When I started leading teams almost 20 years ago, I believed my job was to be the person with the answers. The rock. The fixer. The “everything’s under control” guy.
I thought that’s what leadership looked like.
It took me far too long to realize that the most powerful thing I could offer wasn’t certainty — it was honesty.
I remember a moment, years ago, when a deal I was overseeing was unraveling fast. Tensions were high. People were scrambling. My instinct was to posture — to pretend I had it handled. But something in me shifted. I took a breath and said:
“I don’t have this figured out. But I’m here. And I’m listening.”
That moment changed everything. It turned a room full of anxiety into a team ready to rally. Not because I had all the answers, but because I made space for others to bring theirs.
Here’s what I’ve learned since:
✔️ Vulnerability builds trust.
✔️ Trust builds collaboration.
✔️ And collaboration builds everything else.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s a strength — especially in leadership. It says: I care more about truth than about control. More about progress than ego.
When you're vulnerable you are also showcasing your honestly. You're putting yourself out there and its not easy...but its truthful. Give it a try...it might just work.
💬 What I’d Love From You:
This is the first in a new series I’m calling “50 Years, 50 Lessons” — where I’ll share things I’ve learned (the hard way) from life, leadership, and everything in between.
If this resonates, drop a comment and share with your network.
If you’ve had a moment where vulnerability changed things for you — I’d love to hear it. And maybe we'll do a collaborative article together.
And if there’s a topic you want me to cover in this series — send it my way.
Here’s to showing up real.