How Vulnerability Made Me a Stronger Leader

As the leader of a charity organization, I’ve experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to strike the right balance between maintaining professional boundaries and building genuine, human connections with my team. In trying to uphold authority and ensure structure, I’ve at times found myself becoming overly reserved, only to realize that too much distance can weaken the trust that strong, mission-driven teams rely on.

Trust doesn’t grow in formality alone. It needs closeness, and that closeness is rooted in psychological safety, a fundamental human need. When people feel safe, valued, and understood, they show up more fully, collaborate more openly, and contribute with heart.

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that the most effective leaders are those who can be both professional and authentic, who know when to be firm and when to be vulnerable, who lead with both clarity and care. This balance isn’t a fixed formula; it’s an ongoing practice. It’s an Art. And as a coach, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you explore and deepen this dimension of your leadership.