How do you handle being vulnerable? Do you shy away, staying in the ‘safe place’?
We all do sometimes, and because you’re an Academy Hotshot I know you recognize this can hold you back and you want to take that first brave step forward. It’s human nature to avoid physical or emotional pain – whether the pain is real or imagined. Are you stuck in a rut, knowing it’s time to change but finding excuses not to?
In this latest Ted talk by Brené Brown (see the video at the bottom of the page) she, amongst other things, makes the very valid point that if you are avoiding feeling vulnerable you are probably not birthing any creativity, innovation or change. Sound familiar?
Her first Tedx talk in Houston has been downloaded over six million times, and sees her share her vulnerability around her own breakdown or ‘spiritual awakening’ as her therapist so eloquently put it.
In this talk I especially like her connection between courage and vulnerability. Anyone who has spoken publicly, created something never done before or shared a deepest fear recognizes that it takes courage to reveal your vulnerability.
She hilariously comments that when invited to speak in businesses she is often asked not mention vulnerability, but instead to focus on creativity, innovation or change. She is absolutely correct when she points out that vulnerability is the birth place of creativity, innovation and change.
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Vulnerability is the birth place of creativity, innovation and change @brenebrown via @managingu See more bit.ly/US6SKy
— Sarah Steele (@managingu) October 11, 2012
To be vulnerable is to be courageous – @brenebrown via @managinguSee more bit.ly/US6SKy
— Sarah Steele (@managingu) October 11, 2012
Our entrepreneurial Academy Hotshots will know that to create is to make something that has never been done before and there’s nothing more vulnerable than that. Putting your life’s work out there to the world and watch it fly or belly-flop as occasionally happens (yep, been there!)
Brené makes the point that unless we are a sociopath with no ability for empathy we have all felt the warm wash of shame at some point and I was particularly interested in her description of how men and women handle shame differently. (Gals – you might be surprised – when I first heard her comment my initial reaction was, ‘I don’t do that,’ but maybe I do.)
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In the comments I’d love to hear what makes you feel vulnerable.
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Sarah, this is such a wonderful resource and topic. I think shame is the big thing that stops women dead in our tracks and keeps us from living big, bold lives! And vulnerability…whew! Everytime I get up to speak at a conference, I think am I gonna knock it out of the park or am I gonna run off stage crying! I always do fine, but the few seconds before are nerve wrecking. Thank you for posting this today!
Great post Sarah…I’m such a Brene fan it’s ridiculous. But to your question, what makes me feel vulnerable? The sound of crickets chirping. Haha. You know…when you put something out into the world that you’ve poured your heart into and then….chirp chirp chirp. HOWEVER, it’s always temporary because eventually things pick up and it’s usually a function of how much I am hustling. But those moments of silence after a launch are the most vulnerable for me. Thank god for dialogues like the one Brene (and now you) are opening up because it helps entrepreneurs like me remember that it’s all good and all part of the process.
I am not a fan of vulnerability…BUT…this year I took a big step in telling my life story which was a crazy thing for me as I am so fiercely protective of my personal life, my own emotions and my own personal experiences. I was AMAZED about how incredible my story which was centred around shame ( I see this in hindsight) was received and even how light it made me feel. People said it was inspiring, courageous…things I never thought about. I’m still not a fan of vulnerability…about showing what can be perceived as weakness…but I DO think it is very powerful when used wisely for personal growth and inspiration. Especially when it encourages others to be free of shame…self imposed or imposed by society. Brene does a fabulous job about sharing a common emotion we all possess! Gorgeous
Nice post Sarah. I am on the age thing right now. It is making me feel pretty vulnerable.
What an awesome video! I am most vulnerable when as Brene said, I am WAITING to be perfect and bullet-proof before putting myself out into the world. It’s weird, I KNOW that when I choose to be vulnerable is when I make the best connections, but I knee-jerk avoid it. Brene Brown is awesome!
Awesome post Sarah!
. Let’s just say its something I’m not a fan of and I’m working on . Vulnerability is not weakness – brilliant.
Vulnerability & I are not very good friends
Thanks for sharing this video.
I appreciate when Brene has done to get this work in the public eye, and she has done it so well. We’ve long talked about vulnerability being the greatest strength.
I’ve always up for some vulnerability and felt it was a gift as it’s been what has
has brought the greatest gifts into my life. I think a key to feeling more comfortable with it, is to honor it in others and watch if we’re making any internal judgments.
Thank you for bringing this to more people.
Thanks for the great post Sarah! I had watched her fist video but had not seen this one. I love her and her ideas. Being vulnerable is such an interesting feeling one that I know I avoid so often.