Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel The Truth About Vulnerability and Leadership from Brené Brown
Oct 6, 2025
Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and bestselling author, delves into the nuances of vulnerability and leadership. She introduces the concept of 'grounded confidence,' emphasizing that true leadership stems from humility and the ability to embrace paradox. Brené critiques the dysfunction often found in workplaces and highlights the importance of aligning values with decision-making. She argues against the misconception that vulnerability is weakness, calling it essential in fostering trust and connection.
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Injury Exposes Missing Core
- Brené Brown injured herself playing pickleball and met a trainer who told her she had "no core" and was using compensatory muscles.
- That experience became a metaphor for organizations lacking core human skills and relying on inefficient behaviors.
Don’t Build Tech On Dysfunction
- Organizations are "building on dysfunction" when they rush to implement tech without strengthening human skills first.
- Brené argues the core muscles of work are human skills like courage, trust, and mastery, not just technology.
Paradox Sparks New Solutions
- Paradox means holding two opposing truths without forcing a choice, which opens space for new solutions.
- Neurobiologically we dislike paradox, but daring leaders learn to stay with tension instead of resolving prematurely.
