Welcome to 12 Days of Christmas: Awakening the Gift of Christ Within – a special reflection series to kick off Season 4 of the Soul-Powered People Podcast. Over the next 12 days, we will dive deep into the divine essence that resides within each of us – the Gift of Christ Within. This divine presence, already embedded in our being, is the spark of God’s essence that empowers us to lead with purpose, love, and authenticity.
Through daily reflections, we’ll explore how to break free from the limitations that hold us back, heal from past wounds, and step into a future filled with boldness and hope. As we honor this gift, we’ll embrace our divine leadership, moving beyond fear and victimhood into a life that reflects the fullness of who we are. This journey is about awakening the truth that we are not just here to survive, but to thrive, create, and serve as vessels of divine impact.
Join me for these 12 days of reflection as we step into our highest potential together.
12 Days of Christmas – Day 4: The Power of Vulnerability with Tess Vergara
Season 4, Episode 4 of the Soul-Powered People Podcast
Key Takeaways:
- Vulnerability as Strength: Embrace vulnerability to build trust, connection, and resilience. It fosters deeper relationships and transforms challenges into growth opportunities.
- Vulnerability Overcomes Shame: By embracing vulnerability, leaders can overcome shame, fear, and isolation, leading with authenticity and compassion.
- Divine Strength in Weakness: True strength in leadership comes from being open and imperfect, allowing God’s grace to flow through us.
- Leaning Into Vulnerability: Vulnerability creates space for divine strength and guidance in leadership.
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Reflection Exercises “Homework”
Scroll to the bottom for daily reflection exercises.
Transcript:
Soul Power to the People Podcast – Season 4, Episode 3: The Power of Connection
12 Days of Christmas Series – Day 3: Awakening Divine Leadership Through Connection
Hey, Soul-Powered Leaders! Welcome back to the Soul Power to the People Leadership Podcast, where we’re awakening divine leadership through authenticity, soul alignment, and purpose. My name is Tess Vergara, and I’m so excited to dive into today’s topic, which is The Power of Vulnerability.
If you’ve been on this journey with me, you know that we’ve talked about discovering your divine gifts, the power of presence, and the importance of connection with yourself, others, and God. But today, we’re going deeper into an incredibly powerful tool for leadership that often gets misunderstood—and it’s vulnerability.
Why Vulnerability Matters in Leadership
I get it. Vulnerability can feel intimidating. It can leave us feeling exposed, unsure, even weak. But today, I’m going to share why vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths a leader can possess and how it can transform your leadership and your life.
Let me be vulnerable here—I am not proud that I didn’t fulfill my promise. It’s been days since my last episode. I planned to do 12 episodes in 12 days, and it’s already the day after Christmas, and guess what? We are still on Day 4. Maybe I was overly ambitious, and yes, some of it was poor planning, and also, I didn’t anticipate how much deeper each episode would take me in reflection. I could make a list of excuses, but I won’t. Hopefully, it doesn’t take until next Christmas to complete this 12 days of Christmas. What I am really saying here is what matters most is that I’m showing up, and really all I did was invite you to come along, right? This is a journey we are doing together, so nothing to be ashamed of.
I did not invite you to listen to a perfectly polished podcast. What you’re witnessing here is real-time process. Shame would have me hide and cover up my failure or mistakes, but that would be the opposite of the intention of this show, right? That’s why it’s even more important to lean into the power of vulnerability to overpower shame. Shame has nothing on us when we lean into and embrace the power of vulnerability.
Why Leaders Resist Vulnerability
So, the problem is many leaders resist vulnerability. Whether in relationships, decision-making, or in expressing emotions, there’s this tendency to put up walls to protect ourselves from being hurt or judged. But this resistance comes at a cost. It creates barriers—barriers between you and your team, between you and God, and between you and you – your most authentic true self.
