There was a time when, if I had been asked to do what I am asking of you, I would have run in the other direction.
I was terrified of vulnerability.
Want to know a secret? I still am.
In fact, I brought my dear friend and coach Vanessa into the Whole Leadership Systems team to participate in The Academy, and she is relentlessly and daily pushing my edges of vulnerability.
Vanessa is a master of vulnerability. She wrote a book on motherhood that made me want to hide behind my pillow while I read it. It was so raw.
I continuously marvel at how she can share so much about herself and not even flinch.
She is also one of the most influential people I know and one of the safest people to be around. Her leadership is fierce.
This is no coincidence.
Sometimes, I forget how intimidating the prospect of vulnerability can be and I do not want to lose sight of something:
- You might not want to give your vulnerable self to just anyone.
- To go to a workshop to be vulnerable may not sound attractive.
- You may feel that vulnerability is an opportunity for others to punch you where it hurts.
I’ve seen this repeatedly; I used to have these same thoughts.
And here is what I have learned about NOT being vulnerable.
Protecting yourself from feeling vulnerable won’t actually protect you.
It may create the illusion that you’re safe, but what it does is keep you small.
If you’re afraid or wary of vulnerability:
- There’s also a big part of you that is dying to be seen.
- A part that feels constantly undervalued and invisible.
- A part of you that is constantly waiting until the next raise, promotion, or achievement to feel some extrinsic reward.
I can guide you to that reward now.
The reward is feeling solidly good as you develop yourself as a leader and navigate the rewarding and, yes, messy corporate world in a way that serves you and your family – instead of putting your entire life on hold until after…
That’s why you went to work in the first place and where your desire for growth and power came from initially – to create a better life for you and your family.
But, like me, you probably got lost in the game. Protected yourself, armored yourself with achievements, and upskilled yourself at playing more effectively. At all costs.
And now it’s time to find your way back to you.
Back to the excitement that you had when you started.
Back to feeling alive with possibility.
Back to believing in yourself like you did as a little girl.
And the road back to that is vulnerability.
This time, with powerhouse women on your side.
The ones that will keep you from playing small. Won’t let you hide.
And most importantly…
Won’t let you fall.
Come to The Academy. For real.
It will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced and something you will never forget.
It’s a few weeks away. So you don’t have time to wait.
And… if you feel vulnerable and want a conversation with us to decide – reply to this email, and Vanessa will reach out to schedule a time.
With love,
Mari Carmen
