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09.16.25
Walking the Leadership Tightrope: Trust, Courage and Growth
By Setareh Campion, Director of Programs, FMWF Chamber
Participants of the Leadership FMWF (LFMWF) program work on developing their leadership skills at the Character Challenge High Ropes and Adventure Course in Park Rapids, Minn.
Learn how developing leadership skills starts with reflection and real experience, and how you can accomplish this according to Leadership FMWF.
You’re walking on a tightrope. The rope sways beneath your feet, the stakes feel high and every step demands courage. Fear shows up, your heart races and yet the only way forward is to keep moving. Each shaky step you take is proof that courage can carry you further than you thought.
Leadership grows in these moments — the hard, scary and even frustrating ones — because that’s where trust is built, resilience forms and confidence takes hold. Experiences like these are essential for developing leadership skills that carry over into every professional and personal challenge.
The 2026 Leadership FMWF cohort experienced this firsthand on Sept. 11 at the Character Challenge High Ropes and Adventure Course in Park Rapids, Minn. High in the trees with wobbly ropes and daunting climbs, participants learned critical leadership lessons: trusting yourself, relying on others, collaborating under pressure and finding strength when challenges arise.
Keep reading to explore the insights from the experience and discover how moments of challenge can shape leadership for anyone willing to take the next step.
Building Trust When the Rope Sways
The ropes course pushed participants into moments that tested resilience, courage and perspective — the same qualities leaders rely on every day. Â
Hard moments test resilience. Facing obstacles with others teaches you to adapt under pressure and overcome setbacks.Â
Scary moments build courage. Each time you push past fear, you strengthen confidence and grow bolder through action.Â
Frustrating moments build perspective. Learning patience and adaptability prepares you to stay grounded and focused when plans change. Â
These lessons from the ropes course mirror the reality of leadership: growth rarely happens when things are easy. Stepping into uncertainty and reflecting on your experiences is key to developing leadership skills that will serve you throughout your career.Â
Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Journey and Embrace the Challenge
At The Chamber, we believe professional growth should come with both challenge and support. That’s why we create spaces where members can intentionally step into new experiences, connect with peers and leave stronger than before.Â
Here are three ways Chamber members can put leadership into practice:Â
Push Your Thinking: Attend the YP Summit on Oct. 8 to explore innovative ideas, hear from industry leaders and practice critical thinking in high-energy discussions that push you beyond familiar territory.Â
Lead with Courage: Connect with women leaders, navigate dynamic conversations and make bold decisions in a supportive environment that encourages taking smart risks at the Women Connect Celebration on Sept. 30.Â
Reflect and Connect: Celebrate success, deepen connections across industries and set actionable goals that will make a difference for years to come at The Chamber’s Annual Celebration on Oct. 29.Â
Whether it’s climbing a ropes course, speaking up in a meeting or stepping into a room full of new faces, leadership grows with each step forward. Deliberately embracing these experiences strengthens resilience, courage and trust while supporting the development of your leadership skills.Â
Because the hard, scary and frustrating moments? They’re always worth it in the long run.Â
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