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Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose
The Case Foundations mission is to invest in people and ideas that can change the world. But a few years back, Jean Case realized she wanted a better way of predicting which projects would have the greatest impact. So she hired a team of experts to investigate the core qualities of great change makers, past and present, and found five traits all had in common. They werent wealth, privilege, or even genius. It was that these exceptional men and women made a big bet, took risks, learned from their failures, collaborated with people with diverse experiences, and let urgency conquer fear.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2019
300 people are currently reading
2115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 28, 2019
One of these cliché books where the title says it all and that shouldn't be a book, rather than a short 5 slide presentation. To me it felt like a lot of big words full of air without any substance. Like a motivational poster on the wall, everybody walking past, ignoring from the day one. For more solid substance with a more effective message see Shia LaBeouf and "Just do it".
September 19, 2019
I was disappointed with this book. The practical advice wasn’t there past the method outlined on the back cover, rather it’s many examples strung together. Mostly these examples are familiar business ones, and not so much about personal action. The intro by Jane Goodall was the best part.
February 4, 2019
A nice, brisk, easy read of doable steps -- make a big bet/dream big and then go make it happen, and if you fail on the attempt, try again and learn to create success. Filled with mostly familiar stories to motivate you -- if normal humans like Steve Jobs and the author herself can take one step forward, so can you.
January 23, 2019
I gave this book five stars because it was the right book and the right time for me. I want to be fearless, become something more than I am.
I found inspiration and a few techniques to be that person. Time will tell of the book made a difference in my life, but I believe it will.
I found inspiration and a few techniques to be that person. Time will tell of the book made a difference in my life, but I believe it will.
February 5, 2019
Title pretty much sums up the whole book - work on something that matters and moves you. Great concept and interesting often told stories from massive outlier cases like Jeff Bezos, but not much practical advice.
January 31, 2019
Be Fearless was an encouraging and inspirational read full of stories (both famous and ones new to me) that exemplify the principles she discusses in the book. Not only did the storytelling keep me engaged from cover to cover, there were tactical recommendations and ready-to-implement suggestions for acting on your big ideas. You can tell there was a tremendous amount of research that went into writing this, which makes it that much more impactful. Jean is a true, fearless inspiration!
January 11, 2019
An inspiring, insightful read. Author Jean Case encourages that ordinary people can do extraordinary things - all it takes is fearless actions.
January 21, 2021
This book was more business-y than I realized it was going to be, but still a good read. A lot of stories about entrepreneurs, CEO’s, etc. Had some good take aways and points to reflect on!
January 30, 2024
Jean Case is the epitome of oblivious.
Or self-delusional.
The overall message of the book, to approach life's challenges without fear, is a good one but she doesn't understand some of the advantages she's had and in other cases is attributing her success to the wrong things.
For example, she'd have you believe that she was able to start to start the Case Foundation because she worked hard, had good parents who worked hard, and was fearless. Little details like being married to the founder of AOL had nothing to do with it.
Yes, I believe she worked hard before marrying Steve Case, and I believe her family worked hard, but in the case of the former, not everyone happens to marry the head of the highly successful company they're working for. In the latter, most immigrants express courage to upend the life they knew and travel to another country and then work hard when they get here but according to the author it's because her family was somehow special when they emigrated from Germany between World Wars.
Similarly, she ignores things like access to venture capital in the experiences of some of the people she describes. She's also utterly oblivious to things like the incredible market advantage Amazon has by being able to analysis sales data from its platform and use that to decide what products/services Amazon should offer next. Instead the author thinks its the fearless trait of being able to "look around the corner."
Is there a case to be made for fearlessly taking intelligent chances in life? Absolutely, but this book does a disservice to its readers in the examples it cheerfully provides because anyone who actually knows something about the true story of many of the examples, it's liable to discourage them instead of encourage them.
Don't waste your time or money on this book.
Or self-delusional.
The overall message of the book, to approach life's challenges without fear, is a good one but she doesn't understand some of the advantages she's had and in other cases is attributing her success to the wrong things.
For example, she'd have you believe that she was able to start to start the Case Foundation because she worked hard, had good parents who worked hard, and was fearless. Little details like being married to the founder of AOL had nothing to do with it.
Yes, I believe she worked hard before marrying Steve Case, and I believe her family worked hard, but in the case of the former, not everyone happens to marry the head of the highly successful company they're working for. In the latter, most immigrants express courage to upend the life they knew and travel to another country and then work hard when they get here but according to the author it's because her family was somehow special when they emigrated from Germany between World Wars.
Similarly, she ignores things like access to venture capital in the experiences of some of the people she describes. She's also utterly oblivious to things like the incredible market advantage Amazon has by being able to analysis sales data from its platform and use that to decide what products/services Amazon should offer next. Instead the author thinks its the fearless trait of being able to "look around the corner."
Is there a case to be made for fearlessly taking intelligent chances in life? Absolutely, but this book does a disservice to its readers in the examples it cheerfully provides because anyone who actually knows something about the true story of many of the examples, it's liable to discourage them instead of encourage them.
Don't waste your time or money on this book.
May 28, 2019
An interesting book. She offers five principles for taking risks and having a bigger impact on the world around you. Each principle is broken down into a further five chapters that offer inspirational stories and a call to action. As a tech pioneer and philanthropist, Jean Case deserves all respect. She knows a lot of people who share their stories here. It didn't grab me at first, though some of the later chapters proved very interesting. YMMV
September 26, 2021
یه کتاب انگیزشی که بخش هایی که مثال از افراد تاثیرگذار و اقداماتشون آورده بود رو دوست داشتم. مثل یجور بیوگرافی مختصر از افراد شناخته شده یا کمترشناخته شده
کتاب معتقده شجاعت، نترسیدن نیست بلکه اقدامیه که در عین ترس انجام می دیم و سع داره با مثال هایی از اقدامات افراد موفق ما رو به تلاش و نترس بودن تشویق کنه
کتاب معتقده شجاعت، نترسیدن نیست بلکه اقدامیه که در عین ترس انجام می دیم و سع داره با مثال هایی از اقدامات افراد موفق ما رو به تلاش و نترس بودن تشویق کنه
March 18, 2019
I was kind of disappointed. I felt like this book was mostly that part of the infomercial where the host is saying, "I/He/She did it, so can you." There wasn't enough "and here's how you can too." I would have preferred more practical advise or ways to apply it.
August 22, 2019
Not worth the read, no practical advice and the author stays extremely high level throughout, not going into the detail/data of success or failure. mostly the narrator telling stories of people from different sectors who have done great things in life
February 13, 2019
Too rah-rah. Doesn't empower me to accomplish, it paralyzes me.
February 23, 2019
Just one of those cliché books. I've seen Jean Case on TV and greatly admire who she is and what she stands for but this book isn't a necessary read.
August 17, 2022
Though there were some good stories and quotes, this was not as inspiring as I had hoped. It read more like an author listing accomplishments and notable/famous people she happens to know.
February 16, 2020
This book feels similar to "The Moment of Lift" by Melinda Gates. Jean Case is the Chairman of the Board of National Geographic so there are quite a few stories related to National Geographic here but also direct references to the Gates Foundation works. While Gates book (which I valued more) was specifically focusing on solving the biggest challenges through empowering women then this book was more jumping between different topics with examples (from flying to the Moon to founding Airbnb). There wasn't that much practical takeaway from me but still it was an enjoyable read and some of the examples were new.
The 5 principles:
*Make big bets and make history (audacious goals)
*Be bold, take risks - risk taking is not a blind leap, it's a process of trial and error.
*Make failure matter - learning your lessons
*Reach beyond your bubble - innovation happens at intersections, engaging with people with diverse experiences to forge unexpected partnerships.
*Let urgency conquer fear - allow the need to act to outweigh doubts.
“I often suggest they think about making a limited investment, putting aside maybe only 1 percent of their budget for special projects to test out a new idea. In this way, risk stops being scary and becomes R&D. Talk to private sector CEOs and they will be quick to point out that R&D is the lifeblood of innovative companies. Yes, some things will fail as you discover what works and what doesn’t. But as Einstein reportedly said, “You never fail until you stop trying.” This is true whether you’re launching a program, developing a product, or starting a movement. I’ve often heard people from the social sector protest, “But we don’t have funding for R&D!” My response is to remind them of the words of one of our greatest modern-day innovators, Steve Jobs: “Innovation has nothing to do with how many R&D dollars you have. When Apple came up with the Mac, IBM was spending at least one hundred times more on R&D. It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.” You don’t need a big budget in order to experiment. “You never fail until you stop trying.” —ALBERT EINSTEIN Realistically, budgets are often stretched and funding for programs “locked.” I see this especially with foundations or government programs, which can have rigid protocols. When nonprofits or governments experiment and fail, those failures are often labeled as waste or fraud or abuse, which discourages more risk taking.”
The 5 principles:
*Make big bets and make history (audacious goals)
*Be bold, take risks - risk taking is not a blind leap, it's a process of trial and error.
*Make failure matter - learning your lessons
*Reach beyond your bubble - innovation happens at intersections, engaging with people with diverse experiences to forge unexpected partnerships.
*Let urgency conquer fear - allow the need to act to outweigh doubts.
“I often suggest they think about making a limited investment, putting aside maybe only 1 percent of their budget for special projects to test out a new idea. In this way, risk stops being scary and becomes R&D. Talk to private sector CEOs and they will be quick to point out that R&D is the lifeblood of innovative companies. Yes, some things will fail as you discover what works and what doesn’t. But as Einstein reportedly said, “You never fail until you stop trying.” This is true whether you’re launching a program, developing a product, or starting a movement. I’ve often heard people from the social sector protest, “But we don’t have funding for R&D!” My response is to remind them of the words of one of our greatest modern-day innovators, Steve Jobs: “Innovation has nothing to do with how many R&D dollars you have. When Apple came up with the Mac, IBM was spending at least one hundred times more on R&D. It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.” You don’t need a big budget in order to experiment. “You never fail until you stop trying.” —ALBERT EINSTEIN Realistically, budgets are often stretched and funding for programs “locked.” I see this especially with foundations or government programs, which can have rigid protocols. When nonprofits or governments experiment and fail, those failures are often labeled as waste or fraud or abuse, which discourages more risk taking.”
August 6, 2019
The book is awesome. it is very motivational, inspiring and rational. After reading it, the best habit I feel it really worth sticking to is maintain a sense of urgency of what a person logically and rationally thinks it is important, otherwise they may become stagnant in a world full of pointless distractions. The pain, suffer and tragedies could happen in any place in the world, and it could happen to anyone on earth. To keep the sense of urgency of solving problems or lifting others out of their suffer because they couldn't do so is an amazing meaning that many stories emphasized with different ways, details, cases, situations and domains.
The people of impact they don't need a name, an identity, a face, shape or recognition, they feel the urgency and they feel how humble they are while facing challenges, they strive to make an impact with all costs, they get broken, vanishing and they continue striving and striving to make the world a better place . The first responders to natural disasters, those who risked their lives to support and relieving obsessed people from the heartless Nazis. The book is full of such inspirational stories. Those whose names were remembered by historians were not more lucky, the history is full of determined people whose names remained unknowns. But they might never care about that, they seeked to make the world more peaceful and a better place regardless of what they thought that they would success or fail, live or die, be remembered or be forgotten. they sensed the urgency, they seeked making a positive impact, doing what is right and they became fearless.
The people of impact they don't need a name, an identity, a face, shape or recognition, they feel the urgency and they feel how humble they are while facing challenges, they strive to make an impact with all costs, they get broken, vanishing and they continue striving and striving to make the world a better place . The first responders to natural disasters, those who risked their lives to support and relieving obsessed people from the heartless Nazis. The book is full of such inspirational stories. Those whose names were remembered by historians were not more lucky, the history is full of determined people whose names remained unknowns. But they might never care about that, they seeked to make the world more peaceful and a better place regardless of what they thought that they would success or fail, live or die, be remembered or be forgotten. they sensed the urgency, they seeked making a positive impact, doing what is right and they became fearless.
June 15, 2019
We need brave people who dare try and solve the world’s problems. Daring to go big can bring bigger results than a cautious, conservative approach. Contrary to what most people think, you don’t need to be rich or privileged to be a trailblazer. Instead, innovators have other common traits. They go out of their comfort zone to make fearless promises with a high risk of failure, then work hard to stick to those commitments. If they don’t succeed, they learn from their mistakes and try again.
To improve life for everyone, head for a revolutionary change and take huge risks. Courageous goals help us overcome the fear that blocks us from doing great things. By saying you’re going to beat the odds, you grab people’s attention and take responsibility for what you’re promising. Once you give your word, giving up is no longer an option. Your commitment motivates you to work hard and find solutions to problems.
Question assumptions and peek around corners if you want to find new solutions. To make big bets, you need to defy assumptions. Changemakers don’t settle for answers like “that’s just the way it is,” they commit themselves to look ahead to see what the future holds. Get out of your comfort zone and reach beyond your bubble, embracing the new and unexpected. You can do just fine in your comfort zone, but if you want to be great, you must get uncomfortable. Nobody has ever accomplished game-changing work while feeling comfortable.
To improve life for everyone, head for a revolutionary change and take huge risks. Courageous goals help us overcome the fear that blocks us from doing great things. By saying you’re going to beat the odds, you grab people’s attention and take responsibility for what you’re promising. Once you give your word, giving up is no longer an option. Your commitment motivates you to work hard and find solutions to problems.
Question assumptions and peek around corners if you want to find new solutions. To make big bets, you need to defy assumptions. Changemakers don’t settle for answers like “that’s just the way it is,” they commit themselves to look ahead to see what the future holds. Get out of your comfort zone and reach beyond your bubble, embracing the new and unexpected. You can do just fine in your comfort zone, but if you want to be great, you must get uncomfortable. Nobody has ever accomplished game-changing work while feeling comfortable.
December 31, 2019
An interesting read, but in the end, this felt like more a collection of stories of people who have had success in life, not practical things you can do to become more fearless in your everyday life. Plus, maybe it’s because I live in Seattle, but I have a hard time celebrating Amazon when they work so hard to protect their own assets instead of working to improve the lives of the people who live in the city they have taken over. I definitely have a few other books I want to check out based on authors Jean Case quoted, and I highly recommend Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly, which Case briefly mentioned here. I've been thinking a lot about doing things I'm not sure I would be good at, and being okay with failure. Case mentions that in her book, but I feel like Brene Brown's work is more successful, at least for me.
Here are a few quotes that stood out to me:
"Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know."
"You don’t find the time for what’s important, you make the time for what matters."
"I don’t know if I can do this." - "But you can try."
Here are a few quotes that stood out to me:
"Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know."
"You don’t find the time for what’s important, you make the time for what matters."
"I don’t know if I can do this." - "But you can try."
December 28, 2025
Be Fearless is one of those books that may not introduce entirely new ideas, but delivers familiar wisdom at exactly the right moment.
Many of the themes will feel recognizable if you’ve spent time in leadership, personal growth, or impact-driven spaces. At times, ideas are recycled from other sources, and seasoned readers may not find groundbreaking concepts here.
That said, what the book does well is bring these principles together in one accessible place. It’s encouraging without being preachy, and aspirational without being unrealistic.
For me, this was less about discovering something new and more about hearing what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. A solid reminder that fearlessness isn’t about the absence of fear, but about choosing to act in alignment with what matters to you, even when fear is present.
A worthwhile read if you’re at a crossroads, craving reassurance, or looking for a thoughtful nudge forward rather than radical ideas.
Many of the themes will feel recognizable if you’ve spent time in leadership, personal growth, or impact-driven spaces. At times, ideas are recycled from other sources, and seasoned readers may not find groundbreaking concepts here.
That said, what the book does well is bring these principles together in one accessible place. It’s encouraging without being preachy, and aspirational without being unrealistic.
For me, this was less about discovering something new and more about hearing what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. A solid reminder that fearlessness isn’t about the absence of fear, but about choosing to act in alignment with what matters to you, even when fear is present.
A worthwhile read if you’re at a crossroads, craving reassurance, or looking for a thoughtful nudge forward rather than radical ideas.
April 29, 2020
Take a big risk. Learn from failure. There’s nothing earth shattering about these statements. We’ve heard them time and time again. What makes this book different is Case gives step-by-step examples of how to achieve these goals.
At the end of the day, we have to step out of the nest and learn to fly. This is one of the biggest lessons in the book. Don’t try to make everything perfect before you proceed. Just step out into the storm and take what comes. This will help you sharpen your skills and also create a better idea than you had originally. It also teaches that you will survive the conflict relatively unscathed.
While I would say there is no earth shattering information in this book, there are new ways to look at things and how to achieve these goals. Plus, it’s nice to review these maxims from time to time and find new paths to reaching the goal.
At the end of the day, we have to step out of the nest and learn to fly. This is one of the biggest lessons in the book. Don’t try to make everything perfect before you proceed. Just step out into the storm and take what comes. This will help you sharpen your skills and also create a better idea than you had originally. It also teaches that you will survive the conflict relatively unscathed.
While I would say there is no earth shattering information in this book, there are new ways to look at things and how to achieve these goals. Plus, it’s nice to review these maxims from time to time and find new paths to reaching the goal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2019
This book will inspire many. Jean shares personal stories, and stories of those who have had the courage to be fearless. She also includes original research conducted by the Case Foundation, which she leads. I consider myself a risk taker and courageous, and yet Jean's book prompted me to consider ways I could be more thoughtful and action-oriented in taking risks. A few years ago, Jean and I spoke on a panel about leadership and I was moved by her thoughtfulness, clarity, courage, and humility. She is even better in person than in the book! Jean has worked in many roles in her career and life and she walks the talk, stepping up, taking risk, being courageous and contributing in a variety of ways. Highly recommend this book!
August 18, 2019
Great book for the hesitant as the book transpires many instances from real life to imbibe a sense of boldness, urgency, initiative taking habits, 'aim for the sky' attitude etc.
The book is littered with plenty of examples for answering the two questions:
If not you, who?
