Whispers of Rain, Shadows of Change

The smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the faint, citrusy tang of Earl Grey as Adrian Santos slid into his favorite booth at Clementine’s, a little sun-dappled corner in the heart of Portland. His mornings always began here—a simple ritual in a chaotic world. Today, he ordered his usual: a soft, buttery croissant and a small bowl of blackberry preserves. Bon Iver’s "Re: Stacks" hummed quietly through the speakers overhead, and Adrian let the music wash over him, as soothing and familiar as a favorite sweater.

Adrian wasn’t the type to stand out in a crowd. His presence was quiet, his smile quick but genuine. But today was different. Today, he carried something heavier than his well-loved leather satchel—a decision that would shift his life in ways he couldn’t quite fathom yet.

He had always been a numbers guy—a data analyst by trade, comfortable in spreadsheets and algorithms, crafting meaning from chaos. But he’d been restless lately. Not the kind of restless a vacation could cure, but the deep, bone-shaking kind that told him he was meant for something more.

A week ago, his niece Emma had handed him a drawing—a scribbled crayon masterpiece of stick figures, a big red heart in the middle, and the words "Thank you for helping us." It wasn’t clear what Adrian had done to earn the drawing, but Emma’s mom had explained: Adrian’s data work with a local nonprofit had directly impacted funding for an after-school program, one that Emma attended every day. The drawing still sat on Adrian’s kitchen counter, propped up against the coffee machine.

Today, as Adrian sat in Clementine’s, his fingers brushed the edges of the folded envelope in his pocket—the resignation letter he’d drafted late last night. He wasn’t walking away from data; he was walking toward something bigger: a role with that same nonprofit, where he could take his skills and use them to directly impact lives.

It wasn’t an easy decision. He thought of his steady paycheck, the benefits, the comfort of the corporate world. But then he thought of Emma’s drawing, and something settled deep in his chest—a kind of clarity he hadn’t felt in years.

Adrian pulled the envelope out of his pocket and laid it on the table, staring at his name typed neatly across the front. The barista refilled his tea without asking, her warm smile breaking his reverie. He nodded his thanks, and as she walked away, he reached for his phone. He wasn’t just resigning today; he was also sending an email to the director of the nonprofit, accepting their offer.

Outside, the rain had started, gentle and rhythmic, like a soft applause. Adrian watched it bead against the window, feeling, for the first time in a long while, like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Later that night, as he walked home, the city seemed different—brighter, despite the rain-slicked streets. He couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this was how courage felt. Not a roar, but a quiet, steady certainty that you were doing the right thing.

Adrian didn’t change the world that day. But he changed his. And sometimes, that’s where the real magic begins.

Courageous companies are built on moments like these—when individuals choose to step out of their comfort zones and into something greater than themselves. They understand that the strength of an organization lies not in its products or profits but in the boldness of its people. Whether you're crafting policies that empower employees, supporting causes that matter, or simply creating a culture where individuals like Adrian feel inspired to take risks, courage is the foundation.

If your company is ready to embrace this ethos and take its culture to the next level, let’s talk. Together, we can create an environment where moments like Adrian’s aren’t the exception—they’re the rule.

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.

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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.

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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.