The Power of Vulnerability, Leadership, and the Conversations We Have with Ourselves

Love Letters to the Virgin Mary has resonated deeply with women, and I believe part of its impact is rooted in its exploration of romance on a Biblical scale. A single verse connects King David, Jesus, and Mary—when the archangel Gabriel tells Mary that her child will be given the throne of his father, David.

But beyond its theological depth, the most consistent feedback I’ve received is: "I can’t believe how honest and open you were."

That insight speaks volumes—not just about the book, but about how we, as individuals and as leaders, engage with emotion and truth.

Why Vulnerability Feels Like a Risk (Especially for Men)

A dear friend in HR at a Fortune 500 company shared that much of her role revolves around helping male leaders open up. The reality? Many men struggle with expressing emotion—especially in the workplace, where emotion is often misinterpreted as weakness rather than authenticity.

I recently had a conversation with a client who pointed out a still-present disparity: ?? When a man gets angry at work, he’s labeled passionate. ?? When a woman does, she’s labeled emotional.

For years, I hid behind stories—narratives I told myself and others to control how close people got to me. But the same walls that protect us also trap us. They limit our ability to build real connections and lead with genuine influence.

It took time to understand the difference between being pushed by fear versus being pulled by faith.

Leadership Without Tyranny

The tyrannical leader operates from fear: they intimidate, demand, and take credit for success while assigning blame when things go wrong. They confuse dominance with leadership.

I never quite crossed that line—either in the military or in corporate America—but I saw many who did. And I learned something crucial:

The truth will set you free.

The Conversations We Have with Ourselves

Lately, I’ve been listening to Dr. Jordan Peterson’s We Who Wrestle with God. Peterson is a towering intellectual, and his early chapters highlight some truths so profound, I had to share them here:

1?? The voice of conscience is the voice of God. Peterson draws from 1 Kings, where Elijah seeks wisdom not in the chaos, but in the still, small voice within.

2?? Our internal dialogue is not singular—it’s a conversation. Drawing on Carl Jung’s work, Peterson describes how the psyche engages in a dialogue between different aspects of the self.

3?? The spirits of our intended destination shape our guidance. If our aim is self-serving, we attract shallow insights. But if we focus on our perception of the ultimate good, we gain wisdom aligned with that pursuit.

Final Thoughts

Vulnerability in leadership isn’t about oversharing—it’s about integrity, connection, and the courage to face truth. The leaders who embrace this are the ones who inspire, uplift, and create lasting impact.

What are your thoughts on vulnerability in leadership? Have you seen this dynamic play out in your industry? I’d love to hear your perspective.

#faith #leadership #truth #authenticity #passion #connection