Overcoming Fear: Lessons For Business Leaders From A Toddler's Bravery

Forbes

24-07-2025

Jason Richmond, Founder and Chief Culture Officer of Ideal Outcomes, Inc. Author of Culture Ignited: 5 Disciplines for Adaptive Leadership.
Fear—of failure, rejection or uncertainty—can paralyze even the most seasoned leaders. Yet, overcoming it is essential for taking risks that drive innovation and success.
A recent story on TV reminded me of this. Late one night, a 78-year-old great-grandmother tripped and fell walking into the house, hitting her head on a concrete step. She couldn't get up, and she'd left her phone in the car. She was with her 3-year-old great-grandson, and the best solution was for him to retrieve the phone in the dark.
Security footage captured what happened next. He made his way to the car, repeatedly saying out loud to himself, 'Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid.' He opened the car door, clambered inside, got the phone and enabled his grandmother to call for help. Watching the footage on TV and admiring the little boy's bravery got me thinking about what business leaders could learn from his example.
Identify your fears.
The first step to overcoming fear is to confront it directly. A PwC Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey found that 44% of workers struggle to understand the need for workplace changes. This can amplify fears of instability. For executives, pinpointing specific anxieties—whether it's fear of technological disruption, economic downturns or personal failure—is critical.
To do this, set aside 30 minutes to write down specific fears, such as, 'I'm afraid of launching a product that fails.' Research trends in your industry through reputable reports to contextualize these anxieties and help prepare actionable responses. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to help uncover overlooked areas in decision making where fear might creep in.
Embrace uncertainty as opportunity.
The little boy faced a dark, unfamiliar path and moved forward, nevertheless. In business, fear of the unknown can stifle progress. Instead, I suggest leaders view uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation.
As Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and bestselling author, said, 'When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life. It means fear is no longer a dominant factor in what you do and no longer prevents you from taking action to initiate change.'
To embrace uncertainty, consider launching experimental initiatives by allocating a 'moonshot budget,' such as 10% of R&D, for high-risk, high-reward projects, such as Google encouraging employees to spend 10% of their time on innovation. Start with a pilot project to test a bold idea in a controlled setting. Recognize and applaud teams for bold experiments, even if they fail, to normalize risk-taking.
Reframe fear as a catalyst.
The presence of fear means you're pushing your limits, and that's where growth happens. Regard it as a sign you're on the right track. To reframe fear, ask, 'What opportunity does this fear signal?' For instance, fear of a new market entry might indicate a chance to capture untapped demand. Visualizing a positive outcome can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
Build momentum by keeping a 'success log' of times you overcame fear, such as a winning pitch or negotiation, and review it before making high-stakes decisions.
Lead by example.
Leaders set the tone through their actions. Being transparent and vulnerable can inspire others. Sharing personal stories of overcoming fears, like tackling a tough merger or facing a potentially contentious media interview, can motivate teams. In team meetings, a brief story about a fear you faced and overcame, such as, 'I was terrified of presenting to the board, but preparation and feedback helped me succeed,' can resonate deeply.
Model accountability by announcing bold initiatives in a company-wide email or town hall and providing quarterly updates. Explain decision making aloud, such as 'I'm nervous about this pivot, but here's why I think it's worth the risk.' It's a way to demonstrate courageous decision making.
Build a fear-facing support system.
Executives need allies to bolster courage. It's essential to surround yourself with people who push you past fear—not feed it. Identify three to five trusted advisors—peers, mentors or coaches—who challenge fears constructively and schedule monthly check-ins to discuss important decisions with them. Consider participating in executive networks like Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) or Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) to get the benefit of sharing fears and solutions with peers facing similar challenges.
Take small, fear-defying steps.
Start with low-stakes risks. This helps you desensitize fear and build confidence for larger undertakings. Piloting a new process in one department, such as testing a new customer relationship management (CRM) tool with a single team, can help you gauge impact before scaling company-wide.
Committing to the '1% rule'—improving one small aspect of a feared task daily, like practicing one minute of a speech if public speaking scares you—builds progress. Acknowledging incremental progress, such as completing a pilot project, with team shout-outs or small rewards reinforces momentum.
Develop a culture of courage.
Leaders can cultivate courage by displaying vulnerability. Brené Brown, University of Houston professor, motivational speaker and author of numerous bestsellers, is often credited with saying: 'Courage is contagious. A critical mass of brave leaders is the foundation of an intentionally courageous culture. Every time we are brave with our lives, we make the people around us a little braver and our organizations bolder and stronger.'
Build psychological safety by holding monthly 'ask me anything' sessions where employees can voice concerns or ideas anonymously. Equip teams to handle challenges by partnering with HR to provide training on managing fear and uncertainty, incorporating techniques like mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy. Encourage a culture of openness by creating a 'Speak Up' program to recognize employees for sharing bold ideas or constructive criticism.
In the end, leadership is all about moving forward despite fear.
The path to innovation, resilience and growth requires stepping into the unknown, admitting vulnerability and surrounding ourselves with support. Whether you're launching a bold initiative or navigating a crisis, remember that fear is not your enemy. It's a signal that something meaningful is at stake. Acknowledge the fear, take the step and inspire others to do the same.
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