1123: Jill Schulman
“Being Brave”
What if you discovered that bravery isn’t something you’re born with—but a muscle anyone can build, one courageous act at a time?
In this inspiring episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, US Marine Corps veteran, keynote speaker, and bravery expert Jill Schulman unveils the science behind fear and how anyone can practice and grow their own courage. Jill shares her unlikely journey from a small-town Minnesota girl—arriving at Marine training in a hot pink outfit—to leading Marines and ultimately becoming a thought leader on bravery. She reveals the evidence-based tools and daily practices that helped her (and can help you) push through fear, pursue uncomfortable challenges, and experience profound personal growth.
Key highlights from this episode:
The surprising truth: bravery isn’t innate, but trainable like a muscle—discover how to flex it daily
Jill’s classic “Legally Blonde” moment in the Marine Corps—and what it taught her about moving past fear
The “embrace the suck” mentality and why seeking out discomfort leads to growth
How cognitive reframing, morning routines, and your “brave tribe” boost your courage and consistency
The behind-the-scenes fears and breakthroughs in writing her book—and how a conversation with Ken Blanchard changed everything
Jill’s practical advice for leaders, teams, and anyone who wants to step up and perform at their best, even when scared
Whether you’re ready to conquer a big goal, take a small brave step, or simply curious how courage really works, this episode will give you actionable strategies and the motivation to thrive onward and upward.
Timestamped Episode Overview:
00:00 – Lou Diamond opens with a challenge: How brave are you?
01:00 – Meet Jill Schulman: USMC vet, bravery expert, and her “Legally Blonde” arrival
02:54 – How Jill discovered the science of bravery and overcame her early Marine hurdles
04:34 – Why bravery is built, not born (the muscle analogy)
06:14 – Defining bravery: Voluntary action in the face of fear
09:05 – Practical ways to get braver: cognitive reframing, “embrace the suck,” and behavioral hacks
12:34 – The power of your “brave tribe” and implementing bravery daily
13:22 – Writing a book: Jill’s personal “suck” and how Ken Blanchard helped her push through
16:10 – What Jill gained from creating her bravery movement (and overcoming good for great)
18:33 – Where to find Jill’s bravery assessments, tools, and more
19:39 – Fun Street: Avatar, pump-up music, brussels sprouts, peach cobbler, skydiving, Paris, and more!
26:32 – Lou and Jill wrap up with a call to keep moving “onward and upward” bravely
Ready to grow your own bravery? Hit play now!
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