How to Be Bold - The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage

From the distinguished Harvard Business School professor and author of Deep Purpose comes a fresh examination of courage: what it is and how we are all capable of brave acts. What leads people to speak truth to power, share bold new ideas, or put their lives on the line? Most of us chalk it up to personality, presuming that our heroes are naturally fearless. But what if courage isn''t simply a matter of personality? What if it''s something that any of us can develop? In How to Be Bold , Ranjay Gulati offers a powerful playbook for becoming bolder and braver than we ever thought possible. Rather than leaving brave deeds to mythological heroes and resigning ourselves to apathy or cowardice, we can train ourselves to step up and act in the face of uncertainty. The key, Gulati argues, is to adopt ways of thinking that allow us to neutralize or moderate our fears. By shifting how we see ourselves and the world, we can lower the odds that we''ll freeze up in the moment while also sustaining courage over prolonged periods. We also can inspire others around us to display what Gulati calls collective courage. Gulati shares vivid accounts of extraordinary courageous behavior, taking readers inside a nuclear reactor under threat of meltdown, to the front lines of a war zone, and into space with NASA astronauts. Connecting these stories with more mundane examples, such as the bravery shown by health care workers during the height of the COVID pandemic and by a whistleblower who took the bold step to expose their employer, Gulati reveals that what all of these people have in common isn''t fearlessness. It''s the ability to think in ways that help them manage their fears and make courageous action possible. We all dream of being heroes, and some of us actually live those dreams. Whether you''re a leader steering your organization through uncertainty, an activist standing up for your beliefs, or a young person simply looking to live your best, most fulfilling life, How to Be Bold gives you the science-based insight and strategies you need to take more action, do more good, and leave an inspiring legacy. ...

About the author

Ranjay Gulati is the Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. His pioneering work focuses on unlocking organizational and individual potential—embracing courage, nurturing purpose-driven leaders, driving growth, and transforming businesses. He is the recipient of the 2024 CK Prahalad Award for Scholarly Impact on Practice and was ranked as one of the top ten most cited scholars in Economics and Business over a decade by ISI-Incite. The Economist, Financial Times, and the Economist Intelligence Unit have listed him as among the top handful of business school scholars whose work is most relevant to management practice. He is a Thinkers50 top management scholar, speaks regularly to executive audiences, and serves on the board of several entrepreneurial ventures. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and a Master's degree from MIT. He is the author of Deep Purpose, and lives in Newton, Massachusetts with his wife and two children.

Summary

A USA Today Bestseller
“I love this book. How to Be Bold is a practical road map filled with real-life stories that will inspire you and help you find courage when it matters most.” —Mel Robbins, New York Times bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast
From the distinguished Harvard Business School professor and author of Deep Purpose comes a fresh examination of courage: what it is and how we are all capable of brave acts.
What leads people to speak truth to power, share bold new ideas, or put their lives on the line? Most of us chalk it up to personality, presuming that our heroes are naturally fearless. But what if courage isn’t simply a matter of personality? What if it’s something that any of us can develop?
In How to Be Bold, Ranjay Gulati offers a powerful playbook for becoming bolder and braver than we ever thought possible. Rather than leaving brave deeds to mythological heroes and resigning ourselves to apathy or cowardice, we can train ourselves to step up and act in the face of uncertainty. The key, Gulati argues, is to adopt ways of thinking that allow us to neutralize or moderate our fears. By shifting how we see ourselves and the world, we can lower the odds that we’ll freeze up in the moment while also sustaining courage over prolonged periods. We also can inspire others around us to display what Gulati calls collective courage.
Gulati shares vivid accounts of extraordinary courageous behavior, taking readers inside a nuclear reactor under threat of meltdown, to the front lines of a war zone, and into space with NASA astronauts. Connecting these stories with more mundane examples, such as the bravery shown by health care workers during the height of the COVID pandemic and by a whistleblower who took the bold step to expose their employer, Gulati reveals that what all of these people have in common isn’t fearlessness. It’s the ability to think in ways that help them manage their fears and make courageous action possible.
We all dream of being heroes, and some of us actually live those dreams. Whether you’re a leader steering your organization through uncertainty, an activist standing up for your beliefs, or a young person simply looking to live your best, most fulfilling life, How to Be Bold gives you the science-based insight and strategies you need to take more action, do more good, and leave an inspiring legacy.

Report

"I love this book. How to Be Bold is a practical road map filled with real-life stories that will inspire you and help you find courage when it matters most." - Mel Robbins, New York Times bestselling author and host of The Mel Robbins Podcast
"A profound and illuminating guide to unlocking the boundless potential within each of us. Gulati masterfully reveals that courage is not an innate trait reserved for the few but a practice that can be cultivated by all. By transforming our perception of fear and embracing the '9 C's,' we transcend self-imposed limitations and step into a life of purpose, impact, and unwavering authenticity. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to align with their highest potential and move through the world with fearless grace." - Deepak Chopra, New York Times bestselling author
"This book will make you rethink what it means to be brave. Gulati's crisp synthesis of psychology and leadership reveals that everyday heroism is not just learnable-it's contagious and surprisingly systematic. How to Be Bold turns courage into something we can understand, practice, and, perhaps for the first time, truly master." - Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive, When, and The Power of Regret
"What holds back so many people from reaching their potential is fear. It doesn't have to be this way, though. In How to Be Bold, Gulati masterfully shows how courage can be learned and cultivated. Read this book to unlock the courage you need in work and life." - Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Most of us are quick to criticize those who stay quiet when their leaders act unethically; we scoff at those who don't speak truth to power 'when they had the chance.' But if we were in their shoes, are we absolutely confident we would have the courage to speak up in the face of potential danger, humiliation, or reprisal? Though it seems some people are born with courage, it turns out it can be cultivated, which is a very good thing. Having courage is more than heroism or speaking up-it's about the will to invent, experiment, and endure discomfort for a greater good. How to Be Bold is the book we need to inspire us to do the things we see more 'courageous' people doing!" - Simon Sinek, optimist, New York Times bestselling author of The Infinite Game, and host of the podcast A Bit of Optimism
"An engrossing, evidence-based, and actionable guide to acting in the face of fear. Gulati is an expert on how individuals and organizations can take smart risks, and his book is brimming with tools to build your courage and your competence." - Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking
"Engaging and meaningful, How to Be Bold will keep readers turning the pages for more of its wonderful stories of courage, cowardice, and learning. Packed with insight about human psychology and organizational behavior, this exciting new book offers readers a path forward to become better leaders or simply to lead fuller lives." - Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School, and author of Right Kind of Wrong
"Some of the best decisions I made in my career were also the bravest. This is also true of many of the leaders, in many fields, that I have met over the years. This book gives the reader a pathway to becoming a better, bolder leader." - Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United Football Club
"A thought-provoking and well-documented analysis of courage." - Booklist

Product details

• Authors: Ranjay Gulati, Gulati Ranjay
• Publisher: Harper Collins Usa
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.09.2025
• EAN: 9780063394810
• ISBN: 978-0-06-339481-0
• No. of pages: 336
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 26 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Law, job, finance > Training, job, career; Social sciences, law, business > Business > Management; BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Leadership, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Personal Success, Psychology: emotions, Social, group or collective psychology, Management: leadership and motivation, Self-help, personal development and practical advice, Advice on careers and achieving success, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS: Leadership, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS: Organizational Development, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS: Personal Success, ECONOMICS: GENERAL, SELF-HELP: Personal Growth / Success, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: BUSINESS ETIQUETTE, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: MOTIVATION, Economics / General, Training & Development / Motivation, Training & Development / Business Etiquette