Photo Credit: Stacy Keck

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” — Anaïs Nin

What do the words “stand tall” mean to you? There are so many complexities and interpretations around those words, and they can have significant impact.

In the addiction world it can mean not veering off your course for survival. In battle it can mean holding the line for mass protection. In business it can mean not compromising your principles and values and staying true to your mission. Regardless, those two fundamental words have monumental power because all their applications are grounded in courage. As a real leader who can alter the course of your company and its employees’ health and fiscal stability, standing tall means everything. 

So why do we let our courage slip? Is it based on our own fears or uncertainties? If we ask ourselves that question and answer truthfully, it can help us achieve courageous leadership and immense rewards. Why? Because fear of the unknown can shrink us, and the courage to stand tall can expand us.

I urge everyone, especially in today’s challenging world, to take a solid, values-based position on what you know is right and stand tall in it. Speak and live your truth with conviction and fortitude. The more courageous leaders who figure this out and act on it, the better business and society will be. Think about it: Will we ever be able to say we know what courageous leadership feels like unless we try it? To never try is cowardly, and who wants to stay anchored in fear? On the flip side, if we truly don’t know where or how to begin, that’s okay because there are endless opportunities to learn, connect, and grow your leadership with courage. 

In the fall 2025 edition of Real Leaders magazine, Mel Robbins shares how she turned her setbacks and fears into her greatest strength, which helped her build a highly successful business within the impact coaching community. Also in this edition, you can get inspired by real leaders Mike and Kass Lazerow — serial entrepreneurs, investors, and cofounders of Golf.com and Buddy Media; they tapped into the power of courage collaboratively by surrounding themselves with like-minded, purpose-driven people. 

This focus on courage is growing worldwide. Business as a force for good has gained tremendous momentum and financial success over the past decade through the courage of those who stand tall in their commitment to a better way. 

Let me know how you are standing tall. We love sharing your inspiring stories.

Julie Van Ness, CEO

Julie@Real-Leaders.com