What does it mean to lead with courage?

In this episode of The Leadership Telos, we explore the virtue of Courage —the inner strength to lead faithfully in the face of fear, criticism, adversity, or uncertainty. Far from reckless bravery, true courage is a virtue that’s steady, discerning, and deeply anchored in purpose.

We’ll break down:

• The psychological foundations of courage: resilience, perseverance, and principled decision-making
• Aristotle’s Golden Mean and Aquinas’s framing of fortitude as the strength of soul
• Biblical truths that embolden leaders to step forward with confidence, faith, and humility
• How courageous leaders ennoble others and bear hardship without compromising virtue

Whether you’re navigating difficult decisions, confronting fear, or stepping into a new level of leadership, this episode invites you to embrace courage as a faithful, deliberate act of love and strength.

Reflect and Journal Prompts: 

• What does it really mean to lead with courage in a world full of fear, pressure, and moral compromise? 
• Where in your leadership are you being called to act with courage? 
• What fears are holding you back from doing what you know is right? 
• How do we as leaders discern the right thing at the right time for a noble end? 
• Reflect on a moment where you acted courageously.  What gave you strength? 
• What virtue can you pair with courage, such as humility, wisdom, or patience, to guide your next decision? 
• Where is courage needed in your life or leadership right now?
  Are you shrinking back or stepping forward in virtue?
• What fears do I need to confront in order to lead faithfully?”

Scripture References: 

• Luke 6:45
• Philippians 4:13
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• Deuteronomy 31:6-8
• Hebrew 13:8
• Psalm 91
• Galatians 2:20