040: Owning Your Story: The Value of Vulnerability with Dr. Michael Hudson

This week it is my privilege to have Dr. Michael Hudson on the show. Michael is a full-time speaker, coach, and consultant. He enjoys working with leaders and teams to build their strategic visions. Today we focus on the importance of being true to yourself to be the most effective leader.

PUT YOURSELF IN THE RIGHT ROOM

Are you in the right place right now? Sometimes we find ourselves working very hard to do what we need to do in public, but we are not being true to ourselves. Michael believes we must put ourselves in the right room with the right people. If we don’t do that, we will “find a way to mask that discomfort” as he says. And that is not the most productive way for us to live our lives. After all, at some point we have to take that mask off and deal with the issues that are going on internally. However, if we are authentic with ourselves, we can pull on our own strengths to be good and effective leaders.

ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO BE VULNERABLE?

Being a successful leader can be simplified into looking at a couple of positive traits. Good leaders are curious and humble. They know that they need to rely upon the information that those they are leading have. Asking questions and listening intently can create good relationships. These qualities help to demonstrate the vulnerability or authenticity that many seek in a good leader. When we open up communication and break down the barriers between leaders and their teams or organizations, then trust can be built. And this will lead to a healthy organization. This episode is truly inspiring as Michael and I discuss looking at ourselves honestly, without any masks, to tap into our authenticity. Sometimes that process leaves us feeling very vulnerable. But it opens the door to move forward on our journeys past our inner struggles.

Episode Highlights:

• Finding ourselves “not in the right room” and needing to make a change
• Imposter syndrome causes us to want to compensate
• The 3 things we have to do when it comes to leadership
• The possibility of moving forward past our inner struggles
• Successful leaders can frame their lessons in a replicable framework that they can teach to others
• Real integrity is living from the inside out - making sure we stand up for what is right
• Michael’s mantra for good leaders: ask, listen, learn, and serve...and serve first
• How sometimes we put on a mask to hide discomfort in our lives, and it’s okay to get help from friends, coaches, or professionals to get beyond that

Until next time, lead well! 

Bill

Episode Resources:

Connect with Michael Hudson:

https://www.michaelhudson.com/coaching/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaelhu