Reading Dare to Lead by Brené Brown felt like sitting down with a trusted mentor who understands the challenges, insecurities, and joys of leadership at a deeply human level. Brown’s work is built on research, but she presents it in a way that feels grounded and real, as if she’s been through every experience she describes. Her focus on courage, vulnerability, and the importance of meaningful connections offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to lead.

This book spoke to me in a way few leadership books have. It’s not just about managing people or driving results; it’s about building the kind of trust and openness that brings out the best in everyone involved. Here’s what struck me most about Dare to Lead and how I’m seeing leadership through a new lens after reading it.

Vulnerability as the Foundation of Courage

Brown’s work is known for its emphasis on vulnerability, and she carries this theme into Dare to Lead with incredible insight. She argues that true courage in leadership starts with embracing vulnerability, and that means being open, honest, and willing to admit when we don’t have all the answers. This idea hit close to home because vulnerability often feels risky in a leadership role, where we’re supposed to be “strong” and in control. But Brown’s perspective reminded me that authentic leadership is about connection and honesty, not perfection.

Building Trust Through “Rumbling with Vulnerability”

One of my favorite parts of the book was Brown’s concept of “rumbling with vulnerability.” This means having tough conversations, addressing conflicts head-on, and creating an environment where people feel safe enough to speak up. It’s not easy, but Brown gives practical tools for how to do it, like setting clear expectations and actively listening. Reading this made me reflect on my own approach to difficult conversations and showed me the power of being open to others’ perspectives, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Living Into Our Values

Brown talks about the importance of identifying and living by our core values, both personally and organizationally. She encourages readers to narrow down their values to just two main principles, which really forces us to think about what truly matters. This was eye-opening for me because it highlighted how easy it is to get distracted by things that don’t align with our values. Brown’s advice on consistently checking if our actions align with our values was a valuable reminder of how we can show up with integrity and authenticity every day.

Learning to Rise: Resilience and Recovery

One of the most powerful sections of the book discusses resilience and the “rising strong” process. Brown acknowledges that failure is a part of life, especially in leadership, but she emphasizes the importance of learning to pick ourselves up. She shares a process for building resilience, which includes reflecting on our emotions, owning our stories, and using setbacks as opportunities for growth. I found this to be incredibly empowering; it’s a reminder that mistakes aren’t the end—they’re stepping stones toward becoming a better leader.

Clear Is Kind: Communicating with Clarity

One of Brown’s more practical points is about the importance of clear communication. She emphasizes that “clear is kind” and “unclear is unkind.” This means being direct and transparent, even when it’s hard, because ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. This approach resonated with me, especially when I think about times when I’ve held back from saying what needed to be said to avoid discomfort. Brown’s advice encourages us to communicate with clarity and respect, building stronger, more trusting relationships.

Embracing Empathy and Compassion in Leadership

Brown highlights the importance of empathy in understanding others’ perspectives and connecting on a human level. She also distinguishes empathy from sympathy, stressing that empathy is about truly understanding and validating someone else’s experience. As someone who values connection, this was a reminder of the power of listening without judgment. Brown’s insights showed me that being an empathetic leader means creating space for others’ feelings and showing up fully present.

The Armor We Wear: Letting Go of Protective Barriers

Throughout Dare to Lead, Brown talks about the “armor” we put on to protect ourselves—whether it’s avoiding feedback, pretending we know all the answers, or hiding behind busyness. She encourages leaders to let go of this armor, as it only creates distance from others. This struck a chord with me, as it’s easy to build up walls in an attempt to appear competent or in control. But Brown shows how letting go of this armor allows us to connect more authentically and lead with openness.

Dare to Lead isn’t just a book for CEOs or people with formal titles. It’s a book for anyone who wants to bring more courage, compassion, and authenticity into their lives. Brown’s writing is filled with personal stories, research-backed insights, and practical tools, making it feel like she’s guiding you through every step. Her message is simple but profound: leading well means showing up as our true selves, flaws and all.

This book made me realize that leadership doesn’t require us to have all the answers; it requires us to have the courage to face challenges with honesty, to connect with others through vulnerability, and to embrace growth—even when it’s uncomfortable. Dare to Lead is a reminder that the best leaders are those who are willing to be fully human, who can acknowledge mistakes, and who strive to build trust and connection.

If you’re looking to bring more depth to your leadership style, or if you want to learn how to create more meaningful relationships in your life, Dare to Lead is a must-read. It’s a book that stays with you, one that encourages you to keep showing up, keep asking questions, and keep daring to lead with heart.