The Power of Persistence: Lessons in Leadership, Fear, and Courage
Leadership is not just about having a title, making decisions, or commanding a team. It is about courage, persistence, and the ability to face fears head-on while inspiring others to do the same. Throughout my journey as a speaker, coach, and mother, I’ve learned that leadership is an ever-evolving skill—one that is continuously shaped by the challenges and triumphs we encounter along the way. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve absorbed is the importance of persistence in overcoming fear and how this persistence can lead to remarkable growth and success.
Lessons From My Daughter’s Leadership Journey
Last week, my 11-year-old daughter embarked on her own journey of leadership. She was filled with excitement but also a sense of unease. She decided to run for co-president of her class, a position she and her partner had competed for the previous year but didn’t win. This time, she was determined to try again, though her approach was unwaveringly independent. Despite my desire to guide her through the process, she resisted my help at every turn.
As much as I wanted to contribute, I found myself stepping back. I suggested that it would be better to have an outline rather than simply reading a script, which is what many kids tend to do. She brushed it off, making it seem like she didn’t care. I reminded her to rehearse, especially the beginning, when nerves are at their peak. After all, the speech wasn’t just hers—it was shared with a partner. My last bit of advice was to think about her audience, to be inclusive, and to remember that leadership isn’t just about speaking, but about connecting. But with every suggestion, I felt like I was talking to a wall. She acted as though she didn’t want to hear any of it.
Then came the day of the election, and although I wasn’t there in person, I had the chance to watch the video. As soon as I pressed play, I was struck by how much of what I’d shared with her had sunk in. The outline I had suggested? It was clear in how she stayed focused without reading from a script. She and her partner had rehearsed enough that the nerves were barely noticeable, especially in those critical first moments. And the engagement with the audience? That too had been woven into their speech, effortlessly pulling in their classmates. It was a victory born of practice, persistence, and yes, even a bit of my advice. They won the presidency, and in that moment, I realized how much children do listen, even when it feels like they aren’t.
This experience was a powerful reminder of how leaders are made—through practice, trial, error, and the ability to transcend fear. My daughter had faced her fear of failure and came out stronger on the other side. She hadn’t let the disappointment of the previous year stop her, and now, she stood in front of her class as a leader. Leadership, I realized once again, isn’t about being fearless; it’s about having the courage to keep moving forward despite fear.
My Own Journey: From Fear to Confidence
On the same day that my daughter was voted co-president, I received two pieces of incredible news. I had been selected to speak at the Women Lead Live event in Denver this October, and I was also invited to be a speaker for the Engaging Speakers online event. These invitations felt like a significant honor and a validation of my journey as a speaker, but they also served as a reminder of how much I’ve had to overcome to reach this point.
Public speaking has long been one of the top three fears for people worldwide, and for many years, I was no exception. I vividly remember the rush of nerves, the way my palms would sweat, and how my heart would race the moment I got up to speak. It was as if my body was sounding every possible alarm, warning me to retreat. I’d stand in front of an audience, feeling exposed, wondering if my voice even mattered—wondering if I had anything valuable to say.
But, as with all fears, the only way to conquer it was to face it. Over the years, I invested thousands of dollars and countless hours into learning how to become a better speaker. I studied storytelling, refining how to use my words not just to inform, but to captivate, inspire, and motivate. I practiced my delivery over and over, trying to calm my racing heart and sweaty palms. I worked on managing those inevitable nerves, learning how to channel them into energy that could fuel my message rather than derail it.
There were moments when I wanted to give up, when I questioned whether all the effort was worth it. But I pressed on, knowing that with each speech, I was getting closer to something bigger—a deeper connection with my audience, a stronger ability to inspire, and a greater sense of confidence within myself. Slowly, public speaking transformed from a source of fear into an opportunity for growth, connection, and impact.
When the invitations to speak at the Women Lead Live and Engaging Speakers events came, they felt like the culmination of years of persistence. I thought back to all those hours I had spent honing my craft, to all those moments when I had faced my fears and decided to push through anyway. And now, just as I had watched my daughter engage her audience and lead with grace, I had learned to do the same on larger stages.
There is something magical about speaking in front of an audience, when you can feel the connection building as your words resonate with those listening. I have felt it, and now, I see that same magic in my daughter’s journey. It’s a reminder that leadership is about more than speaking—it’s about connection, persistence, and courage.
Leaders Are Made Through Practice and Persistence
The experience of watching my daughter navigate her leadership journey while reflecting on my own has reinforced a truth I’ve long known: leaders are not born; they are made. They are made through practice, trial, error, and the courage to keep going in the face of fear. Whether it’s a child standing before her classmates or a speaker addressing hundreds of people, the principles are the same. We all have fears, but we also have the power to overcome them.
As I reflect on these moments, I’m filled with gratitude for the persistence that has shaped both my journey and my daughter’s. We have both faced our fears, learned from our mistakes, and stepped into leadership roles despite the challenges. And in doing so, we’ve discovered that the real reward lies not just in the victory, but in the growth that comes from transcending our fears.
What fears are you ready to overcome? Whether it’s public speaking, stepping into a new role, or facing the unknown, I encourage you to take that first step. And if you know of any organizations or communities that are looking for speakers, I’d be happy to have a conversation. You can reach me at help dot the courage to be at gmail dot com (help.thecouragetobe@gmail.com)
Together, let’s continue to lead with courage, persistence, and the belief that we are capable of far more than we imagine.
To your success and abundance!
Tania
P.S. Come join us at Women Lead Live in Denver! Use this coupon code [COURAGETOBE] for 10% off. I’d love to connect with you in person!
P.P.S. If you’d like to listen to this week’s podcast episode with Lydia Knight, CEO of the SHE Center and host of Women Lead Live on creating impactful events, click here and you’ll get to feel her incredible energy and learn how she leads with purpose!
Comments