#100: Courage Capital

How 99 Inspiring Women Do Big, Brave Things and How You Can Too

Join us on March 13th at Brooklyn Brewery for a one-day retreat to raise funds for some amazing organizations while connecting, celebrating, and filling our cups.

Proceeds are going to Emma's Torch (empowering refugees through culinary education + catering our amazing lunch), 826NY (uplifting the voices of diverse young authors), and Lonely Worm Farm (an arts and ecology organization for people of all abilities).

We'll have an incredible Feng Shui master helping us optimize our energy for the year ahead, guided meditations, creative workshops, and intimate conversations over lunch. Early birds get amazing Tarte Cosmetics gift bags, and we're ending with a happy hour because, well, we're in a brewery!

It's going to be an amazing day, and I so hope you can join us.

Today’s Featured Uplifter: YOU

I remember that crisp morning in 2016, riding the subway to a march with my young daughters holding their "Girls Rule the World" signs, and my mother beside them, her sign reading, "I can't believe I'm still protesting this sh*t." We were surrounded by women who were fired up and ready to make change. I felt certain we were investing in a brighter future.

But the years since have brought sobering reminders that progress isn't linear. We've watched rights we thought were secured get rolled back, battles we thought were won require fighting again. Some days, I catch myself echoing my mother's weary words, feeling that bone-deep exhaustion of "really, this fight... again?"

Yet, in analyzing 99 stories for The Uplifters, I've discovered something more valuable than inspiration – I've found a blueprint for building what one guest,

Cher

, brilliantly called "courage capital." Just as entrepreneurs think about raising financial capital, these women show us how to invest in and grow the courage required to create change, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

Their stories aren't just testimonials of triumph – they're detailed case studies of how change happens, even when it feels impossible.

After studying these 99 women's journeys – from Kathrine Switzer breaking through the Boston Marathon's gender barrier to Jenny Jing Zhu building a $100 million company while learning English alongside the toddler she nannied, to Amy Cohen transforming her deepest grief into legislation that saves lives – I've identified seven powerful ways we can all build our courage portfolios.

I’m sharing them with you today because while we’ve featured 99 incredible stories, this one is the most important because it is yours. As you listen, consider what would be possible if you invested just 10% more in your courage account each day.

7 Ways We Invest in Our C.O.U.R.A.G.E. Portfolios

1. Convert questions into actions: When that voice asks, "Am I ready?" (keeping you stuck), replace it with "How can I start?" (moving you forward).

2. Opt for progress over perfection: You don't need to have it all figured out.

3. Unite with allies and amplifiers: None of us can transform things alone. Build your network of both emotional allies (who hold your hope when it wavers) and strategic amplifiers (who can help take your work further than you could alone).

4. Release offers to the world: Share your ideas boldly before you feel completely ready.

5. Alchemize struggles into strengths: Your challenges don't have to define your limits – they can become your most meaningful work.

6. Grant yourself permission to speak truth: Whether about problems or possibilities, your voice matters. Share your story not just for yourself, but because someone else might desperately need to hear it.

7. Establish renewal practices: Make your courage sustainable through consistent self-care. Remember, rest isn't a reward for finishing – it's fuel for the journey ahead.

For lots more inspiration, check out our brand new Uplifters Story Directory by clicking the tabs on our Substack, where you’ll find stories grouped by topic.

Listen to This Episode If:

• You're feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of change needed in the world

• You need concrete evidence that progress is possible, even in discouraging times

• You want practical tools for building resilience and courage

• You're searching for patterns and practices that create lasting change

• You're ready to stop waiting and start creating the change you want to see

Let’s keep rising higher, for our mothers, our daughters, and ourselves.

💓 Aransas

PS: Did you get your Uplifters Live ticket yet?!? I can’t wait to share this day with you!

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