Courageous leadership is essential for driving sustainability, but what does it look like in practice?
Dr. Corey Crossan, Research and Teaching Fellow, had the privilege of contributing to the Masters in Sustainability Leadership programme at Cambridge with a session on Courageous Leadership Practices: Cultivating Character.
Grounded in global research and real-world application, the session moved beyond theory, inviting participants to reflect on their own leadership character and commit to intentional development. Together, we explored how courage, while widely recognised as a strength, can manifest differently depending on cultural background, personal experience, and individual values. For some, courage might mean saying yes; for others, it means having the strength to say no.
We also examined how character is the foundation of courageous leadership, not a single trait, but a suite of embodied virtues. To act with Courage, we draw on Integrity to stand firm in our values and Accountability to meet the expectations of those we serve. But courage alone isn’t enough; it must be supported by Temperance, to pause and reflect before acting, and Humility, to stay grounded in what’s truly achievable. Without these, Courage can easily slip into recklessness. We invite you to explore the virtues and vices index to reflect on how your character is shaping your leadership.
At the heart of our work is a belief: character is not a soft skill; it’s a strategic capability. And cultivating it is a daily, shared practice. We closed the session with tangible tools for personal growth—using the seven strategies for character development—and explored how teams and organisations can embed character to lead with impact in a complex, changing world.
We’re honoured to walk alongside leaders shaping a just and sustainable future, and we’re always open to new collaborations, conversations, and opportunities to grow this work. If you're curious to connect, we’d love to hear from you.