How to Overcome Fear and Lead with Courage

A mom's story of finding her voice

Magdalena Ponurska. Photo credit: Heather Gapi Photography

This is the origin of the new series “Stories of Courage.”

Dedication

To James,
who is the wind under my wings,
my daily inspiration,
my coach and my mentor
and the bravest 14-year-old you will ever meet

It hit me like a ton of bricks.

There I was, standing in my living room, holding two simple hearts—one red with “courage” etched across it, and the other blue, proudly declaring "gratitude."

These weren’t just festive decorations; they were a wake-up call, a revelation courtesy of my 14-year-old son, James.

Let’s be real: balancing leadership and motherhood is like juggling knives over a pit of alligators.

You’re constantly on edge, wondering if you’re about to drop the ball (or a child).

And my son, with the wisdom of a sage disguised in teenage nonchalance, handed me a masterclass in emotional intelligence.

Courage. That red heart wasn’t just a nudge; it was a sledgehammer to my well-constructed excuses about not publishing my book.

Why hadn’t I done it? Fear of failure, perhaps, or maybe the terror of being judged and criticized. But here was this young man, looking up at me, not just with love, but with belief.

Belief that I could press the publish button and share my truth. It’s funny how we preach about stepping out of comfort zones at work, yet conveniently forget to apply the same in our personal lives.

Then there’s gratitude. That blue heart, oh, it was more than a thank-you note. It was an anchor, reminding me that amidst board meetings and strategy sessions, my most crucial role was right at home.

Sure, I’ve felt the guilt — what leader-mom hasn’t? The guilt of missing a performance for a conference call, or replying to emails during family dinners. It’s a constant tug-of-war between the boardroom and the living room.

But here’s the controversial bit: guilt can be a good thing. Yes, you read that right. It’s a sign that you care and that you’re trying to balance the scales of professional ambition and familial devotion. It’s a reminder that you’re human, not some corporate robot programmed to ignore emotions.

The courage to lead and the gratitude to mother — it’s a potent combination. In the boardroom, courage means making tough calls, sometimes standing alone against a tide of opposition.

It’s about championing diversity, pushing for change, and sometimes, admitting you’re wrong. And gratitude? It’s the quiet acknowledgment of the team’s efforts, the late-night hustlers, and the creative minds that keep the wheels turning.

At home, this script flips. Courage is about letting your child fail, watching them pick themselves up, and resisting the urge to swoop in. It’s about tough love, setting boundaries, and sometimes, being the bad cop. And gratitude takes the form of those precious moments — bedtime stories, morning hugs, and impromptu kitchen dance-offs.

So, as I gear up for releasing my book, I do so with a new mantra. Not just as a leader or a mother, but as a blend of both. Embracing the chaos, celebrating the small victories, and acknowledging the collective effort it takes to navigate both worlds.

In the end, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present, being real, and showing up — whether in a boardroom or at a parent-teacher conference. It’s about understanding that courage doesn’t always roar.

Sometimes, it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’

And gratitude? It’s the recognition that this messy, beautiful, heart-wrenching journey of leadership and motherhood is, in fact, the greatest privilege of all.

So, here’s to all the leader-moms out there — the brave, the tired, the inspired. Keep juggling those knives. You’re doing just fine.

---

Every Monday for the next eight weeks, prepare to be moved by the incredible stories of courage from within our Connected Community. These are tales of leadership, creativity, and resilience – stories where you might just see a reflection of your own potential. From overcoming fears and challenges to battling burnout and illness, these individuals exemplify what it means to be truly courageous. Stay tuned for Kat Nieh story on Monday, September 16th!