---
title: "In Conversation with Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée: Leadership Courage"
description: "Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, a Fellow of The City and Guilds London Institute, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée launches a new series exclusive to our readers: In conversation- Leadership Courage."
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2024-10-22T11:33:27.000Z
updated: 2026-09-28T12:30:39.642Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/in-conversation-with-dame-neslyn-watson-druee-leadership-courage
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/NESLYN.png
categories: Female leadership
content_type: Interview
region: London
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
about:
  - type: Person
    name: Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, DBE
    description: "For over four decades, Dame Neslyn taught High Profile Executives to unlearn what they know and learn about the societal fabric of success: courage.\n\nA Business psychologist and Prof. Executive Coach serving CEOs, Directors and Aspiring Directors to be their best in their leadership. All her clients, without exception achieve high performance, excelling in their field against all challenges, re-imagining their business and life with courage, passion and purpose.\n\nHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III recognition came not once but on four occasions, but that did not end Dame Neslyn’s genuine desire to deliver excellence in leadership. Being awarded an MBE for nursing leadership was just the beginning of her firm commitment to progress followed by The Queen’s Medal and CBE for Health Service Innovation and Leadership."
    url: https://neslyn.com
    jobTitle: Founder
    worksFor: Beacon Organisational Development
    sameAs:
      - https://twitter.com/BeaconOD
      - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neslynwatsondruee/
---

High Profile Leadership development authority, Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, left Jamaica when she was 19 and five decades later, there were standing ovations at the Authors Awards at Bafta in London. London has been home to her dreams and to her trials but she never gave up on her purpose: teaching and inspiring the world. Dame Neslyn decided to stay true to herself when very few, if any, really understood the impact of the courage in Leadership and the direct connection with business success.

Now one of the most sought-after High Profile Executive Coaches, a world class keynote speaker who [authored 15 books](https://amzn.to/3C4VHz1), Dame Neslyn lives a life of purpose and delivers her works internationally, with passion. Her approach to leadership courage is deeply spiritual.

Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, a Fellow of The City and Guilds London Institute, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, Dame Neslyn is winning endless accolades from international organisations and [media outlets](https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20240405/dame-neslyn-arrives-today), confirming the recognition she deserves. Once again, we invited Dame Neslyn to grace our stage, this time for a new series: In Conversation. Today we  explore courage in leadership.

Calling me from her garden this morning, after delivering her latest keynote, [Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée](https://richwoman.co/article/rich-monday-paper-a-life-of-passion-and-purpose-with-dame-neslyn-watson-druee) told me: “ I just realised that every time I speak on stage, I feel I am getting younger”. I smiled, knowing that after almost two decades of being inspired by her courage, her favourite garden is the stage. I also know with certainty that the seeds she is planting from every stage are seeds of Love and Courage.

## What is the role of courage in Leadership success?

Leadership demands more than just the ability to make sound decisions, strategies for growth, or deliver results. At the heart of great leadership lies courage—a quality often underestimated but crucial in creating impactful leadership. As a business psychologist who has spent decades at the helm of large organisations, I have witnessed firsthand how the courage of leaders shapes their teams, fosters innovation, and ultimately drives the success of entire organisations and societal change.

### But what does it truly mean to have courage in leadership, can we develop it as professionals?

Imagine a time when, after falling in love with your job, fulfilling your role with excellence, a newly appointed manager comes along and tells you: “I find you threatening, because you are black, you are a woman and you are intelligent. I’m going to block you.” As a result, I left my job, a job I cherished, to develop a new path for the NHS Executives and teach them the ropes of leadership and excellence and, most importantly, a platform for courage in Leadership.

That Leadership Demonstration programme helped the NHS tackle the discrimination experienced by so many black nurses and, to my surprise, I was awarded an MBE for nursing leadership. Courage in leadership is the willingness to face challenges head-on, even when the outcome is uncertain or when significant risk is involved. It is about confronting fears, taking bold steps, and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone for the sake of progress.

Leaders with courage inspire others with their willingness to take personal and professional risks, be vulnerable, and act with integrity. They [foster a culture where others feel empowered to share ideas](https://richwoman.co/article/in-conversation-with-dame-neslyn-watson-druee-courageous-leadership-developing-future-leaders), challenge the status quo, and step into the unknown without fear of judgement or [failure](https://richwoman.co/article/is-fear-of-failure-fooling-you-to-feel-trapped-in-self-doubt). These actions are not born from a lack of fear but from the ability to act despite it.

## In case you were wondering…

**Q: What is the science behind courage?**
Did you know that the courage of facing fear can rewire your brain to reduce anxiety over time? Neuroscientific studies have shown that repeatedly exposing oneself to situations that induce fear can help retrain the brain to manage stress and anxiety better. This concept, known as neuroplasticity, highlights how courageous actions can change our brain’s wiring, making us more adept at handling stress and uncertainty over time.

**Q: Do you consider courage in Leadership a pathway to personal and professional maturity?**
Developing courage as a leader is not an overnight transformation. It is built through consistent self-reflection, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and embracing vulnerability. Small courageous actions, such as admitting when you’re wrong, challenging an unethical practice, or supporting an employee’s bold idea, can create ripple effects that foster trust, innovation, and resilience in your organisation.

**Q: What practical strategies do you suggest for cultivating courage in Leadership?**
I have to start by saying that it is never easy to Embrace Vulnerability. Share your personal challenges and struggles with your team. Doing so fosters trust and encourages others to step out of their comfort zones.Start Small. Begin by taking small risks in your decision-making or interactions. These could be asking for feedback, tackling a difficult conversation, or advocating for a new idea.

**Q: How could organisations and their investors benefit from courageous leadership?**
Modern organisations could benefit from courageous leadership. Research shows that when leaders take small, courageous actions daily, it encourages others within the organisation to do the same, harnessing a culture of innovation and risk-taking. In fact, many businesses have credited their leaders’ boldness with driving growth and maintaining competitive advantages.

**About Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, DBE**
Founder, Beacon Organisational Development

For over four decades, Dame Neslyn taught High Profile Executives to unlearn what they know and learn about the societal fabric of success: courage.

A Business psychologist and Prof. Executive Coach serving CEOs, Directors and Aspiring Directors to be their best in their leadership. All her clients, without exception achieve high performance, excelling in their field against all challenges, re-imagining their business and life with courage, passion and purpose.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III recognition came not once but on four occasions, but that did not end Dame Neslyn’s genuine desire to deliver excellence in leadership. Being awarded an MBE for nursing leadership was just the beginning of her firm commitment to progress followed by The Queen’s Medal and CBE for Health Service Innovation and Leadership.

[Website](https://neslyn.com)