The Courage to Lead: A Personal Reflection
Years ago, I had the opportunity to work with the Heroic Imagination Project and even had Phil Zimbardo, author of the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment come speak about the Banality of Evil — the sobering realization that moral failings are not just the actions of a few bad apples, but the result of a culture, a system, a “bad barrel” that normalizes wrongdoing. It’s easy to look at history and see the moments where leaders failed to act, where otherwise decent people stood by as harmful decisions were made. But what about today? What about right now?
We are watching history unfold in real-time.
In the past month, we’ve seen powerful examples of courageous leadership — people standing up against the tide, resisting injustice, challenging abuses of power. Governors defying presidential threats, employees resisting unethical orders, citizens speaking up at town halls despite real personal risk. These are not just political acts; they are acts of moral clarity. And in these moments, we see what true leadership demands.
But courage in leadership is not just about defying authority. It’s not about being loud or disruptive for the sake of attention. Courageous leadership is about standing up for what is right — even when it is inconvenient, even when it comes at a cost.
What Is Courageous Leadership?
Courageous leadership isn’t about recklessness. It isn’t about defiance for its own sake. True courage is standing for something greater than oneself. It’s anchored in virtues — justice, integrity, responsibility.
Some argue that courage is simply fearlessness, the ability to act without caring about consequences. By that logic, we might call any disruptive leader courageous simply because they are willing to break norms or push boundaries. But this is false courage — bravado, or self-interest masked as strength. Real courage requires moral conviction.
It means asking: Is this action in service of something greater than myself? Does it uphold justice, fairness, and ethical leadership?
Finding Your Center: The Foundation for Courageous Leadership
At LeadHuman, I believe leadership boils down to three core elements: Connection, Adaptability, and Inspiration. The first, Connect, starts with connecting deeply inward — examining our own moral and ethical center.
Leadership that is unshakeable and courageous comes from knowing who we are, what we stand for, and that we are manifestations of something greater than ourselves. When we lead from that center, we become boundaried and courageous. We discover what we will accept and what we will not.
Brené Brown’s work on boundaries and courage reinforces this: having strong boundaries allows us to stand firm in our convictions without being swayed by fear or external pressure. Leaders who cultivate this deep self-awareness are not easily manipulated or intimidated. They act from wholeness, not reactivity.
Courage in Action: What We’re Seeing Today
If you ask half of our country, “Does the U.S. have great leadership?” many may question it, pointing to our figureheads. But I’d argue that we are seeing examples of great leadership every day in all kinds of ways — big and small.
In the past month alone, we have seen leaders step forward at great personal risk:
Maine’s Governor Janet Mills openly challenging federal overreach, vowing to fight for trans athletes despite presidential threats to withhold funding. (Source: Maine Public).
State attorneys general pushing back against election interference efforts, ensuring democratic processes remain intact despite external pressure. (Source: NPR).
CEOs speaking out against discriminatory policies, even at the risk of political and economic retaliation. For example, despite a broader industry shift away from DEI efforts, Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has reiterated the bank’s dedication to these initiatives. (Source: Reuters.com).
Journalists and whistleblowers exposing corruption and unethical practices, risking their careers and personal safety to bring the truth to light. (Example: Frances Haugen, the Facebook Whistleblower).
Ordinary citizens risking arrest at town halls for speaking up against policies that threaten their values and freedoms.
These acts are not just political statements; they are moments of moral courage. They remind us that leadership is about more than authority — it’s about responsibility.
Finding Role Models: Learning Courage from Others
Leaders who struggle to act courageously can benefit from seeking out role models. Observing others who demonstrate moral clarity and bravery in the face of challenges can provide a blueprint for courageous leadership. By studying historical figures, corporate leaders, or even peers who embody principled leadership, individuals can find the inspiration needed to take bold action in their own spheres of influence.
Consider Ed Stack, former CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods, who made the bold decision to stop selling assault-style rifles in response to the Parkland school shooting. This choice came at a financial cost, yet he stood firm in his commitment to social responsibility and safety.
Similarly, Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, prioritized long-term sustainability over short-term shareholder gains, setting a precedent for ethical corporate leadership. These leaders exemplify the kind of courage that drives meaningful change.
The Leadership Standard: When Is It Worth the Risk?
Courageous leadership is not easy. It will cost something. But history — and the present — shows us that silence has a cost too. When bad barrels are left unchecked, they create cultures of fear, complicity, and moral decay.
So the question for leaders today is: Where do you stand?
Are you cultivating an environment where people feel empowered to challenge wrongdoing?
Are you willing to take a stand, even when it is inconvenient?
Do you have the courage to lead — not just in times of ease, but in times of crisis?
The Call to Action: Be the Leader Who Stands
This is not a moment for passive leadership. It is a time for courage. If you are a leader — whether a CEO, a manager, or an employee who sees something wrong — your leadership is measured in what you choose to do when it matters most.
Challenge bad decisions. Leadership is not about avoiding conflict — it’s about addressing the hard truths.
Create safe spaces for ethical dissent. Encourage your employees to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
Hold yourself to a higher standard. Courage is contagious. When leaders stand, others follow.
We are living in a defining moment. The courageous leaders of today are shaping the world of tomorrow. Be one of them.
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