Authenticity and Courage: Leadership Lessons from Michael Jackson's Life
Michael Jackson. A George Vreeland Hill pin.
July 1, 2026
Tatiana Cortes and Dr. Dominica
A few weeks ago, Tatiana Cortes and I each went, separately, to see Michael. The experience stirred so many feelings, thoughts, and memories for both of us. We left inspired and saddened, provoked and moved, reflecting on the complexity of a life that shaped generations and continues to raise questions about leadership, humanity, and what it means to live authentically.
Afterward, we found ourselves in conversation about Michael's example and legacy. We decided to write this blog together, sharing some reflections on what his life, however extraordinary and imperfect, might teach us about leadership and what this moment is calling forth from leaders today.
Authenticity and courage feel deeply needed in this time of sociopolitical upheaval. These are two of the qualities that stayed with us as we reflected on Michael's life, including his exploration, his struggles, his risks, and his triumphs. While none of us are without flaws, there is something powerful about witnessing someone willing to continue becoming, to challenge expectations, and to express themselves in ways that invite both admiration and critique. It left us wondering: What does authentic and courageous leadership look like now? And what might it ask of each of us?
Tatiana on Authenticity
As I reflected on Michael's life, I found myself asking a different question, not Who was Michael Jackson? But what is my point of view? What do I stand for? What in me is asking to be expressed?
For much of my life, I have unconsciously, and sometimes consciously, looked outward for the answer. I've borrowed language, admired the way others moved through the world, and measured myself against lives that seemed more certain than my own. It is easy to confuse admiration with direction.
But authenticity asks something different. It asks us to trust that our own lives hold something worth saying.
Whether through music, dance, or storytelling, Michael seemed compelled to express what he saw, questioned, and imagined. His work wasn't only entertainment, it carried perspective. He had something to say, and he used his platform to say it. It makes me wonder how often we settle for consuming other people's expression instead of cultivating our own.
We live in a world that offers endless opportunities to be entertained, yet perhaps what is most needed is not more spectators but more participants. More people willing to bring their own voice, perspective, and gifts into the world. Authenticity isn't about having the loudest voice or the biggest platform. It's about allowing your life to become an honest expression of what you have come to know, love, grieve, and hope for.
Lately, I have been returning to a simple realization: my life is asking to be expressed and shared not as someone else's imitation, but as my own offering. Perhaps authentic leadership begins there: not by asking, How can I be more like someone else? but by asking, What is my life asking to express right now?
And perhaps that is where authenticity meets courage. Knowing what is yours to express is only the beginning. The next invitation is finding the bravery to share it, even when it challenges expectations, invites misunderstanding, or asks you to step into the unknown.
Dominica on Courage
Wow. These reflections on authenticity are poignant. They invite us into a deeper exploration of ourselves, expressing truths that live beneath the surface. That kind of self-exploration requires courage.
Michael demonstrated courage in many ways: allowing himself to be seen, pushing artistic boundaries, and taking creative and personal risks. One moment that particularly struck me, and one I didn't know about until I saw the film, was his decision to bring rival gang members together for the filming of the Beat It video. He witnessed the violence and conflict that was unfolding and chose to respond. He used his influence to do something about it. In that moment, he became an exemplar of courageous leadership by cultivating peace, taking a stand, and bringing people together around a vision of unity.
Courage, in this sense, is the willingness to see something, allow yourself to feel something about it, and then step into action, even when that action carries risk.
What stood out to me most was that this kind of courage was inseparable from love.
The Latin root of courage, cor, means "heart." Courage is that which comes from the heart. What comes from the heart is love. Any act of true courage is rooted in love.
If we are to become more courageous leaders, we must also become more loving leaders. We must be willing to take action out of love for another person, our communities, or a cause greater than ourselves. Courage without love can become ego, performance, or bravado. Love gives courage its direction.
Michael embodied that truth in this moment. He didn't just speak about peace. He created the conditions for it. He turned conviction into action.
Perhaps this is the invitation for all of us. Courage is allowing our hearts to remain open enough to be moved by what we witness and then choosing to act. It is love put into motion. When love gives courage its direction, our leadership has the power to transform lives, communities, and ultimately ourselves.
3 Practices for Authenticity and Courage
1. Journal for just a few minutes each day for one week.
Many people offer this advice, and significant research supports the power and impact of journaling. Even so, it can be easier said than done. The good news is that you don't have to spend hours writing. Just a few intentional minutes can make a difference.
When we create a regular journaling practice, we begin to hear ourselves more clearly. We uncover what wants to be expressed through us. We connect with the deeper truths, wisdom, and perspective that can get lost in the noise of everyday life. This is one path toward authenticity.
2. Take one simple act of courage.
Ask yourself, What do I want to breathe life into this month that I truly love? Then take one simple, selfless action that nurtures, protects, or advances that person, community, cause, or dream. Let love give your courage its direction.
3. Try a 40-day meditation practice.
Choose a mantra that reflects a quality you want to cultivate, such as I am courageous, I am authentic, or another phrase that feels true for this season of your life. Spend at least five minutes each day quietly repeating your mantra. You can sit in a chair, rest against a wall, lie in bed, or find any position that feels supportive. Your eyes can be closed, soft or looking down. If silence feels challenging, try repeating your mantra aloud.
The invitation is to practice for 40 consecutive days. If you miss a day, simply begin again. This isn't about perfection; it's about returning. Notice what begins to shift as you consistently create space to embody the qualities you are calling into your life.
Want to go deeper?
If this resonates, I’d love to continue the journey with you.
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