Tips from Brave Leaders on Cultivating Courage

From where we sit, the future looks bright. Despite the current rash of issues around social injustice, poverty, global health concerns, and environmental crises, leaders around the world tell us that they are hopeful. They believe there is a greater sense of unity among young people than in previous generations, and feel that these rising leaders  will bring a more sophisticated and nuanced sense of their collective power to achieve global impact.

As part of our Brave Leaders Project, we invited the many we interviewed to share a few words of wisdom with the next generation. Here, we share their responses and invite you to pause and reflect  using our prompts. We offer both, as an impetus for bringing about meaningful and lasting change.

On Knowing Yourself and Your Truth

“Bravery, especially for young people, is a journey of self-discovery. The more we get to know about ourselves, the more self-confident we become. […] Don’t be afraid to put yourself in situations where you might be uncomfortable at first, because in the end, these instances are precisely what will teach you a lot about yourself.”

— Inge de Lathouwer, Philanthropist

“Connect to your inner self. That’s what makes you brave.”

— Antonio Luiz Seabra, Businessman

“Work on overcoming your self-interest and ego.”

— Kenneth Frazier, Merck CEO

“There are two ways of looking in a mirror. One is to look in it to admire yourself, and the other is to look in it and say, ‘I could have done this differently.’ There’s also the matter of whether you look in the mirror at all. Just because you don’t look in the mirror doesn’t mean there’s no spinach between your teeth! […] I mean, we all get spinach between our teeth from time to time. When you are not looking into the mirror, you are not getting reflected feedback.”

— Alison Brimelow, Civil Servant

“Don’t think too much; you’ll rely on your intuition much more, and you’ll be happy.”

— Robin Cornelius, Entrepreneur

“Trust yourself and develop self-confidence. Trust your sense of right and wrong, and when something doesn’t feel right, don’t rush ahead. Have the courage to stay and stick it out until the path clears.”

— Marianne Knuth, CO-FOUNDER, KUFUNDA LEARNING VILLAGE

Reflection:

Businessman Luiz Seabra knows his own truth and remains steadfast — a brave act when intellect and reason point in another direction. Think of a time when you made a decision because it was the expected or acceptable decision, but it was not in line with your own sense of truth. How did you feel after making this decision? What might the outcome have looked like if you had gone with your gut instead?

On Doing the Right Thing

“Don’t deny something about which you have a strong conviction.”

— José Goldemberg, Physicist

“When you have a strong conviction, even though it might not be popular, stick to it and persevere. Though initially there will be opposition or ridicule, that conviction is so strong that you can’t let it go.”

— Tony Rinaudo, Development Worker

“Be willing to make difficult decisions to stay aligned with your principles.”

— Kenneth Frazier

“You have to speak the truth, and it is not about somebody’s right and somebody’s wrong. Base your decisions on your values and beliefs, and act with your heart. That will make you much happier!”

— David Stevenson, Government Worker

“Follow your heart. Follow your dream. Understand that you can do it. Understand that when you do good, there’s going to be so much support not only from other people but from your own being, because you’re fulfilling what you’re here for.”

— Tina Lindgreen, Humanitarian

“[Know that] doing something good, even if you’ve had a bad past, can always create a better future. If I was only a result of my past, maybe I would not even be here, because my past was not generous with me. […] I want people to learn how to not be a hostage of the past, how to create something good from the past.”

— Marina Silva, POLITICIAN, GRASSROOTS ACTIVIST, AND RAINFOREST DEFENDER

“Don't deny something about which you have a strong conviction, and gain as much knowledge as you can.”

— José Goldemberg

Reflection:

Scientist Jose Goldemberg risked physical violence and other dangers, not only to himself but to others as well, in order to speak out against nuclear weapons. He demonstrated extreme courage based on a conviction so strong that he didn’t waver even when friends questioned his choices. What is the difference between being brave and being reckless? Is there a point at which you would stop pushing for change? What is it?

On Persevering

“Keep the faith, and never give up. Have faith in people, and have faith in society. Have faith in yourself that no matter how small your contribution may be, it will certainly have an impact when the right time comes.”

— Eunice Mareth Areola, PhD., CSR Expert

“Learn how to deal with disappointments, which is sometimes very hard to do. Sometimes we do things and we strongly believe that everything is going to work out, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. We must not give up on our first, second, or third try. That’s why I always say we need to be persistent and insistent.”

— Marina Silva

“Never accept the first no or the second no. Look at things from a variety of angles. Ask somebody else to look at the problem and see if you can get an additional perspective. The worst thing is to say that just because you have somebody in authority who says, ‘No, we’re not doing that, we can’t do that,’ that is the end of the discussion. Have the courage to persist and to continue in the face of all nos. When I have heard ninety nos, I know I’m that much closer to a yes!”

— Edward G. Happ, EXECUTIVE FELLOW, FORMER CIO

“You most likely will get it wrong the first time. Make sure you have enough resources to do it twice.”

— Edward G. Happ

“Learn how to deal with the adjournment of pleasure. Many times, we want prompt acknowledgment and gratification. We need to learn how to deal with that recognition being delayed.”

— Marina Silva

Reflection:

In Brazil, activists have been murdered for standing up against deforestation. Marina Silva drew strength from her role models — those courageous leaders who risked their lives to stand up for their beliefs: Chico Mendes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela. When you are struggling, who are your role models? Make a list, take inventory, and then take their wisdom to heart!

And Finally…

“Have someone to talk with outside your organization who accepts you as a person.”

— Kenneth Frazier

“Diversity is hugely enriching, but it can only enrich you if you actually give it space.”

— Alison Brimelow, Civil Servant

Reflection:

Brave leaders tend to be humble. They invite and work to understand other points of view. They may not change their minds, but they listen first. Recall a recent disagreement you had with someone. Did you first try to understand their point of view by asking probing questions? When they were speaking, did you stay focused on what they were saying, or were you plotting your defense?

To learn more, find Brave Leaders: Finding The Guts To Make Meaningful & Lasting Change here.