Meet Louis Katz

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Louis Katz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Louis below.

Louis, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Ha! Imposter syndrome is a beast. It comes and goes, and I’ve found that at least for me, it’s never completely gone. So how do we present ourselves credibly if we’re suffering from a bout of the “I’m a fraud, and everybody knows it!” situation? It’s a three-step process, which I use as one of my courage exercises: Breathe. Decide. Move.

First, I breathe. When imposter syndrome kicks in, my brain goes into overdrive—self-doubt, second-guessing, all of it. A deep breath isn’t just about calming down; it’s about resetting. It gives me a second to step back, recognize what’s happening, and stop the spiral before it takes over.

Then, I decide. This is where I ask myself: Do I trust the voice telling me I don’t belong, or do I trust the version of me that’s put in the work to get here? I remind myself that doubt doesn’t mean I’m unqualified—it just means I care. And if I let imposter syndrome make the decision for me, I’ll stay stuck. So, I make the conscious choice to move forward.

And that leads to move. Action is the antidote to imposter syndrome. I don’t wait to feel more confident—I take a step, even if it’s a small one. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, saying yes to an opportunity, or just pushing send on an email I’m overthinking, action weakens imposter syndrome’s grip. Every time I do it, the next time gets easier.

For me, Breathe. Decide. Move. is a go-to strategy. I don’t always feel ready, but I’ve learned that courage isn’t about eliminating doubt—it’s about acting despite it. Imposter syndrome still pops up, but now, when it does, I have a game plan.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hey there! I’m Louis Katz, and I help people and companies build a culture of courage—one bold step at a time. Through The Courage Inside, I coach leaders, give keynote speeches, and create experiences that push people past their comfort zones in the best way possible.

What’s exciting about this? Courage is contagious. When one person dares to speak up, take a risk, or challenge the status quo, it creates a ripple effect. And the best part? Courage isn’t just about those big, dramatic moments—it’s about the small, daily choices that lead to something extraordinary.

My keynote is called Fortune Favors The Bold. It’s a high-energy, interactive experience filled with humor, real talk, and practical strategies to help people and organizations step into their full potential. But funny enough, my own journey into courage recently took an unexpected turn.

I’ve had the honor of photographing the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. They’re the perfect example of how preparation is the key to courage. I’ve been up in the plane with them multiple times, capturing their jumps from 10,000 feet—but I’ve never jumped myself. For years, I told myself I didn’t need to. That was their thing. My job was just to document it.

Then I was giving a keynote to a room full of librarians, talking about stepping outside your comfort zone. I asked how many of them would go skydiving if given the chance. A surprising number of hands shot up. Many had already jumped. That moment hit me like a ton of bricks. How could I stand there, preaching courage, when these librarians were more ready to jump than I was? That’s when I realized—I’m going to have to jump, too.

So I’m launching Leap of Courage, an experience that pairs skydiving with a guided conversation on fear, risk, and what happens when we stop letting doubt hold us back. It’s not just about the thrill—it’s about rewiring our relationship with fear in a way that carries over into our everyday lives.

I also write The Courage Inside newsletter, where I share stories, insights, and practical tools to help people build everyday courage. It’s for anyone who wants to lead with boldness, whether in business or life. You can check it out and subscribe if you’re interested: https://bit.ly/thecourageinside

Oh! I almost forgot, I’ve launched a new LinkedIn group, too! The Courage Inside: Live Boldly, Lead Fearlessly. I created this space for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who know that courage isn’t just about epic, Hollywood-style moments. It’s about the small, everyday decisions that push us forward—speaking up in a tough meeting, taking a leap on a new idea, or leading through uncertainty when the easier path is to play it safe. This group is where we talk about those moments, share real-world insights, and challenge each other to step up. It’s a place to connect, grow, and build a culture of courage together. If you believe that bold leadership starts with everyday courage, you’ll feel right at home.

At the end of the day, I want people to reframe fear, take action, and realize they’re capable of way more than they think. If that sounds like something you or your team need, let’s talk. You can find me at thecourageinside.com.

Live Large. Be Bold. Have Faith. Fear Nothing.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things have made the biggest impact on my journey: adaptability, the ability to take calculated risks, and the courage to show up—even when I don’t feel ready.

Adaptability has been key. I’ve reinvented myself more than once, shifting from IT to photography, comedy, coaching, and speaking. Each time, I had to let go of what was familiar and step into something new. My advice? Stay curious. Learn to see change as an opportunity rather than a setback. The world moves fast—if you can move with it, you’ll always find a way forward.

Taking calculated risks has been another game-changer. I’m not talking about reckless leaps—I mean stepping outside your comfort zone with a plan. Whether it was leaving a stable career to pursue something more meaningful or launching a new initiative before I felt “ready,” every bold move I’ve made has been backed by thought and preparation. For those just starting out: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Do your homework, trust your gut, and take the leap.

And finally, courage. Not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it. Whether it’s standing on a stage, making an unexpected career pivot, or deciding I will jump out of a plane after years of saying I wouldn’t, the ability to step up when it matters has been everything. If you want to build courage, start small. Speak up in a meeting, introduce yourself to someone new, put yourself in slightly uncomfortable situations on purpose. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

At the end of the day, your journey is going to be uniquely yours. But if you can stay adaptable, take smart risks, and keep showing up, you’ll always be moving in the right direction.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—I see every client as a collaborator. Whether I’m working with a company to build a culture of courage or helping individuals step into bold leadership, it’s always a team effort. I love working with organizations and leaders who believe that courage isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practice that can transform workplaces, communities, and lives.

Right now, I’d especially love to connect with podcasters, event planners, and conference organizers who are looking for a speaker who brings energy, humor, and real-world strategies to their audience. I’m also really interested in working with military and first responders—not just because they embody courage daily, but because I believe their experiences and training can help the rest of us become more effective when it matters most.

One of the projects I’m excited about is my Best Responders handbook. It’s about learning from the pros—firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, and law enforcement—on how to be an effective active bystander in emergencies and high-stakes situations. Too often, people freeze up or hesitate when something goes wrong, and that hesitation can make all the difference. I want to work with community leaders to develop training that empowers everyday people to step up when it counts, with the wisdom and guidance of those who do it for a living.

If any of this resonates with you—whether you’re a podcaster looking for a guest, an event planner needing a dynamic speaker, or a first responder with insights to share—I’d love to connect. You can reach me at thecourageinside.com. Let’s make something impactful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecourageinside.com
• Instagram: @thecourageinside
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecourageinside/
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/A3KwUPP6x6ubPVZx6

Image Credits

Louis Katz