In the world of self-development and leadership, few voices resonate as powerfully as Brené Brown. With her groundbreaking research on vulnerability, courage, and shame, she has inspired millions to lead braver lives. Her books, including Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, and Dare to Lead, have become must-reads for anyone looking to cultivate meaningful connections and embrace authenticity. In this special Q&A, we sit down with Brené Brown to learn more about her writing process, her insights on leadership, and the personal moments that have shaped her journey.
Q: Your work on vulnerability has touched so many lives. What first inspired you to explore this topic?
Brené Brown: I think vulnerability is something we all struggle with, but for me, it came from a personal place. I used to see vulnerability as weakness, as something to avoid. But through my research, I learned that vulnerability is actually our greatest measure of courage. It’s at the heart of every meaningful connection, every breakthrough moment. Once I understood that, I knew I had to dig deeper, not just for myself but to share what I learned with others.
Q: In your book Dare to Lead, you talk about how vulnerability is essential to leadership. Can you expand on that?
Brené Brown: Absolutely. For so long, leadership was associated with being tough, invulnerable, and always in control. But what I’ve found is that the best leaders are those who are willing to be vulnerable—those who are open to feedback, admit mistakes, and connect with their teams on a deeper level. Vulnerability fosters trust and innovation. When leaders can show up authentically, they create an environment where people feel safe to take risks and bring their whole selves to the table.
Q: You often speak about the power of connection. Why is it so important to create meaningful connections, especially in today’s world?
Brené Brown: Human beings are wired for connection—it’s part of our DNA. Without it, we struggle. In today’s world, we are more connected than ever through technology, but we’re also more isolated in terms of meaningful, face-to-face interactions. We need to cultivate spaces where we can be real with each other, where we can be seen and heard for who we truly are. That’s what sustains us. Without that, we experience loneliness, burnout, and a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.
Q: Your books have had a profound impact on how people view shame and resilience. What is one thing you hope readers take away from your work?
Brené Brown: If there’s one message I want to leave with readers, it’s this: You are enough as you are, right now. We spend so much time trying to fit into other people’s expectations, trying to be perfect or invulnerable. But the truth is, we’re all flawed, and that’s what makes us human. When we embrace that, we start to build resilience. Resilience isn’t about never falling down—it’s about how we get back up after we fall, and what we learn from those experiences.
Q: You’ve spoken about your own experiences with vulnerability in your TED Talks and books. How has this journey shaped you personally?
Brené Brown: It’s been humbling. I used to think that being vulnerable in front of others would make me less credible, less worthy of respect. But what I found was the opposite—sharing my struggles and insecurities made me more relatable and, ultimately, a better researcher and teacher. It’s an ongoing journey. I’m still learning to show up authentically every day, and I still have moments of fear and self-doubt. But I’ve come to accept that as part of the process.
Q: What advice do you have for people who are afraid to be vulnerable, either in their personal or professional lives?
Brené Brown: My advice is to start small. You don’t have to share your deepest secrets with the world. Begin with the people you trust the most, and take a small step toward vulnerability—maybe by admitting you’re struggling with something, or by asking for help when you need it. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. And remember, vulnerability is not about oversharing; it’s about choosing to show up, even when there are no guarantees. That’s where courage begins.
Q: You’ve accomplished so much in your career. What’s next for you?
Brené Brown: I’m always working on new projects! Right now, I’m focused on continuing my podcast and diving deeper into the topics that matter most to me—leadership, belonging, and how we navigate tough conversations. I’m also working on a new book, which I’m really excited about. I can’t give too much away yet, but it’s going to explore how we move forward when everything feels uncertain.
Q: Lastly, how do you hope your work continues to impact people in the years to come?
Brené Brown: My hope is that people feel empowered to show up more authentically in their lives, to lead with courage, and to embrace the messiness of being human. I hope my work continues to inspire meaningful conversations about vulnerability, empathy, and connection—both in the workplace and in our personal lives. If my books or talks help someone feel seen, heard, or understood, then I’ve done my job.
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