In today’s fast-paced world, where ambiguity and volatility seem to rule, leadership has become more complex than ever. Yet, at its core, true leadership remains deeply human. As I reflect on my conversation with leadership expert Richard (shared in the latest podcast episode), one theme kept resurfacing: the interplay of trust, vulnerability, and humanity in shaping leaders who inspire and uplift others.
Let’s unpack some of the key insights from that conversation, exploring how leaders can embrace humanity in their leadership journey and foster environments where trust and connection thrive.
Trust Is more than professionalism
Trust. It’s a word we often hear, yet its depth is sometimes overlooked. Richard shared an evolved perspective on trust, one rooted not just in competence but in humanity. He described it through a recalibrated equation:
Trust = Professionalism × Humanity²
Professionalism encompasses credibility and reliability—leaders who deliver on promises and possess expertise. But humanity takes trust to another level. Humanity includes intimacy, selflessness, and vulnerability. It’s the willingness to connect emotionally, to show care and empathy, and to lead with authenticity. In Richard’s view, humanity deserves to be squared because it’s that vital. It’s what enables leaders to inspire and unite people in an ever-complex world.
As leaders, we might ask ourselves: Am I focusing solely on delivering results, or am I also creating meaningful connections? Trust isn’t built through competence alone; it flourishes when we show up as whole, imperfect humans.
The courage to be vulnerable
Vulnerability can feel counterintuitive for leaders. After all, many of us were raised in environments where strength meant having all the answers. But vulnerability is far from weakness. In fact, it’s a cornerstone of trust.
During our conversation, Richard described how his own personal challenges in 2020 reshaped his perspective. Through a year marked by loss and health struggles, he leaned into vulnerability, realizing that acknowledging and integrating life’s cracks made him stronger. He drew on the Japanese art of kintsugi—the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold—to illustrate this beautifully.
The idea is simple yet profound: our imperfections and hardships, when embraced, make us more valuable and unique. Imagine leading with this mindset. How would it transform the way your team sees you? How would it inspire them to bring their authentic selves to work?
Vulnerability is the rocket fuel for connection. When leaders let their guard down—even in small ways, such as asking for advice—they signal openness and foster psychological safety. It’s a courageous act that builds stronger, more resilient teams.
Shifting from “Warrior” to “Lover” leadership
Historically, leadership has celebrated “warrior” and “thinker” archetypes: being decisive, commanding, and rational. These traits are still valuable, but today’s challenges call for balance. Richard highlighted the importance of also embodying the “dreamer” and “lover” archetypes—leaders who are empathetic, purpose-driven, and open to exploration.
This shift isn’t easy. Leaders who’ve thrived in top-down, results-driven environments may find it uncomfortable to embrace uncertainty or admit they don’t have all the answers. Yet, as Richard said, great leadership today is about letting go of the dock and learning to navigate uncharted waters. It’s about engaging people emotionally and co-creating solutions.
If this feels daunting, start small. Reflect on how you want to “run your own cockpit,” as Richard phrased it. Are you creating an environment where your team feels empowered to challenge and collaborate with you? Or are you unintentionally clinging to control?
Reflection as a leadership superpower
In the whirlwind of deadlines and decisions, reflection often takes a backseat. But without it, leaders risk running on autopilot, reacting rather than responding.
Richard’s advice on building reflective practices resonated deeply with me. One simple yet powerful tool is box breathing: inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. This technique, used by special forces to stay centered in high-stress situations, can help leaders pause, recalibrate, and respond with clarity.
Another approach is asking reflective questions. Here are a few to consider:
- What am I holding onto that might be holding me back?
- What hidden assumptions are shaping my decisions?
- Am I modeling the behaviors I want to see in my team?
Reflection doesn’t have to be a grand ritual. Even micro-moments—a quiet pause before a meeting or a few minutes of journaling—can bring profound clarity and self-awareness.
Human-Centric leadership in action
As I think about the leaders I’ve worked with, the ones who truly inspire are those who’ve embraced their humanity. They’re not perfect, nor do they pretend to be. Instead, they lead with authenticity, creating spaces where others feel safe to grow, challenge, and contribute.
This is the essence of human-centric leadership: combining professionalism with humanity and embracing vulnerability as a strength. It’s about recognizing that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about guiding your team through the journey with empathy and courage.
So, to all the leaders out there, I leave you with this:
Take a moment today to pause and reflect. Lean into your humanity. Trust that by showing up authentically, you’re not just leading your team but inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves. And isn’t that the kind of leadership the world needs most?
