Vulnerability At Work For Women. How To Be Authentic

The Power Of Vulnerability For Women At Work

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 For Women In The Workplace

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 Women Can Practise 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. 

What Next For Women Who Want To Be More Authentic At Work?

At Women of Our Time, we're here to help.  

• We offer a free 1-2-1 service, access to workshops, and other products designed to support you every step of the way with the IAG you need.  

• Check out the latest episode of ‘This Is Me’ podcast. Hear authentic stories and real conversations—click below to listen now! 

• Ready to make a difference? Donate your hour today to support and uplift women who need it most at https://www.womenofourtime.co.uk/donate-an-hour 

Vulnerability At Work For Women

Q. Is it safe for women to show vulnerability at work in the UK?

A. For many women in UK workplaces, showing vulnerability can feel risky, especially in male dominated environments. Practised thoughtfully, vulnerability at work helps women build trust, deepen relationships and model healthy leadership. It is usually safer when a woman chooses trusted colleagues, sets boundaries about what she shares, and links her vulnerability to solutions and learning rather than only to struggle.

Q. FAQ 2: How can a woman be authentic at work without oversharing?

A. A woman can be authentic at work by sharing enough of her real thoughts and feelings to build trust, while keeping her private life protected. Many women in the UK use simple phrases like “I am finding this challenging, here is what I am doing about it” to show honesty and courage without going into very personal detail. Authenticity for women is about honesty, not full disclosure.

Q. What are small ways women can practise vulnerability at work each week?

A. Women can practise vulnerability at work through small, low risk actions such as asking for help on a task, admitting when they do not know an answer, or sharing one learning from a mistake in a team meeting. For many women in UK workplaces, these micro moments of honesty slowly build a culture where others feel safer to be open too.

Q. How does vulnerability help women leaders in UK organisations?

A. For women leaders in UK organisations, vulnerability can strengthen credibility rather than weaken it. When a woman leader is open about uncertainty, asks for input and owns her mistakes, teams often report higher trust and psychological safety. This kind of vulnerable leadership shows women can be both strong and human, which improves engagement, innovation and retention.

Q. How does vulnerability help women leaders in UK organisations?

A. For women leaders in UK organisations, vulnerability can strengthen credibility rather than weaken it. When a woman leader is open about uncertainty, asks for input and owns her mistakes, teams often report higher trust and psychological safety. This kind of vulnerable leadership shows women can be both strong and human, which improves engagement, innovation and retention.

Q. What if a woman’s vulnerability at work has been used against her in the past?

A. Sadly, some women have had experiences where vulnerability at work was judged or criticised. If a woman has been hurt in this way, it can help to rebuild safety slowly by choosing more supportive people, keeping clear boundaries, and practising vulnerability in small, intentional steps. Many women also find that coaching, mentoring or counselling outside the workplace helps them process past experiences and decide how they want to show up now.

Q.  How can women balance professionalism and vulnerability in UK hybrid or remote work?

In hybrid and remote roles, women can balance professionalism and vulnerability by being clear, calm and purposeful in what they share. A woman might say on a call, “I am feeling stretched today, so I may need a little extra time on this” which is both professional and honest. For many women in the UK, using video, regular check ins and written reflections helps them stay connected, visible and authentic even when they are not in the office.