Articles (and Insights)

Insights on leading with courage, showing up with presence, and cultivating workplace cultures where people thrive. Get our best insights for leaders, HR/OD/L&D professionals, and culture builders.

What If We Stopped Taking Things So Personally?
Cultivating Presence, Leadership, Employees Amber Barnes Cultivating Presence, Leadership, Employees Amber Barnes

What If We Stopped Taking Things So Personally?

What if the moments that sting—those comments that hit deep—were actually invitations? At StartHuman, we believe real leadership means staying present with discomfort and taking responsibility for our own nervous system instead of offloading pain onto others.

In this post, Amber shares a powerful story of receiving tough feedback, choosing vulnerability over defensiveness, and discovering the power of relational repair. It’s a reminder that our reactions aren’t personal—they’re protective. And when we practice emotional intelligence as a daily discipline—not just a buzzword—we build cultures where trust, truth, and connection can thrive.

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“I’m Triggered”: A Call to Radical Responsibility
Cultivating Presence Amber Barnes Cultivating Presence Amber Barnes

“I’m Triggered”: A Call to Radical Responsibility

What if being triggered wasn’t a reason to collapse, but an invitation to lead from presence? In this post, we explore how radical responsibility transforms reactivity into growth, builds real trust at work, and helps us stop outsourcing our safety. It's not about avoiding discomfort—it's about learning to meet it with courage, curiosity, and care.

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Why We Offer Dare to Lead™: Practicing Courage at Work

Why We Offer Dare to Lead™: Practicing Courage at Work

What sets this program apart is its focus on emotional literacy—giving leaders the tools and language to understand and work with tough emotions like vulnerability and shame, rather than be unconsciously driven by them. When leaders can normalize honest, courageous conversations, they build trust, resilience, and the kind of culture where people—and results—can thrive.

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Five Ways to Stop Bullying in the Workplace (and Beyond)

Five Ways to Stop Bullying in the Workplace (and Beyond)

Maybe someone has been described as being “too direct” or “too honest.” Perhaps you’ve noticed someone raising their voice, slamming things, or even name calling. While this type of behavior can be extremely harmful and is prone to escalation, there are ways to stop it in its tracks and turn it into something more productive. Here are five tips on dealing with bullying in the workplace.

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