The Fear-Inspired Leader

Once we understand the things that control us, they no longer have the power they once had. My journey to understand the people around me has led to one major common denominator when it comes to resistance, anxiety, depression, anger, and/or limited thinking; and that is fear. Fear is the single most powerful feeling when looking at reoccurring roadblocks to progress, happiness, and success. Without fully processing fear, individuals can never truly feel belonged, feel at peace with, or feel empowered to live life to its fullest extent. In unraveling my perceptions of fear throughout my life and career, I have learned to see fear as a vehicle for change; as a powerful tool and instinct that incites us to do something bigger than we think possible. In seeing fear as a gift and dismantling its internal message to that of action, the reader will learn to embrace the fear in themselves and those around them to live a beautiful and courageous life.

Fear-inspired leadership is about a mindset; a way of thinking that naturally draws us to see fear as an important tool to facilitate action; whether that be internally or within our work with others. The goal in sharing my informal research and experiences involving fear is to empower others to see it as a catalyst for change and not something to be feared in and of itself. As with all of my work, this is a book about leadership that expands beyond a school, organization or classroom. The tools, strategies, and stories relate to us all; whether we are leading a business, a school, a household, a marriage, or any other relationship. As soon as we begin to live and understand this mindset, we will see the conflicts that inevitably arise as opportunities to learn, grow, and develop together. Fear can inspire great change if people are given the tools to see it through that lens. Some of the greatest moments of influence have come through the darkest moments because of the mindset I have developed over the past twenty years as a school leader and mother of two children.