The Power of Vulnerability

The Power of Vulnerability: How Being Authentic Can Strengthen Your Work Experience 

We live in a world that often equates strength with perfection and control, especially at work. But for women navigating any kind of workplace or self-employment, vulnerability is one of the greatest leadership assets—even if you don’t have the word "leader" in your title. Showing up as your authentic self, sharing doubts, and embracing uncertainty can build trust, deepen connections, and fuel creativity. 

As the AMOC report states, "True leadership stems from individuality that is honestly and sometimes imperfectly expressed. . . Leaders should strive for authenticity over perfection." People do not expect their leaders to be robotic. Authenticity garners better respect and results than putting on a fake work persona. Leaders who are their true selves, who can admit when they are wrong or do not know the answer, are trusted and more credible than those who fake it to make it. 

Showing up as your authentic self, sharing doubts, and embracing uncertainty can build trust, deepen connections, and fuel creativity. 

Why Vulnerability Matters 

Recent research highlights that vulnerability fosters stronger relationships and psychological safety in professional settings. According to Harvard Business Review, women who allow themselves to be vulnerable tend to create environments where colleagues feel safe to share ideas and take risks.

This openness nurtures collaboration and innovation—qualities that benefit any role or sector. The AMOC report found that the collective experience of leading through a global crisis exposed cracks in some leaders' hard outer shells, but this awakened an authenticity that gained the respect of their teams. The report also notes that for some leaders, this was a new challenge that left them feeling exposed, but it was also a learning experience that taught them not to be afraid to show vulnerability. 

However, vulnerability can be challenging for women juggling multiple work and home responsibilities. A 2024 Deloitte Women @ Work report found that stress and mental health concerns remain top barriers for women, with many feeling unsupported and unable to openly discuss challenges. 

Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability, courage, and shame is particularly relevant here. She defines vulnerability as "uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure." For many, this sounds like weakness, but Brown argues that it is our "greatest measure of courage." She states that "there is no courage without vulnerability" and that vulnerability is the "birthplace of innovation, creativity and change." 

Vulnerability—when practised mindfully—can reduce isolation and boost resilience. 

How to Practice Vulnerability at Work 

• Share Your Learning Moments: Openly discuss what you have learned from mistakes or setbacks. This normalises growth and encourages a culture of trust. Brené Brown's research on shame highlights the importance of this. As she has found, shame can only thrive on secrecy. When you share your story with someone who responds with empathy, shame cannot survive. 

  
  

• Ask for Support When Needed: Requesting help—whether advice, resources, or time—is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness. 

  
  

• Express Authentic Feelings: Kindly name when you feel stressed or uncertain with trusted colleagues or mentors to build understanding. Brown's research suggests that "we cannot selectively numb emotions. When we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions." Being honest about your feelings, even when they are uncomfortable, is essential for authenticity and connection. 

  
  

• Invite Feedback: Create two-way conversations by asking for honest, compassionate feedback on your work and behaviour. Brown asserts that "brave leaders are never silent around hard things" and that giving and receiving feedback are born out of vulnerability. 

Here’s how you can take the first step: 

• Book a 1:1 Session: Get personalised advice and support tailored to your specific situation. 

• Sign Up for a Workshop: Join our heavily discounted workshops on topics like confidence building, leadership, and more. 

• Join Our Research Project: Share your story and help us shape the future for women in the workplace. 

• Check out our shop: for other resources that might help and our podcasts for other women's stories. 

  
  

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone 

Ready to navigate menopause at work with confidence and support? Click here to explore how we can help you. 

With unwavering support, The Women of Our Time Team 

P.S. If you know a woman navigating menopause at work, or an employer who needs to understand the impact, share this post. Let’s lift each other up and create a brighter future together.