Vulnerability

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood."

Roosevelt shows that true leadership isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about the courage to face it head-on. Vulnerability and embracing the unknown are where real progress occurs.

"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome."

Brown emphasizes that vulnerability is a leadership strength. Leaders who embrace the risks of authenticity foster deeper connections and create environments where innovation thrives.

"We ought not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience."

Washington recognized that learning from mistakes is essential for progress. Mistakes aren’t just setbacks; they’re opportunities to refine strategies and strengthen resilience. Great leaders reflect, learn, and move forward with renewed purpose.

"We messed up… There’s a difference between moving quickly and moving too fast."

Hastings' admission of Netflix’s Qwikster mistake illustrates this perfectly. By owning the error and swiftly course-correcting, he rebuilt customer trust and secured Netflix’s success. Acknowledging mistakes and acting decisively demonstrates true leadership strength.

"Leadership needs both toughness and flexibility... with a compassionate & caring heart for self and others."

Balancing strength with compassion is the hallmark of great leadership. Ray captures how empathy doesn’t undermine leadership—it enhances it by creating trust and a sense of belonging within groups.

"Managing compassionately is not just a better way to build a team, it’s a better way to build a company."

Weiner’s empathetic approach at LinkedIn exemplifies this. Leadership through compassion didn't just build successful teams but a thriving culture. A reminder that vulnerability and business are not mutually exclusive—they go hand in hand.