By: Martin Williams
Victoria Trabosh has long been recognized as a fearless advocate for courageous leadership, challenging individuals and institutions alike to take bold and responsible action. Now, the Lake Oswego, Oregon-based speaker and executive coach is drawing fresh inspiration from an unexpected place—a beloved childhood fable. In The Little Red Hen, Trabosh sees a powerful metaphor for today’s challenges around civic engagement, accountability, and the fear that keeps too many of us silent.
In this exclusive conversation, Trabosh explores what the story means in today’s world and why now, more than ever, we must all decide: will we take action, or quietly say, “Not I”?
Martin: Victoria, you’ve taken a well-known children’s story and turned it into a powerful metaphor for civic responsibility. How did this idea come to you?
Victoria Trabosh: I’ve always believed stories hold truths that transcend time, and The Little Red Hen is no different. What struck me recently was how relevant it is to the times we’re living in. It’s not just a tale about hard work—it’s about standing up and acting, even when no one else will. The hen asks for help, gets turned down, and chooses to reap the rewards of her labor alone. That’s a form of retribution, yes, but it also reflects the reality of people today who see what’s wrong, yet quietly opt out, thinking, “Not I.”
Martin: Why do you think so many people are saying “Not I” today?
Victoria Trabosh: Fear and disillusionment. People worry about what they’ll lose if they speak out—their jobs, relationships, their peace. And I get it. After the 2017 Women’s March, I asked myself, “What now?” That led me to pursue a master’s at Harvard, to become better equipped to speak up with knowledge and confidence. Silence feels safe, but it’s not neutral. It’s complicity. We’ve seen this fear in so many forms—people hesitant to voice opinions, to challenge authority, to engage in uncomfortable conversations. But if we all stay quiet, who’s left to lead?
Martin: Let’s talk more about fear of retribution. How does that play into this metaphor?
Victoria Trabosh: Fear of retribution is at the heart of this. In The Little Red Hen, the consequence for the animals was missing out on bread. In real life, the stakes are higher. When someone speaks up, they might face backlash, social ostracism, or professional consequences. I recently posted a video about this, and it quickly reached 1,500 views. People thanked me for speaking out—but I reminded them, we need their voices too.
Harvard offers a great example. When the Trump administration tried to impose extreme demands and threatened $9 billion in research funding, Harvard stood firm. They filed a lawsuit, defending their independence and constitutional rights. People might say, “That’s Harvard, they can fight.” But that mindset—that only the powerful can resist—is dangerous. Each of us has power, and sometimes, it’s those seemingly small acts of courage that ripple the furthest.
Martin: Do you believe leadership can help people move past this fear?
Victoria Trabosh: True leadership must. Leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to show up fully, to dissent, to contribute. When leaders invite dialogue and protect the right to question, they empower others to do the same. However, when dissent is punished, people tend to shut down. Leadership has to make it safe to speak—and we all have a role to play in that, whether we lead a company, a community, or our own families.
Martin: What’s the risk of not engaging, of staying silent?
Victoria Trabosh: The risk is that decisions get made without you, and you still live with the consequences. Just like the animals who didn’t help the hen but still wanted the bread, we all want good outcomes—but many don’t want to do the work of shaping them. If we don’t engage, we lose our voice. And worse, we lose the integrity of knowing we stood for something. There’s a personal cost too—the regret of knowing you didn’t act when it mattered. We all hear that small voice inside urging us to speak. The question is, will we listen?
Martin: Some people feel too small to make a difference. What would you say to them?
Victoria Trabosh: I’d say, remember the hen. She didn’t wait for permission. She didn’t ask if she was enough. She just did what needed to be done. Change doesn’t come from one grand act—it comes from consistent, courageous choices. You don’t have to be Harvard. You just have to care enough to act—vote, volunteer, speak up, support those on the front lines. The world doesn’t need more bystanders. It needs more hens—more people willing to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Martin: Final thoughts?
Victoria Trabosh: This story asks each of us: who will you be? The dog, the cat or the duck? I know it’s not easy. We’ve all said “Not I” at some point. But now, we need to be brave. Civic engagement isn’t just a right—it’s a duty. If we stay silent, we give up our power. If we speak, we inspire others. So, ask yourself—what kind of animal are you going to be? And answer that question not once, but every single day.
About Victoria Trabosh:
Victoria Trabosh is an international speaker, executive coach, and leadership advocate based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She helps individuals and organizations foster courageous action, accountability, and purpose-driven leadership. Through her writing, coaching, and public speaking, Victoria challenges others to step beyond fear and into meaningful engagement with the world around them. Her thought leadership has been widely featured in the media, including Oprah.com.
Published by Joseph T.
