The Unlikely Power Couple: Vulnerability and value creation!
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| Today, let’s focus on a researcher and author, and how her contributions to the world of work are connected to CDS. Ready? Keep reading to learn more. The Unlikely Power Couple: Vulnerability and value creation! Picture this: A high-powered executive sits in a corner office with a framed MBA, a sharp suit, and a five-year plan that looks great on paper. However, deep down, this executive feels stuck—disconnected, uninspired, and unsure why success feels so… hollow. We’ve all met people like this. Maybe we’ve even been them. We follow the formulas—work hard, play smart, hit the metrics—but somehow, the most important part of the equation is missing: Connection —that deep, authentic connection with who we are, what we value, and how we show up in the world. Surprisingly, it's this human element—often brushed aside as “soft stuff”—that holds the key to long-term fulfillment and impact. This is where the work of Brené Brown enters like a breath of fresh air through a corporate boardroom window…
Making “Vulnerability” a Power Word Brown is not your typical leadership guru. She didn’t build her reputation climbing corporate ladders or writing productivity hacks. Instead, she dove headfirst into the messy, emotional, deeply human realm of shame, vulnerability, and courage—and emerged with insights that have transformed how people understand success, leadership, and connection. A research professor at the University of Houston with a Ph.D. in Social Work, Brown spent over two decades studying what most people avoid talking about: shame , fear , and emotional exposure. What she discovered shocked even her. People who live with purpose, lead with conviction, and innovate with boldness weren’t the ones who had it all figured out. They were the ones who were willing to be vulnerable, lean into discomfort, and own their imperfections. Brown’s 2010 TEDx talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” went viral with millions of views, catapulting her from academic obscurity to international renown. Suddenly, CEOs, military generals, educators, and parents were tuning in—not for a productivity tip, but for permission to be human. Her follow-up works— “Daring Greatly,” “Rising Strong,” “The Gifts of Imperfection,” and “Dare to Lead” —offered research-backed roadmaps to courage, empathy, and meaningful leadership. She redefined bravery not as bravado, but as the ability to risk emotional exposure in the service of something greater. … and that idea? It lit a fire in boardrooms across the world! So, what makes Brown’s work so groundbreaking? At its core, Brown’s work is about humanizing performance. She shows that high achievement and emotional depth aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re partners in the pursuit of IMPACT. Among her most powerful contributions are:
The Bridge Between Brown’s Contributions and Career Driven Strategy (CDS) At first glance, Brown’s research and the CDS framework by Professor Joel Litman and Dr. Mark L. Frigo may seem like they’re from different worlds. One focuses on emotions and inner work; the other, on strategy, metrics, and performance. … but together, they form a powerful partnership that redefines what it means to succeed! Here’s how they connect:
In a world of layoffs, burnout, and AI disruption, the future of work demands more than skill sets—it demands mindsets. Professionals can no longer rely solely on technical expertise or polished LinkedIn profiles. To thrive, they need connection , clarity , and courage to take risks that matter. Brown gives us the emotional playbook. The CDS framework gives us the strategic blueprint. Together, they help us build careers—and lives—worth showing up for. Final Thoughts What happens when you pair heart with hustle? Vulnerability with vision? Emotional intelligence with executive presence? You get leaders who aren’t just successful, but also significant. That’s the legacy of Brown… and that’s the future professionals can build when they apply both strategic clarity and emotional courage—not separately, but together. — If you’re looking to gain a better understanding of Return Driven Strategy and Career Driven Strategy, we highly recommend checking out “Driven” by Professor Litman and Dr. Frigo. Click here to get your copy and learn how this framework can help you in your business strategies and ultimately, in ethically maximizing wealth for your firm. Hope you found this week’s insights interesting and helpful. Stay tuned for next Tuesday’s Return Driven Strategy! Netflix has made a blockbuster move as it recently inked an acquisition deal for Warner Bros. Discovery ’s streaming business and Hollywood studios. While this move promises to make Netflix even more dominant, this acquisition is by no means a done deal. Learn more about the impact of regulation in acquisitions in next week’s article! |
Miles Everson
CEO of MBO Partners and former Global Advisory and Consulting CEO at PwC, Everson has worked with many of the world's largest and most prominent organizations, specializing in executive management. He helps companies balance growth, reduce risk, maximize return, and excel in strategic business priorities.
He is a sought-after public speaker and contributor and has been a case study for success from Harvard Business School.
Everson is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Accounting.
