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In this episode of the Action Lab Leadership Podcast, Danny sits down with Albert Waitt, the President of Operations at Smitty’s Entertainment, for a grounded conversation about fear and why it quietly limits growth inside organizations. Albert shares a steady view of leadership—one that pushes back against urgency, pressure, and perfectionism.
Throughout the episode, he explains how leaders often create fear unintentionally, why punishing mistakes stalls progress, and how creating safety allows people to learn, contribute, and grow. This conversation is a reminder that the most effective leaders reduce fear instead of amplifying it.
What you’ll learn:
- Why fear is one of the biggest hidden blockers to growth in teams
- How leaders unintentionally create pressure that shuts people down
- Why punishing mistakes discourages learning and initiative
- How calm leadership leads to better decisions and stronger teams
- Why progress is rarely linear—and why that’s normal
- The role trust plays in helping people step up and contribute ideas
- Why perspective matters when leaders feel overwhelmed or frustrated
Albert’s insights offer a refreshing reminder that leadership doesn’t need to be loud, reactive, or driven by pressure. Instead, real progress happens when leaders create safety and allow people the space to learn through experience. If you’re leading a team or feeling stuck in a high-pressure environment, this episode provides a practical framework for building trust and unlocking better performance over time.
