In Conversation with Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée: Building Lasting Courage as a Leader

What does it mean to build courage as a leader and how it impacts your carrier success? In this week’s conversation, we go into the heart of leadership courage with Dame Neslyn—exploring the tools that build courage and the ripple effect of courage. “Courage isn’t simply the absence of fear; it’s the ability to face fear with self-awareness, resilience and an unwavering commitment to purpose.”

Dame Neslyn believes that building courage is a process—one that calls for honesty, vulnerability and a willingness to look within. As she shares insights on identifying personal fears, cultivating resilience and embracing vulnerability, we gain a window into the tools and mindsets essential for courage leadership. In this conversation, she invites us to see courage not as a single act but as a lifestyle, shaping how we engage, influence and inspire.

 Leadership is creating the space to bring forth the greatness in others, for others to be their best. It is tapping into unlimited human potential and turning the potential of others into desired results. Leadership creates a culture that enables people to release their creativity, vision and intelligence

– Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée

Building courage is the most important skill within the corporate world and leaders apply it in every day life, from relationships with others to building better relationship with yourself. Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée is drawing from her vast experience as a former NHS Chair, Organisational Development Consultant, Business Psychologist and certified Emotional Intelligence & Thinking Environment Practitioner.

How to Build Courage as a Leader?

Building courage as a leader is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and purpose. Courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about choosing to act in alignment with your values, even in the face of uncertainty. This courage is pivotal for career success, as it empowers you to make decisions that may not be easy or popular but are essential for growth. The best leaders embody this courage by standing up for what’s right, fostering an environment where ideas and concerns are welcome, and advocating for a better way forward. They know that true leadership is about building a team where everyone feels empowered to contribute, no matter their role.

As a leader, courage is one of your greatest assets. Courage empowers you to make bold decisions, take responsibility, and inspire others. But courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear; rather, it means acknowledging your fears and choosing to act despite them. Developing this courage begins with a journey inward, a commitment to understanding your fears, and then stepping forward with purpose.

The first step in building courage as a leader is self-awareness. Self-awareness allows you to identify the fears that may be holding you back and understand how they influence your behaviour. Fear is often rooted in past experiences, societal expectations or deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves. These fears might include a fear of failure, fear of rejection, or even fear of success.

To begin this process of self-discovery, reflect on moments when you hesitated, avoided a decision or second-guessed yourself. What was the underlying fear? Perhaps it was a fear of not meeting others’ expectations, a fear of losing control, or a fear of being judged. As a leader, it’s essential to confront these fears with honesty and self- compassion. Courage, after all, is born from clarity about what holds you back and an unapologetic desire to discover what is on the other side of fear..

Building self-awareness isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing practice. Regularly take time to reflect, journal or seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers. They can help you see patterns in your actions and attitudes that may indicate underlying fears.

Understanding your values is fundamental. Leaders who take time for introspection gain clarity on their priorities, allowing them to act with conviction when faced with tough choices. Journaling, meditation, or simply setting aside time to reflect can sharpen your inner compass, helping you to lead with authenticity.

Courage requires focus and calm under pressure. Mindfulness practices, like breathing exercises or short moments of pause throughout the day, equip leaders to stay grounded, especially in challenging situations. Practicing mindfulness also reduces stress and enhances decision-making—two skills invaluable in building courage.

There are great lessons to be learned every day but when we have to agree that building courage in leadership, is not about the love for power but the power of love for those you lead. No leader succeeds alone.

Courageous leaders are transparent about the challenges they face, fostering trust by inviting their team into the journey. When leaders are open about struggles and setbacks, they normalize resilience, demonstrating that excellence is not about perfection but about persistence.

Small, deliberate actions that push your boundaries build courage over time. You might start by advocating for a new idea in a meeting, speaking up about a concern, or even admitting when you’re unsure of something. These small steps build the confidence needed to take larger, more courageous actions.

What Courage Means for Career Success in Leadership?

When courage becomes a core of your leadership, career success follows. Leaders who stand by their values and encourage others to do the same cultivate loyalty, innovation, and trust within their teams. They inspire people to strive for excellence, even in difficult times, creating workplaces that are both productive and fulfilling. Courageous leaders build legacies because they lead with integrity, creating cultures that champion progress and resilience.

Ultimately, leading with courage means inspiring others to believe in their potential, even when the path is uncertain. When you take on this journey, you don’t just grow as a leader—you transform your career and the lives of those around you, making a meaningful impact that lasts far beyond your time at the helm. With this I have to mention that while there are many types of courage, and we will explore more during my upcoming workshop, for the modern leader there is only one kind of courage: Lasting Courage

Building lasting courage as a leader is about creating a foundation that stands strong in both calm and storm. True courage is not a fleeting act but a practice, something that grows with intention and discipline over time. It’s developed in the small choices—speaking up in difficult conversations, choosing integrity over ease, and staying committed when challenges feel insurmountable. Like a deeply rooted tree, lasting courage requires nurturing, consistency, and resilience.

Lasting courage transforms leaders into pillars of strength, inspiring those around them to pursue bold ideas, embrace vulnerability, and take risks. It’s the quiet confidence that grows through every moment of doubt you’ve overcome, every setback that’s tested your spirit, and every new day you’ve chosen to move forward despite the unknown. With lasting courage, leaders become a steady source of inspiration, leading others to believe that they too can rise above challenges and shape the future with purpose.

Do you want to share your story and inspire our readers ? Know that  YOUR EXPERTISE is paving the way for a fairer, happier society.