Courageous Leadership
Developing Courage as a Daily Practice
By Liz Murphy, CEO, CampusWorks
Courageous leadership may come naturally to some, but for most, it’s a skill that grows with intentional practice. In higher education, where complex challenges demand bold action, cultivating courage is essential. Here are seven practices that have been invaluable in my own journey toward courageous leadership—I hope they prove helpful to you as well.
1. Align with Personal and Organizational Missions
Leadership rooted in mission is powerful. When considering a course of action, ask yourself:
- Does this align with the institution’s mission and values?
- Will the outcome benefit those we aim to serve?
Equally important is aligning your actions with your personal values. If you refrain from acting, are you betraying what you stand for? These questions help you stay centered, ensuring that your decisions reflect the best interests of both your institution and your personal integrity.
Liz Murphy
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman of the Board
Educated by Jesuits at the University of Scranton, Liz learned that no question is insignificant and that always asking “why” would expand not only her knowledge, but the impact she could have on the world. Her passion for higher education is inspired by the uplifting effect it has had on her life — like so many of us — and by the desire to empower everyone to reach their full potential by having the tools, environment, and support they need to do so. The impact she has made spans three decades and her work has touched countless lives.
Liz joined CampusWorks as CEO in 2011, after 22 years at Datatel (now Ellucian), and immediately saw and embraced a larger vision for how the company could support colleges and universities in their mission to change lives through education. Under Liz’s leadership, the CampusWorks team has grown from a few dozen employees to several hundred innovative thinkers and leaders able to solve the toughest of challenges. Liz leads by example. Calm, determined, and always thoughtfully intentional, Liz builds meaningful and lasting relationships that spell client and organizational achievement. Perhaps the greatest testament to her leadership are her team members who work hard to serve our clients and are inspired to make the impossible possible — and to make everyone around them happier and more fulfilled.
2. Begin with the End in Mind
Courage requires forethought. Before making a bold decision, take the time to mentally walk through potential scenarios. What are the consequences—positive and negative? Whom will this impact, and how?
This process demands harsh honesty and, often, the courage to engage with critics and advocates alike. While the pace of leadership frequently demands swift action, taking even a moment to visualize the endgame can provide clarity and confidence, ensuring you act with intention rather than impulse.
3. Cultivate “Clear-Headedness”
Clear and calm thinking is critical for courageous decision-making. When stakes are high, you must be able to articulate:
- What you’re doing.
- Why you’re doing it.
- The potential outcomes—both favorable and challenging.
Achieving this clarity requires intentional practices. I rely on daily meditation, acupuncture, and spiritual activities to clear my mind and maintain balance. Identify what works for you and commit to it. A clear head leads to a clear vision, which inspires trust in your leadership.
4. Seek Support and Mentorship
Even the most courageous leaders do not act alone. Surround yourself with mentors and advisors who can offer guidance, share wisdom, and challenge your perspective. While it’s essential to connect with those within higher education, don’t hesitate to include people from other fields and industries who can bring fresh ideas and different ways of thinking. Diverse perspectives can help you see challenges from new angles and inspire innovative solutions.
Schedule regular check-ins with your support network and tap into professional organizations or cross-industry forums where you can share experiences and gain insights. Courage often requires stepping into the unknown, and having a trusted circle can make the journey less isolating and more informed.
5. Practice Self-Care
Sustaining courage is a marathon, not a sprint. Your physical and mental well-being are your greatest assets. Incorporate regular exercise, nutritious meals, and adequate rest into your routine. Find activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s a morning run, time with loved ones, or moments of quiet reflection.
When you prioritize self-care, you model its importance to your team, creating a culture that values resilience and well-being.
6. Reflect and Learn
Courageous leaders are reflective leaders. Take time each week to evaluate your actions and their outcomes. What worked? What didn’t? How can you grow from this experience?
Journaling is a powerful tool for this practice. Writing down your reflections helps you distill lessons from challenging situations and recognize patterns in your decision-making. This iterative process builds your capacity for courage, helping you approach future challenges with greater confidence and insight.
7. Foster a Culture of Courage
Courage is contagious. As a leader, you set the tone for your institution. Encourage and celebrate courageous actions in others—whether it’s a team member taking a risk, proposing a bold idea, or speaking up about a sensitive issue.
Create environments where risk-taking and vulnerability are safe and valued. Share stories of courage during team meetings, in newsletters, or through campus-wide communications. Recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate boldness and integrity, reinforcing the message that courage is both expected and appreciated.
Let’s Be Brave — Together
Courage is not a destination; it’s a daily practice. By aligning with your mission, reflecting deeply, seeking support, and fostering a culture of courage, you can build the resilience and confidence required to lead through uncertainty. Higher education needs bold, visionary leaders now more than ever. Together, we can cultivate the courage to inspire change and transform lives.
Thriving Together at the Top
The idea that “it’s lonely at the top” is likely one you understand all too well. The complexity and intensity of today’s challenges are overwhelming. At times, the top may feel like a lonely place to make courageous decisions.
We hope this collection of essays reminds you that you are not alone. These stories illuminate how others have tackled some of the most demanding situations imaginable and offer you the reassurance that connection and courage can help you navigate the path ahead.
Finding Strength in Connection
Our courageous contributors echo a common theme: leaders grow stronger through connections with others. While your journey is unique, the collective wisdom within these pages reinforces that courageous leadership isn’t about standing alone. It’s about standing with others who share your commitment to the future of education and being open to support, collaboration, and shared experiences. By doing so, you don’t just survive at the top—you thrive, together.
Embracing Vulnerability
You may feel the pressure to always have the answers, but our courageous contributors remind us that vulnerability, transparency, and a willingness to seek external perspectives are vital to harnessing the strengths of others. In moments of uncertainty, admitting your limitations and inviting others into the decision-making process can cultivate a shared courage that strengthens your institution and builds resilience. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a foundation for trust and collaboration.
Taking Bold Actions for Lasting Impact
When you face decisions that are unpopular or disruptive, know that there are no formulas—only principles like integrity, resilience, and a commitment to serve. These principles can guide you through challenging moments. The experiences shared in this book will remind you that courageous leadership demands both vision and action. When you lead boldly and remain grounded in your values, the rewards extend far beyond operational improvements. You foster trust, purpose, and a sense of belonging that permeates your organization, creating a legacy that inspires others to follow.
A Call to Courageous Action
At a time when higher education faces formidable challenges—budget crises, shifting enrollments, technology disruptions, and legislative pressures—leaders cannot afford to stay comfortable. The courageous path may feel difficult, but it is also the one that makes a difference.
Though it may feel lonely at the top, you can transform that loneliness into a source of strength and inspiration. By daring to connect, embracing vulnerability, and taking risks, you do more than lead your institution—you shape the future of higher education.
Your courage lights the way for all of us.
