Why Boldness Is the Secret Weapon of Great Leaders

What if the key to a more fulfilling life was simply… being bolder? According to Fred, boldness is the secret ingredient that turns hesitation into action, and doubt into confidence. It’s what separates regret from fulfillment—and the best part? It’s totally learnable.

Let’s explore some insights from my conversation with Fred Joyal, bestselling author of Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days. Fred believes that many people go through life weighed down by regrets: missed chances, unspoken words, and paths not taken. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The Difference Between Confidence and Boldness

One of Fred’s most powerful insights is that confidence and boldness are not the same thing. Confidence is how you feel about yourself. It’s internal, a sense of self-assurance. Boldness, on the other hand, is about what you do. It’s action. It’s stepping forward even when you don’t feel completely ready.

As Fred puts it, most people think they need confidence before they can act boldly. But actually, it’s bold action that builds confidence. One of Fred’s recurring themes is this: bold people would rather try and fail than not try at all. 

What Does It Mean to Be Superbold?

Fred Joyal’s book is titled Superbold—and that choice of word is very intentional. Being bold means you're willing to take action, even when you're unsure. But being superbold means you’ve trained yourself to act consistently and confidently, especially when it matters most.

Superbold people don’t overthink or hesitate even in high-stakes situations. Think about moments like introducing yourself to someone you admire, asking for what you want, or starting that conversation you’ve been putting off. When you’re superbold, you don’t talk yourself out of it. You walk across the room and just do it.

Fred explains that superboldness comes from practice—it’s like building a muscle. Over time, your ability to be bold becomes second nature. That’s where charisma comes in. And when you carry yourself with that kind of presence, people respond.

“I'm choosing to be uncomfortable till I'm comfortable and to never miss another opportunity again when it matters.” - Fred Joyal

Why Boldness Matters for Leaders

When it comes to leadership, boldness is essential. In fact, some of the most important responsibilities of a leader require it. For example, giving feedback takes boldness to offer honest, constructive feedback in the moment it’s needed. Leaders hesitate too often, either avoiding the conversation altogether or letting frustration build until it spills out in the wrong way. 

Boldness is also about listening. It takes courage to ask for feedback and receive criticism openly. That kind of humility, paired with boldness, creates a powerful foundation for trust and progress.

Fred also points out that boldness is vital in the business-building process. Whether you're raising capital, attracting customers, or growing your team, you’ve got to be willing to make the ask, whether that means picking up the phone, knocking on doors, or pitching your vision. 

How Do You Build Your Boldness Muscle?

So, is becoming bold—or even superbold—as simple as deciding you’re going to do it? That’s exactly where it starts. But the real transformation comes next.

In his book Superbold, Fred lays out a roadmap for developing boldness like a muscle, one that grows stronger through practice and intention. It begins with a shift in mindset: understanding that it isn’t something you're born with, but something you can build through small, consistent actions.

After helping you shift your mindset, he introduces practical exercises that gradually stretch your comfort zone. These aren’t grand, high-stakes gestures right away. You start small, so you’re not overwhelmed and tempted to retreat into your shell. The goal is to train your boldness muscle when it doesn’t matter, so you’re ready when it really does. 

The PRIDE Method

Fred’s approach to building boldness is all about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone; it’s called the PRIDE Method. Over time, those bold actions strengthen your confidence, preparing you for the moments that really matter: when you need to speak up, take a stand, make a big decision, or chase a dream. 

PRIDE stands for:

• Preparation

• Relaxing

• Insight

• Dosage

• Everyday Action

Fred explains that boldness, like any muscle, needs to be built through repetition. One of his favorite examples: something as simple as giving compliments to strangers. It might seem small, but these little actions build confidence. Smile at five people a day. Compliment a stranger. The point is to practice being bold when it doesn’t really matter, so you’re ready when it does. And these “drive-by compliments” leave a lasting impact not just on others, but on you as well.

Once you’re comfortable expressing appreciation on a daily basis, it becomes much easier to deliver honest feedback when needed. You've already built a foundation of trust. So, when you have to address a behavior, you’re doing it from a place of care and support, not just correction. 

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Amazing, unexpected things happen when you choose to be bold. Fred reminds us that boldness doesn’t have to be flashy or world-changing. It can be as simple and as meaningful as being the best version of yourself in whatever role you play. Whether you’re a mom, a plumber, a leader, or a friend, choosing to show up fully and authentically can have a ripple effect on the people around you.

Boldness is about stepping out of your comfort zone to speak up, take action, and connect. And sometimes, those small, brave moments, like saying what needs to be said, approaching someone new, standing up for your values, can create lasting impact, not just for you, but for others as well.

Here are my key takeaways from this topic: 

• Bold Leaders Practice Boldness.  Whether it's offering feedback, making tough calls, or speaking up in a meeting—boldness is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger your leadership becomes.

• Bold Leaders Make People Feel Good.  Something as simple as a compliment or a small act of kindness can uplift others and reinforce your own confidence. Don’t underestimate the power of positive boldness.

• Bold Leaders Take Action When It Matters. Avoiding hard decisions around underperforming employees can hurt your team more than you realize. Bold leaders protect the culture by addressing issues head-on.

What bold step will you take today? We’d love to hear your reflections. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. 

For more insights and a deeper dive into this topic, you can tune in to the full podcast episode here: Why Boldness Is the Secret Weapon of Great Leaders