The Confidence to Follow: Why Great Leaders Start as Great Followers

What if the key to becoming a great leader isn't about leading first—but about having the confidence to follow?

In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, Tara LaFon Gooch welcomes Susan L. Axelrod, The Confidence Coach, to explore a profound truth: the best leaders were once great followers. True leadership starts not with commanding others, but with the humility to serve, the discernment to trust, and the strength to support a vision greater than yourself.

Susan shares transformational insights from decades of coaching leaders, showing how the most respected leaders first learned to follow—with intention, heart, and courage. We’ll dive into why confident following is not passive—it’s proactive, visionary, and deeply aligned with the foundational skills leadership demands.

If you've ever questioned whether you're "ready" to lead, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if following diminishes your impact, this episode is for you. Learn how embracing the role of a committed, confident follower can build resilience, sharpen your vision, and lay the rock-solid foundation you’ll need when it's time to lead others.

We’ll explore how the GRASP Method (Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, Purpose) empowers you to follow—and lead—with integrity, clarity, and unwavering confidence. Leadership is not about titles—it's about transformation, and it starts inside you.

🎧 Tune in now and reclaim the confidence to follow—and lead—with purpose. Because when you learn to follow well, you are already becoming the leader the world needs.

🔗 Connect with Susan L. Axelrod and explore her mission at whatwillyourlegacybe.com 📚 Dive deeper into Susan’s inspiring books: Susan L. Axelrod Amazon Author Page ▶️ Subscribe to Susan’s Confidence Zone Podcast on YouTube: Confidence Zone Podcasts

💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s ready to step into their leadership calling—and leave a review to help spread the message.

Leadership starts by following well. Confidence makes it unstoppable.

Remember: The leaders who change the world are the ones who first had the courage to humbly follow it.

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