On my last road trip, I tuned into a powerful conversation between Brené Brown and Steven Bartlett on his podcast The Diary of a CEO. Steven is one of my favorite podcast hosts — he interviews some of the most fascinating and thought-provoking people, diving deep into what drives them and how they think.

Brené Brown, a researcher and storyteller who has spent decades exploring vulnerability, shame, and courage, shared something that really made me pause and think. She described bravery and courage not as fearlessness, but as the willingness to be all in without knowing the outcome.

That definition really hit me. I’ve always associated being brave with being strong, tough, and unafraid of difficult or intimidating things. By that definition, I would’ve said I’m a pretty brave person. But Brené’s take made me realize — maybe I’m not as brave as I thought.

When I think about it, I often do almost anything to avoid situations where I have to be fully invested without knowing how things will turn out, especially in my personal life. I love a good plan, a clear path, and some assurance that my everything will work out The idea of stepping forward without guarantees — that’s uncomfortable. It’s vulnerable. And that’s exactly the point Brené makes: vulnerability is courage.

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. today, her words echo even louder. Dr. King embodied that kind of courage — the willingness to be “all in” despite the unknown, despite the risks. He put himself in dangerous situations, spoke truth to power, and stood up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. He didn’t know how it would all unfold, but he kept showing up anyway. That’s bravery in its purest form.

So, this week, I’m reflecting on this redefined version of courage. What would it look like for me — and maybe for you — to be a little more all in? To step toward something uncertain, knowing it might not go perfectly, but trusting the process anyway?

If Brené and Dr. King have taught us anything, it’s that real courage begins where certainty ends.

XX,

MG