And here’s what most leaders don’t realize: when we lean into vulnerability, we open ourselves to deeper connections, more authentic leadership, and more genuine results. Vulnerability isn’t about weakness; it’s the key to being fully alive in the present moment, showing up with all of your heart, and leading with integrity.
The Results of Embracing Vulnerability
Why is this important?
Because vulnerability is how we invite others in, how we create trust, and how we connect and lead with presence. Think about it—when you show up as your authentic self, flaws, fears, and warts, and all, what people feel is your sincerity.
The results are life-changing. When you embrace vulnerability, when you trust yourself, others, and God more deeply, you’ll feel less isolated and more confident in your leadership. Your business and your joy will thrive as you allow vulnerability to empower and strengthen you.
Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
And so, another vulnerability I want to share with you is that I have this insecurity that I can’t articulate myself or express the message in a way that it will land. But in today’s episode, I will try. Of course, it’s just a fear, it’s just insecurity. I have people telling me that the truth is I am brave and courageous and clear enough. Still, there’s so much more to learn—for example, how to engage you, the listeners of this podcast, right? I’ll learn soon enough. But right now, it’s not stopping me from doing this episode, and I’m pulling in from a powerful Bible verse that captures the essence of vulnerability.
And that is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
The Role of Weakness in Leadership
So, it’s in those moments of vulnerability that God’s strength shines through us. As leaders, embracing vulnerability creates space for true power to flow, guiding our actions and relationships.
The biggest mistake leaders make is thinking they have to have it all together. We’re expected to be strong, decisive, and put together all the time, right? But the truth is, nobody expects perfection. True leadership is about acknowledging that we don’t have it all figured out.
“My grace is sufficient for you.”
When we surrender control and let go of the need to be perfect… When we stop pretending and embrace our imperfections instead, we invite growth and transformation. We become more effective and relatable leaders. This is not a sign of weakness, but a conscious choice to trust in the process and the guidance we receive. By embracing vulnerability, we give ourselves the freedom to rely on support, feedback, and collaboration, rather than struggling in isolation, and that is so powerful.
What Is Vulnerability in Leadership?
So, what exactly is vulnerability? It’s showing up as you—who you truly are—no mask, no pretense. It’s being open about your struggles, your fears, and imperfections. It means admitting when you don’t have all the answers and being okay with that.
“For my power is made perfect in weakness.”
As a leader, embracing vulnerability transforms what might seem like a weakness into a source of power. Power doesn’t come from perfection, but from embracing our imperfections—the full range of human experience, our struggles, our challenges. It’s through our vulnerability that we tap into resilience, creativity, and empathy. It’s not about having all the answers, but about being open to the learning process—that’s the true power in leadership. It’s seeking support when needed, it’s staying humble in the face of challenges. It’s letting go and letting God. By letting go of the need to appear flawless, to control, or make everything look perfect, we allow our true strength to emerge—through our humility, openness, and willingness to grow.
The Challenges of Vulnerability
But here’s where it gets tricky: once you show up authentically, you might face judgment or rejection. And it’s happened to all of us. And yes, that can hurt. The issue is not vulnerability—but the way we cling to the hurt. That pain leads us to shut down, disconnect, and avoid being hurt again. So, don’t confuse vulnerability with hurt. Vulnerability is power. It’s the courage to offer yourself, even when rejection feels real, when rejection feels possible. So, resist the temptation to shut down. If the hurt keeps coming up, it means it’s time to go deeper and resolve where the hurt is coming from.
“Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
The hurt, the pain, it’s coming from an old wound, not from vulnerability. And if something keeps coming back, it means it’s ready to be dealt with, not pushed under the rug. And myself and many practitioners can help you with that. Feel free to reach out if you’re ready to resolve old wounds, because they only get in the way of your love, life, and leadership.
“Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Don’t bottle it in—share it. Share it with someone who can hold space for you to be vulnerable.
Vulnerability as Strength
Brené Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability, says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” This is true leadership. Vulnerability is the courage to show up as your true self, knowing that it strengthens your leadership in ways perfectionism never will.
