The opinions expressed by (*4*) authors are their very own.
From my very own journey, I know first-hand how leadership and being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel like sailing on stormy seas, especially when I left a corporate profession without a clear plan. The landscape around me was continually changing and it was easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. But it was in this uncertainty that I discovered the power of daring leadership. I imagine that “Courage is not about being fearless; it’s about believing in yourself and moving forward, even when you feel scared.” It is in these moments, when every part is spinning uncontrolled, that courageous leadership becomes not only invaluable, but essential.
When I retired from my corporate profession in 2020, I had no motion plan, no clear next step, and a lot of fear. However, I made a brave decision to trust myself and this leap into the unknown led me to build something more aligned with my true purpose. In the process I created BOLD frames — Believe, own, learn and design — to guide others through times of change and challenge. In that moment, fear and freedom were my partners as I moved forward in building my business and creating the company I believed I used to be meant to create.
In my book Be BRAVE todayI discuss how fear is often the catalyst for our boldest moves. It is in the face of uncertainty that leaders must rise up, present themselves, their teams and their visions.
Here are 4 ways to boldly lead in a changing world, even when you are feeling afraid.
1. Believe in your vision (even if the future seems uncertain)
Change can shake the strongest leaders, but daring leadership begins with unwavering belief in your vision. When I left my corporate job, I didn’t have all the answers, but I had faith — believing that there is something greater for me and that I have the power to create it. This belief was my anchor.
The first step in mine BOLD frames Is Be careful. For a leader, this belief becomes much more critical in times of uncertainty. It’s the ability to stick to your mission even when the path forward is not clear. Your belief in your vision provides stability when every part else seems to be changing.
Action step: Reaffirm your vision every day. In moments of doubt, remember why you began and what you are striving for. The faith you cultivate will enable you overcome fear and lead with clarity. You have to imagine in yourself – your opinion of yourself is the most vital for your success. Think of your faith as “gas” in the tank on the way to your dreams.
2. Be conscious of your decisions (even if you are feeling insecure)
Leadership in times of change requires making difficult decisions – ones that are not at all times popular or easy. But brave leaders are those that take full responsibility, even when the path forward seems uncertain.
When I began Bold Industries Group with my daughter, I had to take into account every decision we made, from launching our first product to hiring our first team member. I knew the only way to steer the ship forward was to take ownership.
In Own phase BOLD framesyou realize that no one else is responsible for your journey but you. When you’re taking responsibility for your decisions, you step into your power as a leader. Even in the face of change, being conscious of your selections builds confidence and resilience.
Action step: In difficult times, boldly stand by your decisions. Acknowledge any fear or doubt, but don’t let it dictate your actions. Having your individual path, regardless of how uncertain, gives you the strength to lead.
3. Learn from every change (because change is your biggest teacher)
If change teaches us anything, it’s that growth often comes from our biggest challenges. When I switched from corporate life to entrepreneurship, half the time I didn’t know what I used to be doing. But I treated every failure as a learning opportunity. Changes in business and life force us to adapt, innovate and evolve.
In To learn phase BOLD framesWe imagine in the principle that every challenge is a lesson. As leaders, when we approach change with curiosity, we position ourselves to evolve and grow. Instead of fearing the unknown, courageous leaders use it as an opportunity to learn, recalibrate and move forward.
Action step: The next time you are faced with an unexpected challenge, ask yourself, “What can I learn here?” Whether it’s a recent skill, a different perspective, or a recent approach, every change offers the opportunity to grow as a leader.
4. Design a daring future (even if the next steps are unclear)
In times of change, it is simple to feel such as you’re reacting relatively than leading. But daring leadership means actively designing the future you wish to create, even when the path is not clear. It’s here Design my framework phase comes into play.
Once you think in your vision, own your power, and learn from the changes around you, it is time to develop a recent way of doing things. It’s not about having all the answers – it’s about creating a plan that reflects your daring vision while still adapting to the inevitable changes that can come.
When I began building my business, I had to design a future that was aligned with my values, my purpose, and my daring vision. At each step, I refined the course based on what I learned. This is the key to daring leadership – planning a path forward while being flexible enough to adapt.
Action step: Sit down and intentionally plan the next steps on your leadership journey. What do you wish to create and how will you design a daring plan to make it occur? Don’t worry about perfection. Focus on progress and be open to adapting your project as you learn.
Being a brave leader in a world of constant change is not about knowing all the answers and never being afraid. It’s about leading with conviction, even when the path ahead is unclear. I have experienced this in my very own journey and what I emphasize as my definition of boldness: “Courage is moving forward even when doubt whispers in your ear – because it is not the absence of fear, but the decision to rise above it.”
No matter the challenges and uncertainties that come your way, keep in mind that you have the power to design your future. Courageous leadership is about accepting the unknown, being intentional about your decisions, and confidently charting a path forward, knowing that even in the face of fear, you may create something extraordinary.
It is time to lead boldly because the world needs leaders who can turn uncertainty into opportunity that can bring positive change.