If not now, when?
Examples range from former US President John F Kennedy to personal work experiences at GE.
The highlights of the book to me was the quotes that seemed exclusive every now and then as we tread along. The other strength of the book is its structured five principle content.
But the 'self help' genre is not much of a thrill for me as this book failed to captivate me like most out there in the market.
Go for it if you can translate words to action and be fearless.
The book is littered with plenty of examples for answering the two questions:
If not you, who?
If not now, when?
Examples range from former US President John F Kennedy to personal work experiences at GE.
The highlights of the book to me was the quotes that seemed exclusive every now and then as we tread along. The other strength of the book is its structured five principle content.
But the 'self help' genre is not much of a thrill for me as this book failed to captivate me like most out there in the market.
Go for it if you can translate words to action and be fearless.
November 8, 2019
I did not know that Jean Case was Chairman of National Geographic before I opened this book, but the ideals of explorations and discovery that I associate with that world famous brand can be seen on virtually every page in Jean Case's easy-to-read and compelling storytelling book Be Fearless. Throughout the book she explains the bold risk-taking behind great discoveries and innovations while also sharing stories from people you've never heard of or from more humble roots, including the author herself, and how "anyone from anywhere can bring a great idea forward." Inspiring and well written. Would recommend for anyone, especially as a gift to someone you want to inspire to do something great or get out of a funk.
May 13, 2020
Be fearless by kicking self doubt in the balls and if that doesn't work buy this book.
👂 PICKED UP ON... 👇
I got my start by giving myself a start
First I make them fall in love with Detroit then I talk to them about what it takes to protect these amazing places
There's this burden in America that the people of color bear and we don't want to talk about it
If you've ever heard it can't be done your onto something big
What imagined future can you be a part of building?
Go out on a limb that's where the fruit is
Few people are inclined to run toward risk
With an eye to the future more then to the past
The more we rack up success the less willing we are to put it up on the line
Detroit is experiencing an epic rebirth
Detroit is fighting it's way back
Build unlikely partnerships
👂 PICKED UP ON... 👇
I got my start by giving myself a start
First I make them fall in love with Detroit then I talk to them about what it takes to protect these amazing places
There's this burden in America that the people of color bear and we don't want to talk about it
If you've ever heard it can't be done your onto something big
What imagined future can you be a part of building?
Go out on a limb that's where the fruit is
Few people are inclined to run toward risk
With an eye to the future more then to the past
The more we rack up success the less willing we are to put it up on the line
Detroit is experiencing an epic rebirth
Detroit is fighting it's way back
Build unlikely partnerships
February 8, 2022
Could there be a book more timely than this? The universe is a miracle..
I just love the stories and the courage and inspiration in this book.
Mind blowing to see ordinary folks create the extraordinary impact in their lives and the lives of folks who they care most about.
As I get ready to self publish my book - Fearless: be the authentic leader you will follow, I am more determined than ever to make this happen.
It's amazing how I found this book while I was walking by the aisle in our public library. And the title of the book: Be fearless, caught my attention and I'm so glad I picked up this book and brought it home to read. Highly recommend to anyone setting out to be the change maker.
I just love the stories and the courage and inspiration in this book.
Mind blowing to see ordinary folks create the extraordinary impact in their lives and the lives of folks who they care most about.
As I get ready to self publish my book - Fearless: be the authentic leader you will follow, I am more determined than ever to make this happen.
It's amazing how I found this book while I was walking by the aisle in our public library. And the title of the book: Be fearless, caught my attention and I'm so glad I picked up this book and brought it home to read. Highly recommend to anyone setting out to be the change maker.
June 5, 2019
Short, inspirational, and to the point. I loved this book for pushing me to think about what my "big bets" are or could be and what's stopping me from reaching them. It provides the framework and motivation to keep thinking, pushing, and growing. Some of my favorite thoughts:
"Give yourself time to mourn what you think you may have lost, but then, here’s the key, learn from every mistake, because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional GPS that can tell you which way to go.”
"Give yourself time to mourn what you think you may have lost, but then, here’s the key, learn from every mistake, because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional GPS that can tell you which way to go.”
July 6, 2020
I wanted to hate this book, I really did. Another shallow, poorly researched "leadership" tome from the long list of such tomes produced by so-called business leaders who got lucky and felt that they did something uniquely different from the rest of the poor suckers who failed along the way. Unfortunately for me, and my cynical outlook, this one grows on you, although that process does make it long and repetitive, but the themes introduced I think are valid, and Chapter 18 on diversity earns it the fourth star - that Chapter should be required reading for all business, government, and non-profit leaders.
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