I attended <a href="http://www.leadercast.com/" target="_blank">Leadercast 2015</a> last Friday. The conference topic was The Brave Ones.

I had some major takeaways from the simulcast that I wanted to share. I confess I wasn’t excited about going. I was not inspired by last year’s event.

However, this year’s event challenged and energized. It was the best day I’ve spent in quite a while.
<h3>Andy Stanley</h3>
Bold leadership comes from clarity around an unreasonable commitment to what should be. Bold leaders refuse to be cowed by how. Transform how to wow.
<blockquote>Start moving. Take chances. Don’t get cowed by “How?”</blockquote>
<h3>Rorke Denver</h3>
Rorke had several good points, but the key for me is that bravery is a team sport. Bravery is like a muscle. We develop it by leaning into the pain.
<h3>Malala Yousafzai</h3>
I was impressed by her commitment to her ideals. She simply refused to participate in the tyranny and terror around her. She demonstrated how natural bravery becomes when we simply decide something bigger than ourselves is more important than the possible consequences.
<h3>Peyton Manning</h3>
Thrive on being uncomfortable. My own note related to the fact that my greatest objectives lay on the other side of my own discomfort. Also, invest in a coach. Become a master observer. Understand the power and influence that can come from others and their perspectives.
<blockquote>Lean into, thrive on, and be present in the discomfort or the tension.</blockquote>
<h3>Seth Godin</h3>
It’s always too soon. Gutenberg invented the printing press when Europe was 93% illiterate. When the automobile was invented, it was illegal to drive. What did they do with the first fax machine? Every great invention happens before its time. The first principle of change is we must be present in discomfort. We must also be unreasonable in our responsibility.
<h3>Ed Catmull</h3>
What forces block creativity? Creativity is problem solving. New ideas are fragile. Remove the forces that block creativity. Make the future.
<blockquote>Remove the forces that block creativity.</blockquote>
<h3>Aja Brown &amp; Rudy Giuliani</h3>
I got their notes a bit confused. I’m not sure which one made the statements: Don’t live in a prison of others judgments, or complacency or fear. Pursue a vision bigger than yourself.
<h3>Rudy Giuliani</h3>
Know what you believe.
<blockquote>Connect and create a team around an idea that’s bigger than yourself.</blockquote>
Every character-based leader will have a slightly different application, but one idea remains: The only thing separating you from your ideal future as an inspiring leader is your own inaction. There are plenty of problems to solve. Don’t focus on the obstacles, focus on the objective. Pursue an idea bigger than yourself and find a way. Our world needs you.