What do vulnerability and genius have in common?

When I think of vulnerability there are a few names that immediately spring to mind. Brené Brown, being one of the most predominant. (If you haven't seen her TED Talk on vulnerability - stop reading this / watching this now and go take a look!

But given the recent work I've done into vulnerability and genius - you might be surprised that these names now sit at the front of my mind:

Frida Kahlo, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury.

When we look at them from the outside, we see shiny examples of human beings who are simply bossing life or lived and let go of what society deemed they 'should' be.

Taking time to learn what is behind the lens tells a different story.

The people I mention above all have #vulnerability and #genius in common.

Think about it - how vulnerable do you think the above people had to make themselves before their genius was accepted as genius and not just madness.

They had to expose themselves - bare their souls and shine, unafraid of other people's expectations.

Who did you ever see before Gaga doing what she has done? Before Jackson and the way he sang or moved on stage? Before Billie tore up the young girls' scene with her 'don't give a shit attitude', fashion and incredible music?

They were all different, unique and completely unlike anything the world had seen before.

I am willing to bet that all of the above people feared letting go. Being themselves. But did it anyway.

They will have found their people, who enjoyed what they did, and gradually grown in confidence - to the point where there was no going back.

They could truly express themselves on stage in front of millions of onlookers - uninhibited and open to being WHO THEY TRULY WERE.

Now obviously, I am not na?ve enough to believe that there wasn't a lot of other stuff gong on behind the scenes - the difficulty, hurt, monetisation and whatever else.

They had to go on a journey.

What I am interested in, is what can we learn from observing their vulnerability and genius?

And how can we tap into it ourselves to become free of societal norms and live a life the we truly love.

In alignment with our values, style, sexuality and not our navel gazing, neighbour-checking norms?

I posit the question..... what can you do to allow a smidge of vulnerability into your life. And how could that support you in growing your genius?

Let go. Do it. And see what happens.

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If you found this article sparked the fire inside of you, or if you resonate with what I've written; please do feel free to comment below or share this with people you feel need to see it too! I truly value your feedback and am deeply passionate about what I share with my community. I'd love to have you be part of my vision to empower women around the world to live a life they love.

A free guide - '10 things stopping female professional living a life they love' can be downloaded here.

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About the author Lucienne Shakir - Lucienne is a highly sought after visionary coach in the field of female empowerment.

Her passion to bridge the gender divide in all walks of life has seen her clients around the world turn to their executive roles with rigour and passion that is truly in alignment with their values and beliefs.

In the last 12 months, Lucienne has coached and mentored women with the sole purpose of ensuring they live a life they love. Her drive to make the 'professional, personal'; challenges the corporate world in a way that sees greater profitability for the businesses in which her clients work, alongside a tangible increase in productivity and enhanced effective communication between the C-suite, the board and employees.

Having recovered from a nervous breakdown in 2011 following the birth of her son - Lucienne has made it her duty to support other women who feel they have lost their identity through their professional careers and seeks to re-establish a sense of self in her clients that doesn't depend on labels such as mother, wife, leader, successful or otherwise.

Her work supports the need to close the gender gap in the corporate world as well as encouraging women to smash through the glass ceiling by exposing their limiting beliefs.

For more information on her services see www.luciennecoaching.com or download this invaluable free guide, '10 things stopping female professionals living a life they love.'

e: [email protected] | t: 01604 732144 | www.luciennecoaching.com