Our annual Altitude Day roadshow cultivates a space for courage in action, providing the platform for guest speakers to share their story, passions, life, and leadership tips with over 2,000 young people across Australia. Stepping out in courage is no small feat, it is an individual experience, unique to each person.
So we asked Krushnadevsinh ‘Kano’ Ravalji, what it takes for him to step out in courage, and the impact these acts of courage have in his world. This is what he had to share:
What is your definition of courage? What does courage look like to you?
The definition of courage for me, is doing something that is scary, doing something that is uncomfortable for you, like the moment when you start to think to yourself, “Oh, I would never do that!”. What courage looks like is giving it a go, it doesn’t mean you will succeed at it, but it’s the act of giving it a go and trying something. I feel like the more times you try to be courageous, the luckier you get at it.
The more times you try it, the skill of courageousness gets better and better.
What are three steps you take and/or how do you prepare yourself to step out in courage?
- Keep Calm – Sometimes anxiety will arise, particularly when faced with something scary. As often as possible, I try to centre myself and be present, and tell my self to stay calm.
- Acknowledge discomfort – Acknowledge that the challenge is uncomfortable and hard for ME to do. I also acknowledge the strength I need to be courageous in the situation.
- Go do it! – Be courageous and try it out. See what happens when you step out in courage.
What is one courageous act you have done this year? Please describe the impact on yourself and/or others.
A personal act of courage I have taken these past few years has been to ask for help, this was incredibly hard for me to do. For me, being a man with a multicultural background, I didn’t necessarily have the awareness that it was okay to ask for help. Asking for help is one of the most courageous things I’ve done, it wasn’t easy but now I have the skills to take on the rest of 2022 and whatever the rest of the year throws at me.
In terms of my professional life, I work with the Victorian Electoral Commission in the education team for multicultural voters. One big project video that came my way was to create 69 education videos in 23 different languages. This was a huge task to look after, as I was doing the recruiting, editing and preparation for the victorian election in November. This task was very scary for me, but I knew I wanted to do it because I know the impact it will have on other multicultural voters. I envision my parents, and people I connect with day to day, and know they will really benefit from this resource. Having full responsibility of this HUGE project is really scary for me, but the courageous act was choosing to say yes, and recognising that I can do this, I will do it well, and this opportunity will have an impact.
”What courage looks like is giving it a go, it doesn't mean you will succeed at it, but it's the act of giving it a go and trying something.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a young person that wants to step out, but feels as though they are lacking the courage to do so?
My best tip would be to give it a go. I know it’s simpler to say out loud, but what’s the worst thing that could happen? You might make a mistake, you might do something wrong, but I often think if I don’t do this now, will I regret this in the next 10 – 20 years? Think to yourself, what will I regret more, not taking on the challenge, or, giving it a go, taking on a challenge, and making a mistake along the way? You never know, you might succeed at it, and make yourself very proud! The things you overcome, will always make you stronger.
You are never alone when you step out in courage (although sometimes it can feel like you are), we know that a support structure is important through these times. Who and/or what is involved in your support structure?
When I was growing up I felt like I didn’t really fit into any space, so I felt very alone in a lot of situations. At that point in time, my biggest support system was myself, as an independent. Now that I’m older, and I recognise that I should reach out for help, my support system is my sister, and a few other close friends that I have. What has really helped me is knowing that I’m here for myself, and these people are here to support me as well.
Stay connected with Kano and his ventures by following along on Instagram and LinkedIn
Listen to ‘Stepping out in Courage – Episode 2 – ft. Krushnadevsinh ‘Kano’ Ravalji’ on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
