Leading with Authenticity: Why Vulnerability Is a Woman’s Superpower

Have you ever felt like you're playing a part at work? Like you have a professional mask you put on each morning, leaving the real you at home? It's a feeling many of us know all too well. We’re often taught that to be "professional" is to be polished, stoic, and completely in control. But what if the most powerful thing we could do is let go of that idea?

Debbie, a valued member of the AWTE board and a qualified coach, shared some incredible insights on this very topic. Her coaching work and personal experience have taught her that our greatest strength often lies in our humanity. As Debbie puts it, "One of the biggest misconceptions is that being ‘professional’ means hiding your humanity. In reality, authenticity builds trust and impact."

She’s right, isn’t she? We’re all hardwired for connection, and true belonging only happens when we’re brave enough to show up as ourselves. If you feel like you're wearing a mask, Debbie's advice is to pause and reflect. Is it the company culture, the people around you, or something internal that's holding you back? Whatever the reason, remember that you deserve to be valued for your whole self, not just the job you do.

Redefining Our 'Superpower'

The word 'vulnerability' can feel a bit scary. For a long time, it’s been framed as a weakness. But in her coaching, Debbie has witnessed its incredible power firsthand. "I wish more people understood how powerful vulnerability really is," she told us. "It takes courage, but when you show it, you create connection - and you give others permission to do the same."

She shared a beautiful story from a group session she ran. One woman, feeling brave, shared a deeply personal discovery she had made in her coaching journey. What happened next was truly magical: the group instinctively gathered around her, offering comfort and support. That moment shifted the entire energy in the room, reminding everyone of the strength that comes from simply being real.

Small Steps, Big Impact

So, where do you begin if you're ready to embrace more authenticity? Debbie suggests starting small and being intentional. It all begins with self-awareness. Try a bit of journaling to explore what parts of yourself you might be holding back and why. Then, choose one small moment, maybe a single meeting or a conversation with a colleague, where you share a little more of your true perspective.

As the brilliant Brené Brown so wisely says, vulnerability isn’t about "floodlighting"- oversharing everything all at once. It's more like "fairy lights": small, intentional moments of openness that create warmth and connection. A little bit of authenticity goes a very long way.

When women in leadership roles embrace this, the ripple effect is immense. By showing their own humanity, they create a safe space for their teams to do the same. This builds a foundation of trust that unlocks creativity and deepens bonds across the entire organisation. As Brené Brown encapsulates so well: “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”

If this resonates with you and you'd like to explore this topic further, Debbie is offers online Self Discovery sessions exclusively for AWTE members. It's a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into your own personal journey in a safe, supportive space. You can find more information about these sessions via the link below.

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