The Bravery of Going First: Leadership Lessons from MGMT

The Bravery of Going First: Leadership Lessons from MGMT

Before they were MGMT, Andrew and Ben were two students in capes, filming a chaotic, lo-fi video that became Kids. It was messy. It was unpolished. And it was brilliant.

Why? Because they went all in before it was fully formed.

That instinct — to move forward without certainty — isn’t just a creative spark. It’s also a hallmark of authentic leadership.

Creativity Before Certainty

MGMT’s early experiments remind us that raw, imperfect beginnings can hold extraordinary potential. Leadership works the same way: greatness often starts unpolished, untested, and uncertain.

Bravery as a Leadership Trait

True leadership requires stepping out before the path is clear. It looks like:

• Backing an idea that isn’t perfectly modelled yet
• Championing someone others might overlook
• Admitting you don’t have all the answers, but showing up anyway

These moments are rarely comfortable. But they set the tone for the organisation.

Creating Cultures of Safety and Experimentation

The best leaders don’t wait for the blueprint. They act with intention, curiosity, and courage. By doing so, they create cultures where others feel safe to:

• Experiment
• Take risks
• Push boundaries

This is how innovation and resilience emerge.

Kholo’s Approach: Courage and Creative Leadership

At Kholo, we help organisations design cultures that encourage risk-taking and experimentation. Through systems thinking and leadership development, we show leaders how to build trust, model authenticity, and unlock creativity at scale.

When leaders go first, they don’t just set direction — they give others permission to follow boldly.

Conclusion: Going First as an Act of Leadership

If you’re backing something bold, raw, and uncertain this week, take it as a good sign. That’s often what greatness looks like in its earliest form.

At Kholo, we help leaders cultivate courage, creativity, and resilience. Book a call with Kholo.

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