In this episode of Courage Is Built Here, Justine opens Pathway Two, Embody Again, which focuses on how we take care of ourselves so we can show up well for others. She is joined by Ryan McCrea, a leader in learning and organizational development and the current president of STLODN.
Ryan and Justine explore why so many leaders struggle to care for themselves and how managing energy often matters more than managing time. Ryan shares how courageous conversations, clear feedback, and intentional boundaries shape healthy teams and cultures. They discuss how avoiding hard conversations creates resentment and misalignment, while honesty and clarity build trust.
The conversation also dives into embodiment and self care, including sleep, movement, routines, and managing stimulation through email and notifications. Ryan explains how preparation helps facilitators stay grounded and present, and why post facilitation care is just as important as preparation beforehand.
Ryan reflects on how exercise supports his physical and emotional health, why listening to your body matters, and how courage can show up in unexpected conversations, especially within family relationships. Throughout the episode, they return to the idea that caring for yourself is not selfish, it is essential to living and leading with courage.
This episode is a grounded and practical exploration of leadership, self care, and what it means to truly care for the whole human.
Key Takeaways
- Pathway Two, Embody Again, is about learning how to take care of yourself so you can show up well for others.
- Managing energy is often more important than managing time, especially in leadership and facilitation roles.
- Self care goes beyond rest or relaxation and includes sleep, movement, nutrition, routines, and nervous system regulation.
- Courageous conversations are a necessary part of healthy leadership and organizational culture.
- Feedback is kind when it is clear, honest, and grounded in care for the whole person.
- Preparation helps facilitators and leaders stay present, confident, and grounded in the room.
- Setting boundaries around email, notifications, and weekends protects energy and prevents burnout.
- Exercise and movement support emotional regulation, clarity, and resilience.
- Courage often shows up in unexpected conversations, especially within close relationships.
- You cannot give what you do not have, caring for yourself is not optional if you want to lead well.
About the guest
Ryan McCrea works in learning and organizational development with a background in organizational psychology. He is the current president of STLODN (St. Louis Organization Development Network) and regularly shares leadership insights on LinkedIn. Ryan also has a new book coming in January 2026 titled Quick Bites of Insight, a collection of short, practical leadership reflections designed to be read in quick, meaningful moments.
Connect with Ryan
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/
