Vulnerability Is a Superpower — Why I Go First
I’ve spent most of my career in the IT industry being told to “be strong,” “hold it together,” and “never let them see you sweat.” Maybe you’ve heard that too.
For a long time, I wore that mask. I thought showing vulnerability would make me look weak — to my staff, my peers, even to my family.
But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
👉 Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s leadership.
What happens when you go first
Recently, after sharing my story online, I started receiving messages from people I’d never even met. Some said things like:
“You coached me through realising vulnerability is a superpower.”
“Your bravery gave me permission to stop hiding.”
“I don’t know you yet, but I want to. You resonate with me. Watching you be so honest makes me feel less alone.”
These weren’t “likes” or “nice post” comments. They were private, personal, and raw. People were telling me that because I went first, they finally felt able to open up too.
That’s when it really hit me: Going first creates space for others to follow.
Why this matters for business owners
Running a business can feel like one long act — holding it all together while inside you’re breaking. I know, because I lived that way for years. It nearly broke me.
The truth is, people don’t connect with your spreadsheets or your success stories. They connect with you — the real you. The one who admits when it’s hard, who shares the lessons as well as the wins.
And when you do? You build trust. You build loyalty. You create cultures where people can be themselves.
What you can try this week
Here’s my challenge:
Share one truth. Tell your team something real about how you’re feeling, not just the surface.
Ask one person for help. Don’t carry it all alone — let someone step up.
Name one value in action. Instead of another policy, point out when you saw someone live your company values.
Final thought
Every message I get that says “You gave me hope” reminds me why I do this.
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you can really show that side of yourself — here’s your permission: yes, you can.
Because vulnerability isn’t weakness.
It’s your superpower.