And like I said, when we embrace our vulnerabilities, we open ourselves to growth, support, and opportunities for transformation. Leaders who openly acknowledge their weaknesses create a powerful culture of transparency. Instead of avoiding tough conversations or pretending to have it all together, vulnerability becomes a catalyst for inspiring others. This kind of humility and authenticity fosters a team dynamic built on trust and shared growth. It creates a safe space where others feel empowered to be vulnerable too. In doing so, you cultivate a culture of trust and authenticity in both your leadership and your team.
So, let’s continue on.
Why It’s Key to Leadership
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Ooh, this is beautiful. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Acknowledging our weaknesses and imperfections doesn’t diminish our strength—it actually enhances it. By embracing our vulnerability, we become more human and approachable. Letting go of the need for perfection unlocks the potential for true resilience, both within ourselves and those we lead.
When we resist vulnerability, we create barriers. People can sense when we’re not being real, even if they can’t articulate why. Leadership rooted in perfectionism or control doesn’t foster trust—it creates distance, and that kills connection. Distance stifles growth and innovation.
Without vulnerability, we miss out on opportunities for meaningful connections. You may feel isolated, even when surrounded by others. Why? Because vulnerability is the bridge to connection, to trust, to deep, deep, deep bonds. Without it, we’re left with surface-level relationships that lack depth and authenticity.
Without vulnerability, we risk feeling isolated, misunderstood, and disconnected from God, from our soul, our purpose.
Without vulnerability, we struggle to love and connect fully and miss out on the richness of life and authentic relationships. We limit our potential for innovation and growth, both within ourselves and within our teams.
How to Embrace Vulnerability as a Leader
So, how do we start embracing vulnerability in our leadership?
Number 1 is Acknowledge Your Fear. Yes, vulnerability can be scary. We all fear judgment and rejection. The first step is to admit that fear. Acknowledge it, but don’t let it control you. Reach out for help if you need it. And move forward anyway.
Number 2 is Shift Your Mindset and see vulnerability as a strength, not weakness. It takes guts to be authentic, and it makes you a more relatable, trustworthy leader.
Number 3 is Be Transparent. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t have all the answers. Share your struggles and your growth. This shows people it’s okay not to have everything figured out.
Number 4 is Create a Safe Environment. As a leader, you set the tone. When you show up authentically, you create space for others to do the same. Encourage openness, and people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to the table.
Number 5 is Practice Self-Compassion. Vulnerability isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. So when you make mistakes, be extra kind to yourself. The more you practice self-compassion, the easier it becomes to be vulnerable.
Again, as leaders, we have the power to show others it’s okay to be imperfect and to not have all the answers. When we lead from this space of vulnerability, we give others permission to do the same, empowering them to step into their true power.
Exercise: Embrace Vulnerability
So, in closing, I want to invite you to step deeper into vulnerability with an exercise. So here’s the exercise.
Think about one area of your leadership or life where you’ve been holding back. It could be a conversation with your team, a decision you’ve been avoiding, or an emotion you’ve been suppressing.
Take a deep breath. Grab a piece of paper and take a deep breath and give yourself permission to show up vulnerably and journal your true feelings, your thoughts, your concerns about this particular issue. Notice how opening up in this way creates space within yourself to be vulnerable, to be curious, to release, to let go, to be honest with yourself. So just journal that. Whatever you’re going through. Whatever you’re present with.
And when you feel comfortable, bring it up with your coach or reach out to me and share how this exercise made you feel. And then, I challenge you to take it a step further by having that conversation with your team member or leader where you feel authentic collaboration and connection are needed. Alright?
I have more exercises on my website, so be sure to come back and dive into those with me. Let me know what you experience, how it feels to embrace vulnerability in your leadership. And if you have any insights, comments, or feedback for me, part of vulnerability is for me to be open to hearing those as well, so make sure you let me know what those are.
