CONVERSATIONS WITH BRENÉ BROWN
BY MAE MAÑACAP- JOHNSON
BRENÉ BROWN , at the core of it all , is a storyteller . “ Stories are just data with a soul ,” she says . This year ’ s ISPA Conference & Expo opening keynote speaker , Brown became a household name when her TEDx Talk in 2010 on the power of vulnerability became viral with more than 25 million views . Since then , the research professor has empowered those afraid of the idea of vulnerability to embrace it with courage .
2016 ISPA CONFERENCE SPEAKER
Her latest book , Rising Strong , offers insights on how to rise up when one stumbles in life . “ There is no greater threat to the critics and cynics and fearmongers than those of us who are willing to fall because we have learned how to rise ,” she says .
In this Pulse interview , she offers a deeper perspective on why we fear vulnerability and why we need to embrace it in order to innovate .
PULSE : There has always been this nagging myth that vulnerability is weakness . Where do you think this false perception about vulnerability comes from ? Brené Brown : The perception that vulnerability is weakness is the most widely accepted myth about vulnerability — and the most dangerous . Vulnerability is the core of all emotions and feelings . Our rejection of vulnerability often stems from associating it with dark emotions like fear , shame , grief , sadness and disappointment — emotions that we don ’ t want to discuss , even when they profoundly affect the way we live , love , work and even lead .
What most of us fail to understand and what took me a decade of research to learn is that vulnerability is also the cradle of the emotions and experiences that we crave . 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 .
P : You said vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation , creativity and change . Why do we need to be vulnerable first before we can unlock our creative self ? B : Innovation requires failure and risk . We have to be willing to try new things , to take chances , to have bold ideas . When we ’ re
too afraid to fail , we stop innovating . Shame is one of the most powerful reasons that we ’ re afraid to fail . “ What will people think ?” “ I ’ ll be judged .” “ They ’ ll think less of me .” These are the shame tapes that play in our heads when we ’ re considering trying something a new way or testing a new idea . Shame is paralyzing .
Vulnerability on the other hand is daring . That ’ s when we say , “ This might not work , but I ’ m going to try it . If I fail I ’ ll learn from my mistakes and move forward . The idea or project might fail , but that doesn ’ t mean that I ’ m a failure . It means I ’ m an innovator .”
P : Of all the findings in your research about shame and vulnerability , what stood out the most for you ? B : Definitely the finding that vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage — are we willing to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome ?
P : One powerful insight from your book is on giving oneself the permission to belong . Why do you think it ’ s often difficult for some of us to give ourselves the permission to be involved , to be part of others and to feel worthy ? B : Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us . Because this yearning is so primal , we often try to acquire it by fitting in and by seeking approval , which are not only
30 PULSE ■ July 2016