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School BUSRide spoke with Darryl Bellamy, the keynote speaker at this year’s NAPT ACTS in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Darryl’s keynote at ACTS 25 is sponsored by Transfinder. Darryl is set to take the general session stage for this keynote presentation on Saturday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m. EST.
Darryl Bellamy is the founder of FearLESS Inside™, a movement dedicated to helping individuals embrace fear and gain confidence. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Darryl has collected thousands of fears from people across forty states and five generations, using these insights to teach practical strategies for growth.
As an author and TEDx speaker, Darryl is celebrated for his ability to connect with audiences and inspire FearLESS Moments—transformative experiences where individuals face their fears and take bold steps forward. His engaging presentations have empowered thousands worldwide to see fear as something to embrace and move beyond.
Can you introduce yourself and share your experience as a leadership advisor and speaker?
My name is Darryl, and about 10 years ago, I left corporate America to pursue speaking full-time. Since then, I’ve become an author, a speaker, and a “fear collector.” But when I talk about fear, I don’t mean fears of spiders or heights—I mean the deeper fears we don’t always share. These are the fears that hold us back from stepping up as leaders, both personally and professionally.
Over the years, I’ve collected nearly 75,000 fears from people spanning five generations—from fourth graders to retirees. My mission isn’t to make people fearless, but to help them “fear less” so they can move forward in their journeys. Fear isn’t something we eliminate—it’s something we learn to manage, navigate, and use to our advantage.
What does it mean to be “Fearless Inside”? How does fear play a role in shaping leaders?
When I started speaking, my message was all about being fearless. I would tell people to “be fearless,” but I quickly realized that wasn’t always helpful. People would come up to me afterward and say, “But Darryl, what about courage? What about the fact that I still feel afraid?” That’s when I started shifting my message.
Being “Fearless Inside” doesn’t mean eliminating fear—it means understanding that fear is part of growth. Fear tells us we care about something. It means we’re stepping into the unknown, and that’s where leadership happens. My work is about helping people acknowledge their fear, accept it, and then act despite it. That’s why I focus on the concept of “fearing less” instead of being fearless.
For example, imagine a student who’s afraid to raise their hand in class or a professional nervous about speaking up in a meeting. Their fear is valid, but if they can push through it—even in small ways—they start building confidence. That’s how great leaders develop. They don’t become fearless overnight; they learn to fear a little less each day.
What are the most common fears you encounter?
The top fear I’ve collected is the fear of judgment and rejection—worrying about how others will perceive us if we take action. Whether it’s speaking in public, pursuing a dream, or standing up for what we believe in, people are often afraid of being criticized or not fitting in.
The second major fear is pain, both emotional and physical. People hesitate to make changes because they fear discomfort or hurt. This could be the pain of failure, the pain of embarrassment, or even the pain of disappointing others.
Next is the fear of loss—whether it’s losing a job, a relationship, or a sense of security. Fear of losing what we already have often stops us from taking risks that could lead to something even better.
Finally, uncertainty looms large. Many fears ultimately tie back to the unknown. People say they fear failure, but when we dig deeper, it’s often about judgment, loss, or pain. Identifying the root of a fear makes it easier to manage and overcome. When I work with individuals, I often ask them to write their fears down. Seeing those fears in words makes them more tangible, and breaking them down into categories helps people realize that fear is something they can understand and navigate.
How does overcoming fear of uncertainty help students and professionals embrace leadership?
Uncertainty is where growth happens. If you’re completely certain about something, you’re likely in your comfort zone. True leadership requires pushing through that discomfort. Some of the greatest leaders didn’t have all the answers when they started. They faced uncertainty but moved forward anyway.
I talk about “fear signatures,” which help individuals recognize how their bodies react to fear and what actions they take in response. The key is building the muscle to take small, courageous steps. Leadership isn’t about one bold moment—it’s about consistently stepping up over time.
For example, I once worked with a young professional who was afraid to voice her opinions in meetings. She thought she had to wait until she felt completely confident. But we worked on taking small steps—raising her hand once per meeting, sharing an idea, and gradually building confidence. Over time, those small actions added up, and she became a leader in her field.
How does fear impact professionals in pupil transportation?
Fear can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps professionals alert and prepared. But if unchecked, it can lead to hesitation, burnout, or silence when speaking up is necessary.
For pupil transportation professionals—whether directors, superintendents, trainers, or mechanics—fear might come in the form of making mistakes, dealing with leadership changes, or adjusting to new procedures. I teach a framework called “fear intelligence,” a four-step process that helps individuals turn fear into a tool for growth rather than a roadblock.
One of the biggest challenges in high-responsibility professions is that fear can lead to hesitation. But hesitation can sometimes be more dangerous than taking action. If a professional is afraid to ask for clarification, afraid to speak up about a safety concern, or afraid to implement new procedures, it can create bigger problems down the road. That’s why understanding and managing fear is so important.
What can NAPT members expect from your talk at this year’s NAPT ACTS event?
This will be a keynote session you will always remember. Attendees can expect an engaging and emotional experience—one that will connect them with others in the room, shift their perspective on fear, and give them a practical process to use whenever fear arises. My goal is for them to leave feeling empowered and ready to take fearless action in their daily lives.
I promise this session will be interactive. People won’t just sit and listen—they’ll participate. They’ll hear real stories, share experiences, and walk away with tangible tools. Most importantly, they’ll leave knowing they’re not alone in their fears.
Fear doesn’t have to hold us back. It can be the very thing that pushes us forward. My hope is that every person in the room walks away feeling just a little bit braver than when they walked in.