By – Ms Aditi Jain, Founder and Managing Director – EKO Consulting
The other day, I overheard two teenagers debating whether itis better to be confident or bold. Their energy was contagious, and their voices echoed a question many of us wrestle with, especially in our teens and twenties.
That debate sparked a memory. A close friend recently asked, “How’s your venture going? How far have you come?” Instinctively, I answered, “I’ve become bold.” Neither of us expected that answer, and it made me reflect.
She reminded me, “You were always confident—so what changed?” And she was right. Confidence was my comfort zone—I could walk into rooms, give presentations, meet strangers, and not flinch. But there’s a difference between doing what you know and daring to do what you dream. This past year didn’t just test my limits—it forced me to break them. Confidence was knowing my strengths. Boldness was acting, even when fear gripped me. I stopped waiting for the perfect plan, the right moment, or approval from others. I finally started taking action.
Why Confidence Isn’t Enough
Young leaders, creators, and activists often hear that confidence is the key—and it’s true. Confidence is a slow burn, built through small wins, setbacks, and picking yourself up again. It helps you take calculated risks and learn from mistakes. Helen Keller had it right: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” For me, confidence started as a small-town kid with big dreams. It kept me moving, even when the path wasn’t clear. But confidence is just level one—it’s the foundation, not the finish line.
The Power of Boldness
Boldness is raw, immediate, and sometimes messy. It’s speaking out, even when your voice shakes. It’s choosing the unpopular path because you believe in something bigger. History remembers the rebels, the inventors, the change makers—not for their confidence but for their boldness in rewriting the rules. they weren’t just confident; they were bold enough to rewrite the rules. Bold people stand out, and sometimes stumble, but they never blend in. The key is that boldness isn’t recklessness. It’s courage, anchored to purpose and empathy.
Boldness was not something I was born with —it grew from confidence, in moments when I chose to act instead of waiting for approval. Launching a venture. Speaking up in intimidating forums. Owning my most honest ideas. Boldness doesn’t mean you’re fearless—it means you show up, fully, honestly, even when you’re terrified.
Own Your Story—It Matters
Life didn’t get easier when I chose boldness, but I became stronger. I stopped second-guessing myself and started owning my story. The combo of confidence and boldness is electric—it helps you pitch disruptive ideas, stick with them, and transform visions into reality. It’s how leaders spark movements, how creators build, and how one can turn dreams into action.
What Younger Generations Need to Know
So if I could go back and speak to those two teenagers —or any person starting—I’d say: Dream big. Be confident enough to know you belong, and bold enough to chase the passion that keeps you awake at night. Your voice is important, even if nobody hands you the mic. Step into your power. Create, challenge, and act. The world needs your ideas, your energy, and your courage. Let confidence ground you, and let boldness lift you off the ground.
