Woman of the Week: Brene Brown

written by Emma Bartley

“You’re imperfect, and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”

Brene Brown, born on November 18th, 1965, is a research professor that has spent almost two decades studying vulnerability, shame, courage, and empathy. Now, she is the author of 4 #1 New York Times bestseller books (The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, and Braving the Wilderness) and her TED talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” has over 30 million views. She is also the founder and CEO of Brave Leaders Inc., an organization that works to build courage among teams, leaders, and organizations.

Brene began her career at the University of Houston as a research professor. Her research focuses on leadership and wholeheartedness in all aspects of life, including families, schools, and organizations.

Brene Brown believes that vulnerability – the willingness to be “all in” even when it can mean failing – is brave. She began her research, though, not on vulnerability but on connection. She began developing a theory on shame resilience and wanted to do further research. She dove back into her data, looking for men and women living with their whole hearts, despite uncertainty, trying to find what they have in common. The common thread? Vulnerability.

She presented her research in two TEDx Talks in 2010 and one TED talk in 2012. Her TED Talk is now of the top five most viewed TED talks! You can watch it here now!

“Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen. It’s tough to do that when we’re terrified about what people might see or think.”

In March of 2013, she appeared on Super Soul Sunday and talked with Oprah Winfrey about her book, Daring Greatly. She has also been interviewed by the author of Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert.

In 2016, the Huffington Foundation honored Brown by pledging $2 million over 4 years to fund the Brene Brown Endowed Chair in the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston in order to expand her research as more and more social work students are pursuing research on vulnerability and courage.

Brene Brown now has a website (click here!), where she is working to spread the “Wholehearted Revolution.” Be sure to check it out!

“Vulnerability is not weakness. And that myth is profoundly dangerous.”