Many high achievers treat vulnerability as if it’s a four-letter word. And it’s easy to understand why: they’ve been told leaders must keep their emotions in check, and be level-headed and strong in the face of challenges.
But the misunderstandings about vulnerability aren’t just unfortunate, they’re devastating. Because they lead to people going numb to their feelings and relationships, all while convincing themselves they’re doing the right thing.
In this episode I’m going to cut through the fog and show you what vulnerability really looks like. I’ll explain how vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the missing piece that can restore your ability to lead at work, love at home, and actually live your life instead of watching it go by.

Almost everything you’ve learned about emotional “strength” is not only a flat-out lie, but completely backwards. Toughing it out, staying in control, never letting others see you sweat – these aren’t signs of Almost everything you’ve learned about emotional “strength” is not only a flat-out lie, but completely backwards. Toughing it out, staying in control, never letting others see you sweat – these aren’t signs of emotional strength, but emotional blindness.
And emotional blindness comes with a steep cost that nobody deserves to pay: It leaves you empty, unfulfilled (even after milestone achievements), and depressed.
Why?
Because the old way of being emotionally strong is really fear in disguise. And fear is the ultimate mind-killer.
That’s the bad news.
The good news?

Let’s stop pretending this is just a problem for soldiers and politicians.
The “human shields excuse” isn’t just some abstract wartime tactic—it’s the same twisted reasoning people use every day to justify hurting others, dodging accountability, or compromising their integrity.
It’s what lets you blow up a relationship and blame the other person for making you do it. It’s how you rationalize crossing a line—then sleep at night because technically, it wasn’t your fault.
In war, this excuse gets innocent people killed.
In your life, it’s killing your peace of mind, your self-respect, your trust in yourself.