Why Courage Isn’t Fearlessness—It’s Action in the Face of Fear

In this powerful second lesson from the Winter of 2026 series, Bree Johnson explores what courage really looks like when life feels unstable, overwhelming, and uncertain.

We’re often taught that courage belongs to the bold, the confident, the fearless.

But real courage?

It’s feeling scared out of your mind… and choosing to move forward anyway.

In this episode, Bree shares personal stories—from speaking out about work harm and community care, to navigating self-doubt and obstacles on the TEDxDuluth stage—to show how courage is built through action, not perfection.

This conversation is for anyone who has been questioning their voice, shrinking their dreams, or waiting to “feel ready” before taking the next step.

Why courage is not confidence—and never has been

How fear, doubt, and uncertainty are part of the courage process

What Bree learned from speaking publicly despite relationship loss

Behind-the-scenes reflections on preparing for TEDxDuluth

The “lion within” metaphor and what it reveals about inner strength

Four practical pathways to building courage in your own life

Why action—not motivation—is the foundation of bravery

How courage supports nervous system regulation and work recovery

Ways to move forward even when you feel unqualified or afraid

This episode begins a new series where Bree reflects on leadership, community care, and whole-human resilience shaped by living through a season of social and political reckoning in Minnesota.

Each episode offers grounded insight for navigating uncertainty without losing yourself in the process.

If this conversation resonated, Bree and Andrea are opening a four-part Leadership Lab designed to help leaders move from inner pressure to inner integrity—through regulation, decision clarity, truth-telling, and self-trust.

Email [email protected] to express interest today, spots are limited.