In today's fast-paced world, the demands on leaders and teams are greater than ever. It’s no longer enough to simply master technical expertise - leaders must also embrace the “human” element of their work.

Few voices have transformed our understanding of leadership as profoundly as Brené Brown. A research professor, bestselling author, and thought leader, Brown has spent decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Her work challenges traditional leadership models and offers a powerful framework for building cultures of trust, authenticity, and connection.

From Research to Boardrooms, Worldwide

When Brené Brown stepped onto the TEDx stage in Houston to deliver The Power of Vulnerability, she had no idea her talk would go viral, sparking a global conversation about courage, authenticity, and belonging. What began as rigorous social science research has since reshaped how leaders across industries approach their roles.

Rather than viewing leadership as a position of authority, Brown positions it as a practice of showing up - with honesty, courage, and the willingness to be seen. She dismantles the old belief that leaders must always appear certain and invulnerable, proving instead that authentic connection is the real foundation of influence.

The Power of Daring Leadership

At the heart of Brown’s work is the concept of “daring leadership,” which she defines as leading with courage, connection, and vulnerability. In her book Dare to Lead, she identifies four skill sets that can be taught, measured, and practiced:

• Rumbling with Vulnerability: Facing risk, uncertainty, and emotional exposure with courage and clarity. In coaching, this means helping leaders recognise that vulnerability is not weakness but the birthplace of innovation and change.
  
  

• Living into Our Values: Identifying, operationalising, and practising the beliefs that matter most. This alignment between actions and values creates integrity and purpose.
  
  

• Braving Trust: Trust is built on boundaries, reliability, accountability, integrity, non-judgment, generosity, and confidentiality. Leaders who embed these elements cultivate stronger, more effective teams.
  
  

• Learning to Rise: Bouncing back from setbacks with insight and strength. This skill empowers leaders to turn failure into growth and to model resilience for their teams.

These skill sets aren’t abstract ideals, they’re practical tools that coaches and organisations can use to shape leadership development programmes that truly change behaviour.

Why Her Work Resonates with Coaching

Brown’s research aligns seamlessly with modern coaching, which prioritises self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and growth through reflection. Rather than focusing solely on performance metrics, a Brené Brown-inspired approach encourages leaders to embrace imperfection, lean into difficult conversations, and build workplaces where people feel safe to take risks.

By incorporating her principles, coaching can help leaders and teams:

• Build trust and psychological safety.
  
  

• Hold necessary but uncomfortable conversations with empathy.
  
  

• View failure as a springboard for learning.
  
  

• Create cultures of authenticity, creativity, and courage.

Transforming Leadership for the Future

For organisations navigating uncertainty, Brené Brown’s message is more relevant than ever: leaders don’t need to have all the answers, they need to create environments where people feel safe to experiment, speak up, and bring their whole selves to work.

Her work reminds us that true strength is not found in perfection or armour, but in vulnerability. By embracing her principles, we can empower a new generation of leaders who are brave, authentic, and equipped to lead with both courage and compassion.

How Bloom Helps Leaders Put These Ideas Into Practice

At Bloom, we see the impact that Brené Brown’s philosophy can have when it’s brought into real workplace culture. Coaching is most powerful when it helps leaders and teams lean into authenticity, build trust, and create space for meaningful growth.

Our coaching platform and tailored programmes are designed to do just that - giving leaders the tools to have courageous conversations, align actions with values, and foster environments where people can thrive. Just as Brown shows that vulnerability is a catalyst for connection and innovation, we believe that coaching can transform leadership into a practice of empowerment and authenticity.

If you’re ready to build a culture where leaders are equipped to be brave, human, and effective, Bloom can help guide the way.