Under Pressure: Courageous Companies Sink to the Level of Their Training

What if I told you that the moments that define your company—the times when the stakes are high, and the spotlight is glaring—aren’t when your greatness is revealed, but when your habits are?

I recently came across a thought-provoking article by Anthony Dadante on LinkedIn, where he challenges the notion of "falling back on your instincts" and instead emphasizes sinking to the level of your preparation. Read Anthony’s full article here. His insights about preparation versus instinct sparked a deeper reflection on how this principle applies to courageous companies.

Preparation Defines Performance

In the corporate world, when the heat is on—whether it’s a product launch, a PR crisis, or a market shift—companies don’t magically rise to greatness. They perform at the level of their preparation, or as Anthony aptly puts it, "the level of their training."

This is why companies committed to a culture of courage prioritize deliberate, consistent training that equips their teams to face challenges head-on. Courageous companies ensure their values and systems aren’t just words on a mission statement but daily practices reinforced through action and accountability.

How Courageous Companies Train for Pressure

1. Train Ethical Reflexes: Courageous companies don’t assume employees will make the "right" decision under pressure. They train for it. When faced with ethical dilemmas, employees who have practiced decision-making rooted in company values are far more likely to act with integrity.
2. Practice Empathetic Leadership: Leadership under stress often reverts to top-down, authoritarian styles if it hasn’t been trained in empathy and active listening. Courageous companies invest in teaching leaders how to guide teams with authenticity and respect, even when the pressure mounts.
3. Reinforce Everyday Courage: Courage isn’t a one-time act of heroism. It’s built through daily actions—speaking up in meetings, sharing new ideas, or admitting mistakes. Courageous companies actively foster environments where small, bold steps are celebrated.
4. Scenario-Based Training: Crisis simulations and role-playing help employees internalize how to act under pressure. This kind of preparation ensures responses feel natural and aligned with the company’s mission during real crises.

Why It Matters

Without preparation, even the most talented teams can falter. A courageous company knows that the key to thriving under pressure is not hoping for greatness to emerge, but preparing for courage to be second nature.

As Anthony Dadante highlighted in his article, preparation is everything. The same principle applies to businesses aiming to build a culture where employees and leaders consistently rise to challenges with resilience, innovation, and integrity.

Take Action

Are you training your team to sink to the level of their courage under pressure? Explore how to build a culture of courage that becomes your company’s instinctual response.

Special thanks to Anthony Dadante for the inspiration. You can read his full article here: What If I Told You....

Live Large. Be Bold. Have Faith. Fear Nothing. Book a call today and let’s jump together into new heights.

Louis Katz is a keynote speaker and founder of The Courage Inside. He works with organizations to build courageous companies, inspiring leaders and employees alike to take bold steps toward transformative results.

The Holidays are Here, and They're Up to No Good

?? The holidays are here, and they’re up to no good.

It’s a well-known fact that speakers and emcees have a habit of dropping dead or landing in jail at the last minute. Now, what are you going to do?

Here’s the good news: I’m not just your backup plan—I’m your best plan.

? I show up on time. ? I stay sober. ? I deliver a message of humor, heart, and actionable everyday courage your audience will love.

My keynote, Fortune Favors the Bold, is perfect for holiday galas, team celebrations, or any event where you need an engaging speaker who inspires action (and laughter).

Want to make sure your event is a success?

?? Book a call here: thecourageinside.com/appointments

?? See me in action here: thecourageinside.com/videos

And here’s the kicker: Speakers don’t just fail during the holidays—this happens year-round. So, if you’re planning your next event (or need a last-minute rescue), let’s talk.

Let’s make your next event unforgettable.

#EventPlanning #KeynoteSpeaker #Emcee #HolidayEvents #EverydayCourage #FortuneFavorsTheBold #TheCourageInside

My First Christmas Song of the Season May Be My Last

I wanted something I could dance to up on stage, or post to YouTube without running afoul of the copyright lawyers. So I came up with Sugar Plum, Barely. It's a sweet little ditty, full of holiday spirits. There's even a cat in it. What could possibly go wrong?

Upcoming Events

BOISE

Leap of Courage Skydiving Experience

Imagine standing at the edge of an open door, 13,000 feet above the ground, your heart pounding, the rush of wind filling your ears. Below you lies the unknown, but you’re ready to jump—because courage is about facing fear with unwavering resolve. The Leap of Courage Skydiving Experience isn’t just about the thrill of free-falling; it’s about confronting your fears head-on and discovering just how far you can push yourself when you step outside your comfort zone.

Led by Louis Katz, keynote speaker and founder of The Courage Inside, this unique adventure combines the exhilaration of skydiving with actionable guidance on everyday courage. The experience starts with a pre-jump group Zoom call, where each participant shares one upcoming personal or professional goal that requires courage. Together, we’ll discuss the strategies to help you confront that challenge head-on, giving you the tools you need to approach it with confidence.

After the skydiving session, we’ll reconnect in a post-jump Zoom call, reflecting on how the leap impacted your mindset and discussing how the lessons from the experience can be applied to your specific goal. It’s more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s a transformative journey that equips you to tackle your fears and pursue bold new heights.

Are you ready to take the leap? Jump with us, face your fears, and emerge with a renewed sense of courage to conquer your biggest challenges.

Recent Highlights

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of my journey in fostering courageous companies and individuals. This video blends highlights from my keynote Fortune Favors The Bold with captivating visuals, including personal photos and exhilarating footage of the US Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. Plus, you'll hear the full version of my original song, Leap The Sky, which celebrates the fearless spirit that drives us to confront our fears and leap toward greatness. Let this be your inspiration for taking bold action!

Check out my Promo Reels playlist, featuring highlights from my recent Fortune Favors The Bold appearances. These clips capture the energy and impact of my keynotes, where I share tools and insights on building courageous companies and inspiring individuals. From engaging stories to bold visual elements, these reels bring the message of courage to life. Whether it's through storytelling or lessons learned from the fearless, each reel is designed to motivate and energize your own journey toward courageous action.