Daring Greatly in Business: A Personal Journey

Sometimes, I forget to dare greatly. I like to think I’m the kind of person who’s always up for the challenge—to venture, to explore, to innovate. But then life happens. The endless to-do lists, the gnawing fears, the whispering voices of inadequacy, and that ever-present imposter syndrome sneak in. They quietly convince me to play it safe, to stay small.

Today, while listening to one of my favorite podcasters, I was reminded that daring greatly is not just a nice idea—it’s a necessity. If we’re not careful, we can easily fall into the trap of forgetting our own capabilities. We forget that we can learn, that we can grow, and in doing so, we unintentionally pass that smallness onto our teams, our families, and friends. But how do we dare greatly in business, especially when the stakes feel so high?

One of the most powerful ways to dare greatly is by embracing vulnerability. Brené Brown, a name you’ve likely heard, has done incredible research on this topic. She talks about how vulnerability is the birthplace of courage. We can’t be brave without being vulnerable first. In business, this might mean admitting when we don’t have all the answers, asking for help, or sharing our fears with our teams. It’s terrifying, but it’s also liberating. When we dare to be vulnerable, we create an environment where others feel safe to do the same, and that’s where real innovation and growth begin.

Another way to dare greatly is to seize control—by letting go. Trusting our teams to do what they need to do and grow in the process is a leap of faith. It’s easy to hold on tightly, to micromanage, to think that we know best. But daring greatly means believing in the people around us, empowering them to take risks, make decisions, and yes, even make mistakes. When we trust others, we show them that they, too, can dare greatly in their roles.

Being open with feedback is yet another way to dare greatly. This isn’t always easy. For some, it’s downright terrifying. Honest and open feedback, however, is crucial for growth. It’s how we learn, how we improve, and how we build stronger, more resilient teams. When we’re willing to give and receive feedback, we’re daring to step out of our comfort zones and into a space where real progress happens.

But daring greatly isn’t just about these big actions; it’s also in the small, everyday choices we make. It’s in the decision to speak up in a meeting when it would be easier to stay silent. It’s in the willingness to pitch that bold idea, knowing it might get shot down. It’s in the courage to lead with empathy, even when the world tells us that’s not how business is done.

So, how else can we dare greatly in business?

Challenge the status quo: Don’t settle for ‘good enough.’ Whether it’s in your business model, your team’s approach, or your own mindset, always be on the lookout for ways to improve, to innovate, and to disrupt. Daring greatly means refusing to be complacent.

Embrace failure as a teacher: Failure is inevitable, but it’s also one of our greatest teachers. When we dare greatly, we’re not afraid to fail because we know that each failure brings us one step closer to success.

Prioritise self-care: It might sound counterintuitive, but taking care of ourselves is one of the most daring things we can do. When we’re well-rested, healthy, and mentally strong, we’re better equipped to take on the challenges of business with a clear mind and a bold heart.

Lead with authenticity: Being authentic in a world that often rewards conformity is an act of bravery. Dare to be yourself, to lead with your values, and to make decisions that align with your true self. Authenticity attracts the right people, opportunities, and outcomes.

Daring greatly in business isn’t a one-time act; it’s a way of being. It’s about showing up, even when we’re scared, and choosing courage over comfort, time and time again. It’s about believing in ourselves and in those around us, and knowing that when we dare greatly, we create a ripple effect that can transform not just our businesses, but our lives.