The Courage Effect is a show about growth and unleashing what’s possible.
Developed by our host Suzanne Weller, The Courage Effect is a place for inspiration and empowerment through conversation. Where we talk about what we’ve learned through wrangling fear, risk, and uncertainty -- no matter how big (or small) the challenge.
Whether it’s a professional reinvention, standing up for what we believe in, fighting inequality, or smaller actions like speaking to a stranger – these courageous stories move us into where change happens.
All content for The Courage Effect is the property of Suzanne Weller - Weller Collaboration and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Courage Effect is a show about growth and unleashing what’s possible.
Developed by our host Suzanne Weller, The Courage Effect is a place for inspiration and empowerment through conversation. Where we talk about what we’ve learned through wrangling fear, risk, and uncertainty -- no matter how big (or small) the challenge.
Whether it’s a professional reinvention, standing up for what we believe in, fighting inequality, or smaller actions like speaking to a stranger – these courageous stories move us into where change happens.
Massimo Backus: Why Being Kind to Yourself Makes You a Better Leader
The Courage Effect
1 hour 1 minute
1 month ago
Massimo Backus: Why Being Kind to Yourself Makes You a Better Leader
#80: Massimo Backus, author of "Human First, Leader Second," shares his transformative journey from high-achieving "sage on the stage" to authentic leader through the power of self-compassion.
Key Moments:
The Wake-Up Call - Massimo was running global leadership development when devastating 360 feedback revealed he was defensive, didn't create psychological safety, and was even described as a bully - the opposite of his intentions.
The Epiphany - After surrendering to the Hoffman Process, Massimo experienced his first moment of unconditional self-love in the woods - realizing he'd spent his life hiding doubts and imposter syndrome behind a "leadership costume."
The Power of the Pause - Why rushing from one role to the next keeps us stuck - and how the "neutral zone" allows for healing and repatterning.
Powerful Quotes:
"We wake up most days trying to be someone we already are."
"Courage is the small things: taking good care of yourself, setting boundaries, asking for help."
"I had to fully surrender - give up all the coping mechanisms and parts of my identity that on paper worked."
Key Takeaways:
Self-compassion isn't soft - it takes courage to confront yourself authentically
Internal validation is sustainable; external validation keeps you off-balance
Emotions are data points, not definitions
Transition periods are opportunities, not just gaps to fill quickly
Resources:
Human First, Leader Second by Massimo Bacchus
Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart
Dr. Kristin Neff's self-compassion research
The Hoffman Process
Connect with Massimo:
Website: mass@massimobackus.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-backus/
Instagram: @massismoleadership
Connect with The Courage Effect:
Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration
Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect
Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller
Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about
Support the Show:
If this episode resonated with you:
Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform
Share this episode with someone who would benefit from Massimo’s story
The Courage Effect
The Courage Effect is a show about growth and unleashing what’s possible.
Developed by our host Suzanne Weller, The Courage Effect is a place for inspiration and empowerment through conversation. Where we talk about what we’ve learned through wrangling fear, risk, and uncertainty -- no matter how big (or small) the challenge.
Whether it’s a professional reinvention, standing up for what we believe in, fighting inequality, or smaller actions like speaking to a stranger – these courageous stories move us into where change happens.
