Building High-Trust Cultures: Co-Creation and Braving Fear | Ep. 81 ft. Ian Clawson

"How do we work together?" While many leaders focus on working harder or working smarter, cultural strategist Ian Clawson joins Josh Seldin to argue that the most important question is how we co-create. Ian, the co-author of Brave Together, discusses why even high-performing teams can feel disconnected and how leaders can identify the "fear-based" behaviors—blame, complaining, and excuses—that stall growth. In this episode, you’ll learn why a "safe space" isn't enough and how to build a "brave space" where the best ideas win. Josh and Ian explore the "Mirror Test" for leaders, the power of leading with curious questions, and how to balance the high standards of execution with the humanity required for long-term cultural health. Key Takeaways: ✅ Inclusion vs. Belonging: Understanding the organizational and individual roles in creating a connected team. ✅ The 3 Faces of Fear: How to spot blame, complaining, and excuses as indicators of underlying psychological barriers. ✅ Leading with Questions: Why the best leaders don't have all the answers and how to use curiosity as a strategic tool. ✅ The Mirror Test: Shifting the mindset from "What's wrong with them?" to "How must I change my approach?". ✅ Standards vs. Expectations: How to avoid the "suffocating" trap of micromanagement by focusing on directional standards. ✅ Co-Creation: Moving beyond the "lone wolf" executor mentality to design a better collective experience. 🔗 Connect with Ian Clawson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-clawson-bravecore/ His Website: https://bravecore.co/ His Book (Brave Together): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1265386676/... 📬 Contact Josh: [email protected] 📱 Follow Leadership in Quarters: @leadinquarters on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Artwork: Adam Powell Royalty Free Music: https://www.bensound.com License code: ZP5F5MP5C8LJEFXG Artist: : Benjamin Tissot #LeadershipInQuarters #IanClawson #BraveTogether #WorkplaceCulture #HighTrustTeams #CoCreation #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #JoshSeldin