In my own journey, I know firsthand how leadership and being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel like sailing through stormy seas, especially when I left my corporate career without a clear plan. The landscape was constantly shifting around me and it was easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. But it was in that uncertainty that I found her power courageous leadership. I believe, “Courage is not being fearless; it is believing in yourself and moving forward, even when you feel fear.” It is in those moments, when everything feels out of control, that courageous leadership becomes not only valuable – but essential.

When I left my corporate career in 2020, I had no roadmap, no clear next step, and a lot of fear. But I made a brave decision to trust myself, and that leap into the unknown led me to build something closer to my true purpose. In the process, I created BOLD framework – Believe, own, learn and design — to lead others in times of change and challenge. At this point, fear and freedom were partners with me as I moved forward in building my business and creating the company I believe I was destined to create.

In my book Be brave todayI discuss how fear is often the catalyst for our boldest moves. It is in the face of uncertainty that leaders must rise up, standing up for themselves, their teams and their visions.

Here are four ways to lead with courage in a changing world, even when you feel the fear.

Related: 4 ways leaders can navigate change and find hidden opportunities

1. Believe in your vision (even when the future looks uncertain)

Change can shake the strongest leaders, but bold leadership begins with an unwavering belief in your vision. When I left my corporate job, I didn't have all the answers, but I had faith – the belief that there was something greater for me and that I had the power to create it. This faith was my anchor.

The first step in mine BOLD framework IS believe. As a leader, this trust becomes even more critical during times of uncertainty. It is the ability to hold fast to your mission, even when the path forward is not clear. Your belief in your vision provides stability when everything else seems to be changing.

Action step: Reaffirm your vision every day. In moments of doubt, remind yourself why you started and what you are working towards. The confidence you cultivate will help you face fear and lead with clarity. You should believe in yourself — Your opinion of yourself is essential to your success. Think of your faith as the “gas” in your tank on the way to your dreams.

2. Own your decisions (even when you feel shaky)

Leadership during times of change requires making difficult decisions — ones that may not always be popular or easy. But courageous leaders are the ones who take full ownership, even when the road ahead feels shaky.

When I co-founded Bold Industries Group with my daughter, I had to own every decision we made, from launching our first product to hiring our first team member. I knew that taking ownership was the only way to steer the ship forward.

IN himself phase e BOLD frameworkyou understand that no one else is responsible for your trip but you. When you take ownership of your decisions, you step into your power as a leader. Even in the face of change, owning your choices builds confidence and resilience.

Action step: In challenging moments, stand by your decisions with confidence. Acknowledge any fear or doubt, but don't let it dictate your actions. Owning your path, no matter how uncertain, empowers you to lead with strength.

Related: Why owning your decisions is critical to your success as an entrepreneur

3. Learn from every change (because change is your greatest teacher)

If change teaches us anything, it's that growth often comes from our greatest challenges. When I transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship, half the time I didn't know what I was doing. But I treated every obstacle as one opportunity to learn. In business and life, change drives us to adapt, innovate and grow.

IN Learn phase e BOLD frameworkwe embrace the idea that every challenge presents a lesson. As leaders, when we approach change with a mindset of curiosity, we position ourselves to evolve and progress. Instead of fearing the unknown, bold leaders use it as a chance to learn, recalibrate, and move forward.

Action step: The next time you're faced with an unexpected challenge, ask yourself, “What can I learn here?” Whether it's a new skill, a different perspective or a reimagined approach, every change offers an opportunity to grow as a leader.

4. Design a bold future (even when the road ahead is unclear)

In times of change, it's easy to feel like you're reacting rather than leading. But courageous leadership means actively designing the future you want to create, even when the path isn't clear. This is the place where design my frame phase comes into play.

Once you've believed in your vision, mastered your power, and learned from the changes around you, it's time to chart a new course of action. It's not about having all the answers—it's about creating a plan that reflects your bold vision while while remaining adaptable for the inevitable changes ahead.

When I started building my business, I had to design a future that aligned with my values, purpose, and bold vision. Every step of the way, I refined the course based on what I learned. This is the key to courageous leadership – charting a path forward while remaining flexible enough to adapt.

Action step: Sit down and intentionally plan the next steps in your leadership journey. What do you want to create and how can you devise a bold plan to make it happen? Don't worry about excellence. Focus on progress and stay open to tweaking your design as you learn.

Related: Thriving in Chaos: Embracing Uncertainty in Business

Being a courageous leader in a world of constant change is not about having all the answers or never feeling afraid. It's about choosing to lead with conviction even when the way forward is unclear. As I have experienced on my journey, and as I state as my definition of courage, “Courage is a step forward even when doubt whispers in your ear – because it is not the absence of fear, but the decision to rise above it.”

No matter what challenges or uncertainties come your way, remember that you have the power to design your future. Courageous leadership is about embracing the unknown, owning your decisions, and confidently charting a path forward, knowing that even in the face of fear, you can create something extraordinary.

Now is the time to lead with courage because the world needs leaders who can give back uncertainty in opportunity that makes a positive difference.