The Unadvertised Version of Leadership: Courage

Leadership in 180 Seconds: Lessons I have learnt as a leader that few talk about

Everyone else saw a giant.

David saw an opportunity.

When Goliath stood before Israel’s army, the seasoned warriors froze. They measured the risk and stayed put. David stepped forward. Not because the giant was smaller than everyone thought, but because he told himself a different story.

Leaders face giants every day—an intimidating competitor, a tough boardroom conversation, the fear of stepping into the unknown. Most people hesitate. Some retreat.

But influence doesn’t come from waiting until the odds are perfect. It comes from moving first. From reframing the fear. From acting with courage, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

So, what’s the giant in front of you right now? And what story are you telling yourself about it?

• Transcript

  Here’s a truth about leadership no one tells you at the start: without courage, you don’t move forward. With it, the possibilities open wide.

  Think about the stories that resonate most with us. Contestants on MasterChef stepping out of their home kitchens and onto a national stage—risking failure in front of millions. Or Richard Branson, whose flight was cancelled in Puerto Rico. Instead of waiting, he chartered a plane and asked other passengers to chip in. That one courageous decision sparked Virgin Airlines.

  Courage is what separates those who dream from those who act.

  And in leadership, courage shows up in countless moments:

  • Asking someone to join your team, knowing they might say no.

  • Starting a difficult conversation, knowing it might not be received well.

  • Tackling a project bigger than yourself, knowing failure is possible.

  The risk is real—but so is the reward.

  Early in my career, I struggled with asking people to get involved. My inner dialogue screamed, What if they say no?But over time I realised something important: a “no” isn’t rejection of me—it’s just not the right fit for them. In fact, many people thanked me for asking. They valued being seen and considered.

  That’s when I started practising what I call “re-visioning.” It’s the discipline of reframing the story you tell yourself about the risk. Instead of seeing a phone call as an opportunity for rejection, see it as an invitation for connection. Instead of viewing a tough conversation as conflict, view it as a chance for clarity. Instead of seeing the mountain, see the first step.

  Most of the “mountains” we face in leadership aren’t as big as they feel. They shrink when we reframe them. They break into smaller steps when we approach them with curiosity instead of fear.

  So here’s my challenge for you: What’s the one courageous step you’ve been avoiding? Make the call. Write the first page. Open the conversation. And then, re-vision the story you’re telling yourself about that mountain. You might find it’s not a mountain at all—just an adventure waiting for someone who’s willing with a fantastic view at the top.

  The unadvertised side of leadership is this: courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about moving forward despite fear—one step at a time.