speak directly to you. Tune in!   — 00:00 Introducing Kate Lowry 02:01 Why Kate Wrote 'Unbreakable' 11:08 The Role of Leaders in Employee Development 17:43 Balancing Performance and Compassion in Leadership 24:32 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 28:52 Building Trust in Leadership 31:36 The Importance of Listening in Leadership 37:19 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Business 47:06 Applying Leadership Lessons to Personal Life 51:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts — Ready to dive even deeper? I'm handing you the keys to the castle! If you loved this episode and want more, don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss out! Let's stay connected. Find me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 🔗  Connect with Kate Lowry Website: www.katelowry.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/kateunbreakablelowry  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejlowry   Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Kate-Lowry/61579366067469    Get a copy of Kate Lowry's book called "Unbreakable" here: https://www.katelowry.com/book