Don't Say The "V" Word!

Valentine’s Day is often associated with love and relationships, but there’s another word that’s just as important—yet far more uncomfortable ~ "Vulnerability."

We live in a guarded world where sharing can sometimes backfire. My recent coaching client, Amelia, who just turned 40 and had always worked in start-up companies, didn't understand the corporate environment. She had known a coworker for about three years, who is now in a senior position. The company they both worked for was initially a small start-up with minimal HR (Human Resource) bureaucracy but was recently acquired by a larger organization with a structured hierarchy where individuals must follow a chain of command to share and present ideas.

Amelia had shared a marketing idea and was told that it was ok to do so when they had the company merger meet and greet. So she emailed one of the new senior managers and copied her direct manager. She developed a close relationship with this colleague—not on an intimate level, but as someone she considered a friend, someone she could share ideas and personal insights with. Amelia is incredibly smart, super creative, full of ideas, and passionate about helping people. When her idea was reprimanded and she was told to follow the newly provided chain of command, she became upset and reacted negatively. She emailed her colleague sharing how she felt, believing it was a safe space. However, he forwarded everything she shared to his boss, and she was soon called in for a meeting. When she recounted this story to me, she was deeply emotional and angry. I could hear the pain in her voice—she lost respect for the company she was now working for, felt blindsided, hurt, frustrated, and violated by her work "friend."

Through our conversation, I realized her colleague may have felt threatened—not for his job, but because the dynamic had shifted. The person he once saw as a friend was now, in some way, a competitor. This is where I believe boundaries are essential if we want to build authentic connections.

Amelia’s story reminded me of Dr. Brené Brown’s The Power of Vulnerability, where she shares a story about her young daughter confiding in a friend, only to have that trust broken. She shared her understanding of the pain that she once felt in a similar situation. Early childhood betrayals embed themselves deeply into our subconscious, influencing how we navigate relationships and our willingness to trust. She has one of the most viewed TED talks ever.

Recently, I found myself in a conversation where simply mentioning the word "vulnerability" made people uneasy. It reminded me of these stories and the lessons they hold. When unresolved, the emotions of hurt, anger, and frustration cause us to resist openness, particularly in professional environments like construction and maritime, where strength is prized over emotional expression. But what if vulnerability isn’t weakness? What if it’s the key to deeper connections and meaningful change?

As a coach, I help clients understand the physiological responses they experience when confronted with these emotions. As an engineer, I see everything as energy and frequency and guide them in recognizing these patterns within themselves.

Writing my book Engineered Miracles was my first real attempt at embracing vulnerability. For years, I kept certain aspects of my story private—my experiences in engineering, my journey through cancer, and my struggle with reconciling science and spirituality. I was afraid of judgment, especially in industries that rarely discuss emotions. But when I finally shared my story, something incredible happened—people opened up too. Conversations shifted, walls came down, and real human connections formed.

Why This Matters for the Industry (and Beyond)

Industries like construction and maritime are struggling to attract the next generation. In 2024, the construction industry needed 439,000 new workers, and the maritime industry faces a global shortage of seafarers. Cultural shifts that embrace vulnerability could make these fields more appealing.

At the same time, military enlistment is rising. The increase in military enlistment since 2024 highlights a desire for pride and purpose among young people. This mirrors the need for these values in civilian industries.

Too often, we frame these choices through a binary lens—right or wrong, strong or weak, conservative or liberal. But life isn’t that simple. It’s about understanding the deeper emotional currents that drive us, unpacking the baggage we’ve carried since childhood, and making space for new perspectives.

The Next Step: A New Podcast to Take This Conversation Further

This realization is why I’m launching a new podcast—one that’s slightly different from Annmarie’s Breaking Ground, the podcast I started in 2016 that was short-lived with only a few episodes.

In this podcast, I’m bringing in guests who are willing to have real conversations—about emotions, industry challenges, leadership, energy alignment, and more. I want to speak with people who aren’t afraid to go deeper—or maybe they are, but they’re willing to try. Some will be from construction and maritime, but others will come from completely different backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives that can help us all grow.

I’m also integrating AI, technology, and current events, discussing how they shape our personal and professional lives. Most importantly, I’m embracing what shows up—the "energetic frequency" of conversations that are meant to happen.

Are You Ready?

If this article resonated with you in some way, stay tuned. This podcast isn’t just about listening—it’s about reflection, about clearing mental and emotional clutter, about making space for something new.

Vulnerability, pride, and purpose are crucial in transforming industries and making them attractive to younger generations. Let’s embrace these values and create workplaces where vulnerability is seen as a strength.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you ever struggled with vulnerability in your industry? What’s one belief you’ve held onto that you’re now questioning?

Let’s start the conversation.

#Vulnerability #Leadership #ConstructionIndustry #MaritimeIndustry #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #EngineeredMiracles