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How does overcoming fear of uncertainty help students and professionals embrace leadership?
Uncertainty is where growth happens. If you’ re completely certain about something, you’ re likely in your comfort zone. True leadership requires pushing through that discomfort. Some of the greatest leaders didn’ t have all the answers when they started. They faced uncertainty but moved forward anyway. I talk about“ fear signatures,” which help individuals recognize how their bodies react to fear and what actions they take in response. The key is building the muscle to take small, courageous steps. Leadership isn’ t about one bold moment— it’ s about consistently stepping up over time. For example, I once worked with a young professional who was afraid to voice her opinions in meetings. She thought she had to wait until she felt completely confident. But we worked on taking small steps— raising her hand once per meeting, sharing an idea, and gradually building confidence. Over time, those small actions added up, and she became a leader in her field.
How does fear impact professionals in pupil transportation?
Fear can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps professionals alert and prepared. But if unchecked, it can lead to hesitation, burnout, or silence when speaking up is necessary. For pupil transportation professionals— whether directors, superintendents, trainers, or mechanics— fear might come in the form of making mistakes, dealing with leadership changes, or adjusting to new procedures. I teach a framework called“ fear intelligence,” a four-step process that helps individuals turn fear into a tool for growth rather than a roadblock. One of the biggest challenges in high-responsibility professions is that fear can lead to hesitation. But hesitation can sometimes be more dangerous than taking action. If a professional is afraid to ask for clarification, afraid to speak up about a safety concern, or afraid to implement new procedures, it can create bigger problems down the road. That’ s why understanding and managing fear is so important.
What can NAPT members expect from your talk at this year’ s NAPT ACTS event?
This will be a keynote session you will always remember. Attendees can expect an engaging and emotional experience— one that will connect them with others in the room, shift their perspective on fear, and give them a practical process to use whenever fear arises. My goal is for them to leave feeling empowered and ready to take fearless action in their daily lives. I promise this session will be interactive. People won’ t just sit and listen— they’ ll participate. They’ ll hear real stories, share experiences, and walk away with tangible tools. Most importantly, they’ ll leave knowing they’ re not alone in their fears. Fear doesn’ t have to hold us back. It can be the very thing that pushes us forward. My hope is that every person in the room walks away feeling just a little bit braver than when they walked in.
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