In a riveting session at the recent 2025 PCMA Convening Leaders, renowned researcher, storyteller, and author Brené Brown took the stage to share her insights on leadership, vulnerability, and courage. Known for her pioneering work on the power of vulnerability, Brown engaged in a fireside chat with the Emergent CEO Holly Ransom, who has served as PCMA Convening Leaders EmCee and Moderator for the past several years, providing attendees with a treasure trove of actionable ideas. 

Backstory  

Brown’s TED talk on the Power of Vulnerability is one of the top five most-viewed TED talks in the world, with more than 60 million views. She is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. Brown, author of six No.1 New York Times bestsellers, is the host of two award-winning podcasts, Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead. 

Related: PCMA 2025 Recap: 20 Notable Moments from Convening Leaders 

Defining Vulnerability in Leadership 

Brown began by addressing the common misconceptions surrounding vulnerability in leadership. She shared, "A lot of people write about daring leadership and often question what gets in their way. You define vulnerability as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure, and I feel like that's just leadership." With these words, Brown challenged leaders to view vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a core strength that underpins courageous leadership. 

Embracing Discomfort 

In a candid discussion, Brown stressed the importance of normalizing discomfort in conversations and decision-making processes. "It's not supposed to be easy. Like, so much of what's going on in the world right now is because people are afraid to be vulnerable," she explained. Embracing this discomfort, she argues, allows leaders to build genuine connections and foster trust within their teams. 

The Role of Hope 

Brown also highlighted the critical role that hope plays in engagement, drawing on C. R. Snyder's research from the University of Kansas. According to Brown, "The three pieces of hope are goals, pathway, and agency. People with high levels of hope can set goals, think about the pathways to get there, and have agency." This framework provides leaders with a blueprint for inspiring hope and engagement within their teams, even amid challenging circumstances. 

Building Courageous Systems 

Brown underscored the necessity of not only developing courageous individuals but also creating systems that support courageous actions. "If there's a disappointment, a failure, or a setback, within 24 hours there should be a meeting with every stakeholder involved," she advised. By institutionalizing processes that facilitate learning and growth from setbacks, organizations can cultivate an environment where courage is encouraged and celebrated. 

Closing Thoughts 

Brown's session concluded with a powerful reminder that vulnerability is inherently connected to our identities as leaders and human beings. "To be human is to be vulnerable," she affirmed, encouraging attendees to lead with authenticity and openness. Her conversation with Ransom left an indelible mark, setting a tone of introspection and action for the leaders present. 

Brown's insights invite all leaders to reflect on their roles, prioritize vulnerability, and embrace the transformative power of authentic leadership. Her words serve as a compelling call to action for leaders striving to create meaningful and lasting change in their spheres of influence. 

Find out more about booking Brown at an event here. 

Main image: Brené Brown Photo: Randal Ford