2018-2019 WLP Annual Report

the National Geographic Society and author of
Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthrough
and Purpose.
While the book came out in January, Case said the
story of the principles began long before. Thanks to
her career, Case has had the opportunity to travel
all over the world.
And everywhere she goes, Case said people have
great ideas about how to make things better. But
whenever she asks, “How are you going to make
this a reality?” she finds the same reaction.
“The truth is, people everywhere have that little
voice in their head that says it can’t be me,” she
said.
And that was the look she’d get when she’d ask
people why they haven’t done anything to make
their idea a reality. People would say they felt they
needed to have a special genius, or to go to the
right school or to be well connected.
She began to ask herself: Are there special
characteristics or a “secret sauce” to those
who break through with success?
“What was illuminated is that it is ordinary people
who do extraordinary things. It’s just that they get
there by means of applying these five simple, but
powerful principles in their journey towards
success,” said Case, referring to the five principles
she outlines in her book.
During the rest of her talk, she shared these five
principles — Make a big bet. Be bold, take risks.
Make failure matter. Reach beyond your bubble.
Let urgency conquer fear — along with stories of
real people who illustrate the principles at work.
Case called herself a “living example” of the
principals. The youngest of four kids raised by a
single mom, she said no one looking at her early
life would have foreseen the opportunities she’s had.
“Anyone out there, if they have a burning idea
about their neighborhood, their community, the
world, it’s never too early and it’s never too late,”
she said. “You don’t have to wait to have just the
right stuff. It’s these principles that will get it done.”
As she wrapped up, Case told attendees they are
already making a difference by supporting WLP
and challenged them to find ways to take it just
one step further.
“Thank you for all you do,” said Case. “I will
leave here very inspired and telling the story of
the fearless spirit I see alive and all the great
things that are going on here at USF and in WLP.”
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