Leading Beyond Fear
Where Strategy and Leadership Converge
"Rage can act as a catalyst inspiring courageous action" - bell hooks
Navigating Courage centers on a humanistic approach to leading and being.
Dr. Robin Martin, author, researcher, master-level certified coach, and former Deputy Director of strategy, planning, and management at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, created Navigating Courage to meet the growing demand for practical support and resources for leaders and organizations ready to turn their collective outrage over injustice and inequity into action which spurs lasting social change.
Inspired by and grounded in the African philosophy “Ubuntu”— “I am because you are”— this approach is designed to normalize courage, build and connect a community of courageous leaders, and end systems of oppression. It is a call for our renewed fight for humanity in the face of oppressive systems that deprive us of individual and collective humanity and ensure our mutual destruction. It is led by a coalition of courageous leaders who are determined to forge a different path that leads to greater individual and collective freedom.
WHY NOW?
A Human-Centered Approach
We are living in extraordinary times, where the flaws in our systems—rooted in long-standing injustices and inequalities—are more visible and urgent than ever. These challenges don’t just harm individuals; they threaten the collective future we all share.
It is time to move beyond the conventional, individualistic model of leadership, which centers power in a single, all-powerful leader. Instead, we must embrace a more integrated, human-centered approach to leading and being—one that emphasizes shared responsibilities between leaders and followers. This subtle yet transformative shift in power dynamics fosters a model where power, privilege, and responsibility are collectively shared, creating ripple effects that amplify impact across entire systems.
Institutional Renewal
Organizations today are grappling with immense challenges as they strive to build environments that truly support and nurture great leaders and teams. While organizations are brimming with talent, they often lack cohesive, thriving teams. Many managers and leaders feel disconnected from their purpose, overwhelmed by the relentless demands of a "more is more" culture that prioritizes production over people. This structure of constant consumption erodes the very humanity that leaders need to guide, develop, and support their staff effectively.
The ripple effect of these pressures is profound, dehumanizing individuals and fracturing teams across industries. Now more than ever, there is a pressing need to reimagine leadership, management, and organizational culture. A humanist approach to leading and being offers a way forward—one that prioritizes connection, purpose, and the well-being of individuals and teams as the foundation for meaningful and sustainable change.
The Courage Project
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We are thrilled to announce the official launch of The Courage Project, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a coalition of Courageous leaders who are determined to forge a new path that leads to lasting social change. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey as we strive to normalize Courage, honor exceptional leaders, and create a positive impact on humanity.
