Meet the book's cast of characters:

Cera Day

A change leader doing a once-in-a-career transformation project.

Challenges: Cera faces personal fears, alongside professional doubts about achieving the ambitious change vision. She courageously takes each step, including bringing in the support she needs from Athena and Sergio.

Athena

A change agent selected by Cera Day to help her influence and role model change.

Challenges: Athena isn't in a position of formal authority, so she learns to influence others, including Cera. She becomes an early adopter and role model for her peers. An invaluable asset to support Cera and the change.

Sergio

The Project manager assigned to support Cera Day who organizes work and tracks progress.

Challenges: Sergio has multiple projects to manage. He's relieved that Cera Day and Athena have stepped in to build key relationships, which helps the team anticipate and resolve problems.

Through these relatable composite fictional characters, readers feel the fears common during change . . . while learning practical ways to shift into courageous action.

See what courageous change looks and feels like

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Feel more confident and capable during change

Each chapter of Inspired by Fear addresses a common fear faced by change leaders during high-stakes, high-pressure situations. Using a story-based approach, readers get an introduction to my proven changecapable^TM method, which takes the guesswork out of knowing what to do when leading and influencing change.

This method is the foundation for all of my teaching in my signature Designed to Influence change mentorship program, speaking and workshops.

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What clients say about the book and my method:

Sarah Strehl

Chief Human Resources Office, ECMC Group

“Refreshingly honest and practical, leaders will frequently reference this book for the memorable stories and the proven techniques. By the end, it feels like you’ve already got a better idea of what’s coming and more confidence to lead through it.”

Cathie Mayr

Retired partner, Ernst & Young

“Having worked with her on two large change efforts, I can tell you Jennings' focus on human fear and emotions during major change works! You'll refer to this book often."

Jill Claggett

30-year HR professional

“Inspired by Fear will feel like you are reading your own thoughts and feelings about change management. Kris’ book will provide you with the tools and insight to approach change not only in your work life but your personal life too!”

Why I wrote this book

I’m world-class at fear. I don’t mean that I’ve conquered it. I mean that fear has been a lifelong companion for me. After years of thinking my high levels of agitation were anxiety, I was diagnosed with chronic PTSD in late 2020.

That diagnosis changed my life because it changed how I think and feel about fear.

I used PTSD-specific healing modalities to create new neuropathways. I began practicing mindfulness techniques to expand my tolerance for staying with unpleasant feelings. I learned to support my nervous system so that I can return to calm more quickly and easily.

My new knowledge and skills also highlighted for me how fear permeates organizations, especially during change. I considered whether this was the best type of work for me. But the more healing I did, the more certain I became this was EXACTLY what I needed to be doing.

Courage isn't the absence of fear but deciding to act despite its presence. My change work took on a greater purpose to help leaders and other humans who struggle with fear and anxiety...just like me.

This is why I wrote Inspired by Fear: Becoming a Courageous Change Leader.