We’re as sick as our secrets
Most leadership problems aren’t skill problems. They’re fear problems.
In this first episode of Fearful Giants, I explain why this podcast exists - and why fear quietly shapes decisions, cultures, and outcomes far more than we admit.
I’ve worked with leaders at the highest levels. Smart people. Capable people. And I’ve watched fear drive avoidance, silence, and behavior that slowly undermines trust and performance.
Fear shows up as:
Withheld feedback
Avoided conversations
Overcontrol
Blame
Disengagement
I spent years achieving what looked like success while struggling internally. Anxiety, panic, and exhaustion were signals I ignored - until I couldn’t ignore them any longer. Coaching taught me something simple and confronting: I wasn’t telling the truth. This show exists to tell those truths, and create the conversations most leadership spaces avoid.
Some Key Takeaways from this episode:
1. Fear is always present - even when we deny it.
Ignoring fear doesn’t remove it. It just drives behavior from the shadows.
2. Silence creates burnout.
When people don’t speak up, everyone pays the price - emotionally and operationally.
3. Leaders set the ceiling for honesty.
No one will be more vulnerable than the person at the top.
4. Courage doesn’t mean oversharing.
It means telling the truth you’re willing to tell - and owning the rest.
Listen to the full episode:
Connect with me, Clay:
Website: https://15sixty.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/claystelzer
Email: clay@15sixty.com
If you have a topic or guest you’d love to see on Fearful Giants, reach out to me at clay@15sixty.com
Clay