When you think of courageous leadership, what comes to mind? What does it really look like in today’s world, an era of division, uncertainty, and constant yet sometimes unexpected change?
Courageous leadership is embodied by individuals who take bold action in the face of great risk. Consider Billie Jean King, who has spent decades advocating for gender equality in sports and beyond, even at great personal cost. And take Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee in 2016 for racial injustices – an action that he knew could cost him everything, and it did – but he did it anyway because it was a moment bigger than himself. Or consider NASCAR’s 2020 decision to remove the Confederate flag from its events in the face of losing a significant portion of its fan base, but did so anyway because it was the right thing to do. Furthermore, how about Jason Collins, former NBA player who was the first openly gay player in North America’s major men’s professional leagues? In April 2025, Collins led a groundbreaking “Final Four Inclusion Clinic” in San Antonio, focusing on creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ youth and allies in basketball. The clinic, backed by the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs and media partners including CBS and TNT Sports, aimed to extend the unifying power of sports into a safe space for marginalized young athletes. The event was hailed as a critical effort at a time when discussions of diversity and inclusion face national resistance.
Courageous leadership isn’t convenient, but it is crucial