As we wrap up, let’s bring to mind our Bible verse one more time:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I hope you got these key takeaways:
“My grace is sufficient for you…” meaning vulnerability is an act of surrender. It’s surrendering control. Let go, let God. “For my power is made perfect in weakness.” Our weaknesses are not something to hide or be ashamed of; acknowledge them, open up to your divine strength that surpasses your own abilities. “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses.” Vulnerability only makes you real and relatable. Don’t hide behind a facade, which will crack open because it’s not the truth, and truth always has a way of showing up. “So that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” We are encouraged to flip the script. Instead of seeing our vulnerabilities as something to hide or be ashamed of, we are encouraged to boast about them. Why? To make room for greater strength—for divine strength that is far beyond what we can achieve on our own. And lastly, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Vulnerability opens up deeper, more authentic connections and encourages collective growth. Vulnerability doesn’t just strengthen us—it strengthens everyone around us, creating a culture of trust and mutual support.
And with that, I thank you so much for joining me today! I hope this episode encourages you to embrace vulnerability as a strength in your leadership. If you loved what you heard, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
And as always, remember: You are a SOUL POWERED.
Key Themes for Day 3:
- Vulnerability as Leadership Strength – Embrace vulnerability to build trust and authenticity.
- Authentic Leadership & Transparency – Lead with openness, admitting when you don’t have all the answers.
- Self-Compassion for Leaders – Practice self-compassion to stay resilient and authentic.
- Strength Through Weakness – Embrace weakness as a source of divine strength and growth.
- Growth Mindset through Vulnerability – Shift from perfectionism to a mindset of learning and growth.
Prayer/Affirmation for Day 3
I embrace my vulnerability as strength. In my weakness, God’s power shines through. I lead with authenticity, transparency, and compassion, creating space for trust and growth. I empower others by being real and open.
Reflection Exercise:
1. Vulnerability as Leadership Strength
Goal: Embrace vulnerability to build trust and authenticity in your leadership.
Exercise:
Think about a time you felt vulnerable in your leadership. How did it affect the connection with your team or others?
Prompt: “How has embracing vulnerability enhanced my leadership?”
Action Step: Identify one way you can show vulnerability this week to deepen trust and authenticity in your leadership.
2. Authentic Leadership & Transparency
Goal: Lead with openness and transparency, admitting when you don’t have all the answers.
Exercise:
Reflect on a recent situation where you withheld information or avoided being transparent. What could have changed if you had been more open?
Prompt: “When can I lead with more openness and honesty?”
Action Step: Choose one conversation this week where you can embrace transparency and admit what you don’t know.
3. Self-Compassion for Leaders
Goal: Practice self-compassion to remain resilient and authentic as a leader.
Exercise:
Think of a recent challenge or failure you experienced. How did you treat yourself during that time?
Prompt: “How can I show myself more compassion when things don’t go as planned?”
Action Step: This week, after facing a setback, take a moment to practice self-compassion. Speak kindly to yourself as you would to a colleague or friend.
4. Strength Through Weakness
Goal: See weakness as a source of divine strength and growth.
Exercise:
Reflect on a time you felt weak or incapable. How did that experience lead to personal growth or spiritual insight?
Prompt: “How has embracing my weaknesses led to greater strength?”
Action Step: This week, reflect on a perceived weakness and look for the strength that emerges from it. Consider how it can help you grow as a leader.
5. Growth Mindset through Vulnerability
Goal: Shift from perfectionism to a mindset of learning and growth.
Exercise:
Think of an area of leadership where you’ve struggled with perfectionism. How has this mindset limited your growth?
Prompt: “How can I shift from perfectionism to a mindset of learning and growth?”
Action Step: Identify one area of your leadership where you will focus on learning and growth rather than perfection this week.
Want to Go Deeper?
Today, we delved into the power of connection—connecting deeply with yourself, others, and God to elevate your leadership. If you’re ready to explore how to strengthen these connections and lead from a place of authenticity and divine purpose, I invite you to schedule a free discovery call.
Click here to book your session.