Since 2016, Jacqueline has been dedicated to empowering and inspiring future female leaders, sharing her tips and strategies through Elevate, a global virtual programme where over 9000 women have graduated. She is the host of the Finding Your EPIC podcast and author of the Finding Your EPIC book, published in 2024.
There are moments in life when we feel scared, nervous, or uncertain, yet somehow, we muster the courage to speak up, rise up, or take action. But why is it that in some situations, we find the strength to act, while in others, we remain silent, passive, or frozen?
Courage is a puzzling skill. It can feel like an innate force that’s readily available in certain moments, yet in others, it seems to vanish entirely, leaving us wondering why we didn’t act. While courage may feel unpredictable, what is clear is that doing nothing often carries the greatest risk.
We are sometimes held back by fear fear of failure, judgment, or consequences. Inaction, though, has its own set of consequences. Whether in a professional setting, our personal lives, or on the larger stage of society, avoiding action in moments that demand courage can lead to missed opportunities, stagnation, and, in the worst cases, regret.
The myth of courage: Men vs. women
A long-standing myth persists that men are inherently more courageous than women, perpetuated by the image of the male hero bravely winning battles and undertaking visible risks. This outdated view overlooks the many forms that courage can take, including the quieter, often invisible types of courage that occur every day, particularly in women.
Having coached senior women for over 15 years, I’ve heard countless stories that reveal an interesting contradiction: many of these highly successful women confess that they often feel they lack courage. This may be surprising given their accomplishments, but it speaks to a broader cultural narrative that fails to acknowledge the tremendous courage required to navigate male-dominated environments.
For many women, simply walking into an office every day, one that may not accommodate their needs, voices, or perspectives, requires immense bravery. They face invisible battles that demand persistence, strength, and resilience, yet these forms of courage often go unrecognised.
Is this trend continuing?
The results from the recent Elevate session offer an interesting insight into how individuals perceive their own courage. Of the women surveyed, 44% rated their courage as a 3 out of 5. This suggests that while these individuals are likely to step up in some scenarios, they may still experience hesitation in more challenging or unfamiliar circumstances.
Meanwhile, 32% of attendees rated themselves a 4 out of 5, reflecting a group with a higher level of courage. They likely feel more capable of rising to difficult situations but still recognise room for growth or improvement.
The 15% who rated themselves a 5 out of 5 reflect a smaller group who feel fully confident in their courage, likely seeing themselves as consistently able to take action, regardless of the context.
The invisible types of courage
Courage doesn’t always involve bold, outward-facing action like taking charge in a crisis or confronting a challenge head-on. There are more subtle forms of courage, ones that might not be immediately visible but are no less impactful. Courage can be divided into five types, four of which are less obvious but equally significant:
Instinctive courage
This involves speaking up or taking action on behalf of others, often in difficult situations. Whether it’s addressing someone’s disruptive behaviour or engaging in a tricky conversation to help someone grow, instinctive courage is about looking beyond ourselves to support those around us.
Creative courage
Sharing creative ideas, especially when they challenge established views, requires courage. Offering suggestions that go against a more senior individual’s opinion or presenting new ideas in unfamiliar settings demands bravery, as it involves exposing ourselves to potential criticism or rejection.
Moral courage
Standing up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular or risky, is the essence of moral courage. Whether it’s addressing an ethical concern or defending a vulnerable person, it’s about upholding integrity and justice, regardless of the consequences.
Intellectual courage
This form of courage involves challenging assumptions, respectfully questioning ideas, and offering alternative perspectives. Whether someone has the wrong information or isn’t technically correct, it takes courage to speak up and challenge the status quo in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
Many women demonstrate these types of courage daily, but because they aren’t always accompanied by visible displays of bravery, they can be overlooked.
What stops us from taking action?
When faced with challenges, the instinct to “do nothing” can feel like the safest option, but the reality is that inaction can carry far greater risks. Not speaking up, not taking the lead, or not stepping out of your comfort zone can have long-term consequences, not just for yourself but for those around you. In the workplace, inaction can perpetuate toxic environments, allow inequality to persist, or stall progress on important issues. In personal situations, failing to act can lead to missed opportunities for growth or change.
By choosing to act even when it feels daunting, we take control of our future. Taking action, no matter how small, creates momentum. It leads to opportunities and helps us grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. And even when we fail, there is growth in failure, whereas inaction offers nothing but stagnation and regret.
The takeaway: Courage is in the action
Ultimately, courage is not just about grand, heroic moments. It’s about the small, everyday choices we make to speak up, stand up, and rise up even when we’re unsure. The key is to recognise that doing nothing may feel safe at the moment, but it is often the riskiest option of all.
Courage is a skill that can be developed over time, and the more we practice it, the more available it becomes in those critical moments. So, the next time you feel the pull to stay silent or to sit on the sidelines, ask yourself: what might I lose by doing nothing?
Listen to my Finding Your Epic podcast to hear how senior women leaders found their courage.
Read more from Jacqueline Frost
Jacqueline Frost, CEO & Founder at Elevate Talent
Jacqueline is a recognized leader in female executive development and mentoring. While her background includes a significant tenure in investment banking, her passion lies in empowering women to excel in leadership roles. She started her mentoring journey in 2009, sharing invaluable strategies for navigating high-pressure environments. Realizing the transformative effect of these lessons, she founded Elevate in 2016. This global virtual leadership program has equipped over 9,000 women from 50 countries with the skills to lead and influence in diverse industries. Her vision is to make leadership development accessible to women worldwide.
