Courage is often associated with dramatic moments or bold gestures, but in reality, it is a daily practice that requires focus and intention. Courageous leadership means putting your people first and grounding your decision-making in values and doing the right thing, even when fear, risk, or doubt is present.

Haskell’s most recent Edge Retreat gathered leaders from offices and job sites across the country to hear guest speakers in fireside chats and engage in small-group discussions led by Haskell’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The theme: Courageous Leadership.

Over the course of the two-day program, the idea of courage took on new meaning. Participants heard four stories about courageous leaders who were sitting in the room—their profiles only revealed at the end of each story.  Learning from each other reminded them that being courageous can be as simple as showing up consistently, making unpopular decisions, having hard conversations or saying what everyone else is afraid to voice.

“One of my favorite parts of the program was hearing the personal stories shared by team members,” said Abby Zimmerman, HRIS and Global Payroll Director. “It made the retreat feel more meaningful and human. It was a great way to connect with colleagues and realize that many of us have faced similar challenges.”

The Edge Retreat also featured a star-studded lineup of guest speakers. Former NBA player, ESPN analyst, and Patric Young Foundation CEO Patric Young spoke about maintaining positivity amid uncertainty. Anderson-Dubose Company CEO Warren Anderson discussed the long-term payoff of bold decision-making. Haskell Board Director and Booz Allen’s President of Global Defense, Andrea Inserra, addressed how sometimes, courage also requires knowing when and whom to ask for help. Haskell CEO Jim O’Leary and JEA CEO Vickie Cavey joined in conversation to share the importance of values as a decision-making compass.

Several small group discussions, hosted by ELT, gave team members space to share and reflect on their learnings over a cocktail hour and dinner.

“It was an inspiring experience,” Senior Design Manager Nihal Alwakeel said. “Blending expert insights with candid conversations among our leadership team led to meaningful dialogue and reinforced how leadership is a daily practice rooted in courage, integrity, empathy and accountability. That understanding helps us find new ways to apply these values to support our teams and serve our clients.”

The Edge Retreat is part of Haskell’s Leadership Edge suite, the firm’s master-level leadership development program. All participants are graduates of Leadership Series, Haskell’s three-year leadership development program.

By bringing emerging leaders together to focus on the art of leadership and reflect on real-world challenges, the Edge Retreat showcases Haskell’s long-term investment in its people. Programs like Leadership Edge support a culture in which individuals can grow, teams can thrive, and everyone has the opportunity to build meaningful careers at Haskell.

About the Author: Liz Powell is the Manager of Leadership Development at Haskell. She is an executive coach and directs the firm’s leadership development programming. Previously, Liz led programming at the Council on Foreign Relations and served in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer. She received her master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, her bachelor’s degree from King University and is a graduate of Georgetown University’s Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching program.