Episode 41: The Courage to Live What You Teach

In this episode of Courage Is Built Here, Justine welcomes G.R.I.T. founder Jennifer Bardot to Pathway One, Feel It All, for a conversation about what it takes to live the courage and values you encourage in others. Jennifer shares how leaving the security of corporate America and going all in on entrepreneurship forced her to face fear, anxiety, and the question of whether she was truly living her own grit.

Jennifer reflects on the demands of building a business and the difficulty of turning work off when there is always more to do. She shares the warning signs that tell her she has pushed herself too far, from trouble sleeping and physical symptoms to becoming more sensitive and reactive. She also talks about people pleasing, resentment, and learning to recognize when saying yes to others means ignoring what she actually needs.

Together, Justine and Jennifer explore how boundaries, quiet time, walking, gratitude, and trusted people help Jennifer return to herself. They discuss the fear of failure, why difficult experiences can become opportunities to refine and learn, and how Jennifer reconnects with her purpose by revisiting testimonials, rereading her own writing, and spending time in silence and nature.

Throughout the conversation, Jennifer returns to the importance of self-reflection, knowing her values, and remembering her purpose when difficult days make it harder to stay grounded. Her story is a reminder that living what you teach does not mean fear disappears. It means continuing to practice the courage, integrity, and growth you ask of others.

Key Takeaways

• Living your values means practicing the same courage and grit you encourage in others.
• Leaving the security of corporate life can require trusting yourself enough to step into uncertainty and pursue entrepreneurship.
• Anxiety can be acknowledged without allowing it to make your decisions for you.
• Building a business can make it difficult to turn work off when there is always another task or opportunity demanding your attention.
• Trouble sleeping, physical symptoms, and increased sensitivity can be warning signs that you have pushed yourself too far.
• People pleasing and saying yes when you want to say no can eventually lead to resentment.
• Protecting your time, creating quiet space, moving your body, and surrounding yourself with honest people can help create healthier boundaries.
• Failure can be reframed by focusing on what an experience can teach you instead of allowing it to define you.
• Gratitude can help shift your perspective when fear, anxiety, or difficult seasons begin to take over.
• Reconnecting with reminders of your impact and purpose can help you keep going when the work feels difficult.

About the Guest

Jennifer Bardot is the founder of G.R.I.T., a membership community based in St. Louis. After returning to graduate school and corporate America, Jennifer made the courageous decision to leave the security of corporate life and go all in on entrepreneurship. Through her work, writing, and community, she focuses on growth, resilience, intention, and tenacity while continuing to practice the same courage and grit she encourages in others.

Connect with Jennifer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcdonnell-bardot/

Website: mygritcommunity.com