The Six Forms Of Everyday Courage That Drive Change

There’s a commonly held belief that leadership courage is a trait that you either have or you don’t. That only the most rarefied few have what it takes to rally people around them to press ahead and meet the uncertainty – or adversity – that stands before them.

But what if courage is not a rare trait, but instead something every leader can exemplify in everyday moments?

That’s the compelling insight my guest Alex Budak shares in this episode of my “Leadership Biz Cafe” podcast.

Alex is an award-winning faculty member at UC Berkeley, where he holds a triple appointment at the Haas School of Business, School of Public Health, and College of Natural Resources.

He’s also the author of “Becoming a Changemaker“, that has been recognized by CNBC as a Top 5 non-fiction book about work.

I’ve invited Alex to join me on my podcast to talk about his Harvard Business Review article “6 Ways to Practice Everyday Courage“, and how the insights he shares in this article expands on the principles in his book about how we can lead change from wherever we are.

As Alex and I discuss in this episode, there are in fact six forms of everyday courage that can help leaders address some of today’s most common challenges.

And that courage doesn’t require grand gestures, but shows up in small, everyday moments that create direction and momentum to achieving your shared purpose.

I also have one quick note to share – this will be the last episode of “Leadership Biz Cafe” for 2025 as I’m taking a break for the month of December.

But I’ll be back in January 2026 with more guests, more Leadership Espresso Shots, and more insights on how you can succeed and grow in your leadership role.

Noteworthy links:

• Buy Alex’s book “Becoming a Changemaker” on Amazon*.
• Read Alex’s Harvard Business Review article “6 Ways to Practice Everyday Courage“.
• Learn more about Alex’s work at alexbudak.com.

* sponsored link that helps to support this podcast. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.