The President's Message 3/31/25

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”– Brené Brown

In the world of leadership, vulnerability is often misunderstood. It’s too frequently equated with weakness or seen as a risk too great to take. But for women leaders, vulnerability is not only a strength—it is the very foundation of authentic leadership.

Vulnerability allows us to show up as our full selves, embracing the courage to say, “This is who I am, this is what I stand for, and this is what I’m working to improve.” It creates space for authenticity, which fosters trust, connection, and respect—qualities that every effective leader must cultivate. When women lead with vulnerability, they model a form of strength that empowers others to do the same.

True leadership requires the courage to be seen, not just in moments of triumph but also in times of uncertainty and challenge. Vulnerability invites others to see the person behind the position, creating opportunities for deeper connections.

Vulnerability also fuels creativity and innovation. When leaders allow themselves to be open to new ideas, even at the risk of failure, they inspire their teams to take bold steps forward. Women leaders, with their natural ability to nurture collaboration, can create environments where creativity thrives and diverse voices are heard. This openness to ideas fosters innovation that drives meaningful progress.

Additionally, vulnerability strengthens empathy and accountability. Women leaders who lead with empathy can better understand the needs and challenges of their teams and communities, fostering environments where people feel valued and supported. By acknowledging their own mistakes or limitations, they also set an example of accountability, showing that leadership is a journey of growth, not perfection.

In embracing vulnerability, women leaders also find clarity and purpose. Leadership can be isolating, but vulnerability reconnects us to the “why” behind our work. It grounds us in the values we hold dear and helps us navigate tough decisions with integrity and authenticity.

The world needs women leaders who are unafraid to lead with their whole hearts. Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s the birthplace of courage, empathy, and creativity—the very traits that define transformative leadership. By leaning into vulnerability, women leaders can break down barriers, inspire change, and create spaces where everyone can thrive.

To the women leading today and those aspiring to lead tomorrow: embrace your vulnerability. It is your superpower, your strength, and your path to leading with impact and authenticity. Through it, you are shaping a future where leadership is not about power over others but about empowering everyone to succeed.