Imperfectly perfect

"Vulnerability is not winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome." Brené Brown

Today, I sat with a client who leads with a whole hearted desire to connect more authentically with her colleagues. She’s building a culture of trust and openness. Yet, she asked a question that so many leaders wrestle with...

'How much of my story should I share? What if vulnerability makes me look weak?' It’s a powerful question. One that touches the very core of what it means to lead authentically.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that strength looks like certainty, control, and composure. Brené Brown’s work reminds us that true strength lies in being imperfectly perfect. In showing up with our whole self, even when it’s uncomfortable.

My client wants to break down barriers and foster collaboration, but she’s also navigating the fear that sharing too much might undermine her credibility. During the session she became acutely aware that vulnerability isn’t about oversharing, it’s about being intentional in what and when you share. She doesn’t need to tell her whole story but she can choose moments of truth that build bridges. For example, moments of uncertainty or struggle that led to growth, or a value that shapes her leadership. These stories don’t weaken her, they make her human and in doing so, they invite others to show up more fully too.

We ended the session with a simple truth...leadership isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being real and leading with courage. When we allow ourselves to be seen we create cultures of trust, empathy, and belonging which is the kind of leadership that lasts.