Lead Out Loud: Why Courage Matters More Than Confidence

We’ve been sold a myth.

That confidence is the key to leadership. That if you just had more of it, you would finally speak up, go for the promotion, back yourself in the room or say the thing that matters most.

But confidence is not the starting point. It is the outcome.

Confidence is belief in your ability. It builds through experience, time and repetition. Courage is the decision to act. Even when belief is shaky and fear is loud.

Courage is one of the core values of the Unique Leaders Network because it shows up before certainty. It gets you to the microphone. It helps you stand firm. It is what keeps you aligned with your voice and vision, especially when you feel exposed or under pressure.

Confidence might make it look easy.

Courage is what gets you moving.

Last week I was in Canberra for meeting in Parliament House with the leaders of our Government.  As I sat around a number of tables, I noticed particularly the number of women in the room who were the ones asking questions and speaking up.  Women in the construction and education sectors who found a level of confidence and courage to ask our politicians the hard questions.

1. Courage goes first. Confidence comes later.

Most people wait to feel confident before they act. But that day rarely comes. Courage is what gets you to the starting line. It says, “I’ll show up before I feel ready.”

That first presentation?
That tricky conversation you’ve been avoiding?
That blog you haven’t posted yet?

Confidence builds with action. But action begins with courage.

In Canberra we were celebrating 25 years of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) and I suspect 25 years ago there weren't that many women in the room!  But on this day, the women outnumbered the men and dominated the conversation.  These women had a level of courage to ask the hard questions and because they volunteered to speak up, confidence was what we saw.

Imposter syndrome is common for leaders.  I am not a surveyor, and yet I speak up regularly on their behalf - as long as I don't get too many technical questions I've gained a level a confidence that helps me speak up with courage!

I wasn't always as confident as I portray today.  But each time I step up and speak out my courage and my confidence levels grow.  And that now sees me serve as a Director on the ACIF Board - something 15 years ago would have been far beyond my comfort zone.

Ask yourself: Where are you waiting to feel confident when you actually just need to be brave?

2. Confidence looks polished. Courage looks real.

Confidence can perform. Courage connects.

It is easy to admire someone who seems in control, but we are moved by someone who is honest. When you lead with courage, you lead with your full self — the strengths and the uncertainty. That’s what builds trust. That’s what creates followership.

At the forums last week in Canberra many politicians presented to us and there was certainly a level of confidence, some very polished.  But it was Scott Buccholz, Shadow Minister for Skills and Training, that stood out the most at the Independent Tertiary Education Council of Australia (ITECA) forum.  He was as confident as the other parliamentarians, but it was his courage, his real life story that stood out to most of us.

Courageous people don't speak about being scared to speak!  There are no apologies for being unprepared.  And my pet peeve is when someone says "this might be a stupid question..."  There are no stupid questions!  If you're thinking it, so are others in the room.  Many of the questions I often ask I think are likely only mine.  Then I'm still surprised when people come up to me after and thank me for asking it!

Be bold.  Be courageous. Be confident.

Ask yourself: Where can you let go of looking polished and lead with presence instead?

3. Your voice matters more than your volume.

Leading out loud isn’t about being the loudest. It is about being clear, convicted and willing to speak even if your voice shakes.

We need leaders who say what matters.
Who speak up when something’s off.
Who champion others.
Who model conviction over compliance.

You do not need to feel confident to do any of that. You need to be courageous.

Ask yourself: What have you stayed silent about that you’re now ready to voice?

Final Thought

You do not need to be the most confident person in the room.

You need to be the most courageous version of yourself.

Leadership isn’t about volume. It is about voice. And the world needs yours — steady, brave, and ready to speak truth with impact.

Lead out loud. Even if your voice shakes. Especially then.

If this is a particular challenge for you, then please reach out! It's my passion to help leaders find that extra confidence and courage they need to make a difference!

Contact me via LinkedIn or this website