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 doing the right thing, even when fear, risk or doubt is present.

In late January, Haskell held its third annual Edge Retreat at the Ponte Vedra Lodge & Club. Despite travel disruptions in the wake of Winter Storm Fern, 27 team members gathered in person, representing offices in Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, Charlotte, Atlanta and Jacksonville; jobsites in Franklin, Tenn., Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Orlando, Fla.; and remote attendees in Cleveland, Ohio and Charleston, S.C.

The group heard from guest speakers in fireside chats and engaged in small-group discussions led by Haskell’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) on this year’s 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 Manager. “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 and ESPN Analyst 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 courage also requires knowing when and who 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,” said Senior Design Manager, Nihal Alwakeel. “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, or LS Fast Track, an accelerated option for senior leaders.

By bringing emerging leaders together to learn from one another, reflect on real-world challenges and strengthen values-based decision-making, the Edge Retreat reinforces Haskell’s long-term investment in its people. Programs like Leadership Edge are designed to equip team members with the skills, confidence and perspective needed to lead well at every level, supporting a culture where individuals can grow, teams can thrive and everyone has the opportunity to build a meaningful, rewarding career 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. Liz previously 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.