“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” ~ Brené Brown

We have such a challenge with the word 'vulnerability'. It is written in to our culture that to be vulnerable is to be weak. That it is something to be avoided at all costs. And that, if we do insist on doing it, we do it behind closed doors. What if we could reframe that disconcerting feeling of uncertainty and call it courage? What could be different in our leadership, creativity and innovation? How could we show up differently if we didn't have to have all of the answers? Why do we even put the pressure on ourselves to know all of the answers in a world that moves so fast and is so complex?

Based on the research of Dr Brené Brown, this session will dispel the six myths of vulnerability, and demonstrate the relationship between vulnerability and courage. We will identify the paradoxes that stop us from being vulnerable. Concluding with a discussion about how vulnerability is crucial for creativity, innovation and building connection and trust in the workplace.

Learning Outcomes

1. An understanding of the research around vulnerability and courage

2. Clarity on how vulnerability is linked to connection, joy, creativity and innovation

3. Consideration of the barriers to vulnerability in the workplace

4. Simple tools to support you in getting more tolerant of vulnerability

About the speakers

Roxanne Hobbs is a certified co-active coach who is also trained in the work of Brené Brown. She is passionate about the diversity and inclusivity agenda believing that we need to remove the barriers to success in the workplace and create cultures where people can show up as themselves and be valued for it. Her background is in the media and creative industries and she strongly believes that the skills needed there - including creativity and innovation - are rooted in diversity, authenticity and vulnerability.

Roxanne’s specialism is inclusivity in the workplace - how to show up as yourself and how to create teams that feel able to show up as themselves. She supports the transition from management to leadership, pulling out the limiting beliefs that might hold people back - such as perfectionism.

Roxanne is warm, compassionate and challenging. She exemplifies inclusivity in her work, her approach and how she runs The Hobbs Consultancy.

Check Roxanne Hobbs on Linkedin

About the Engines of Innovation Series

The Engines of Innovation Series organized by the TU Wien Innovation Incubation Center (i²c) is a format that offers workshops to scientists who are seeking to broaden their horizons in the field of innovation and healthy high performance. These workshops are free of charge to scientists from all faculties and institutes of TU Wien. Registration required.

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