The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown TED

The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown TED

Brené Brown is an American research professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host. She studies human connection in the form of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. In her work she helps dispel the myth that vulnerability is weakness and reveals that it is our most accurate measure of courage.

According to Brown, wholehearted people don’t “talk about vulnerability being comfortable or excruciating, but necessary.” Being vulnerable means choosing to show up as our true selves, even if we’re not sure of the outcome.

Brown cites these as examples of vulnerability:

• Saying “I love you” first
• Investing in a relationship that may or may not work out
• Doing something where they are no guarantees
• Other vulnerability examples include doing something you’re not good at, allowing yourself to care, trusting someone, speaking your truth, and breaking the status quo.

In this poignant, funny Ted talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. This talk and Brown’s work has had a widespread impact on leadership thinking and practice in recent years.