The Leadership Podcast Avril Riley

I am afraid of being vulnerable?” Each of us have a story that is messy; we have flaws, experienced failures, have stories of brokenness and we are afraid of sharing this with another person. We see these experiences as weaknesses. If we dare open up, we will suffer rejection and humiliation. We will be judged, talked about and ridiculed. 

On the contrary, we see great leaders taking bold steps, sharing their failures and mistakes on global stages. We watch from a distance, admiring the brave vulnerable ones, while building up a wall to shield ourselves. You don’t dare be vulnerable because you will be called “weak”.

How could it be possible that in the weakest moments of great professionals and leaders they are the strongest?

Gain insight into the 3 Aspects of Emotional Vulnerability:


Vulnerability and Courage – they go hand in hand
Vulnerability and Authenticity – they are best-friends
Vulnerability and Connection – is a powerful force

Listen to my personal story of being vulnerable during an interview for a leadership position with a multinational corporation. Really? How could anyone share their leadership failure in an interview for a leadership position and was hired the next day?

Learn about 4 Ways to Practice Vulnerability


Permit yourself to be vulnerable
Practice self-awareness and be confident in who you are
Be intentional, adaptable and resilient
Know your value and know your self-worth

We each have dreams and visions we hope to move from concept to reality, and what it will take is focus, dedication and determination. When you put these three together, distractions, setbacks, or delays cannot stop you. You become unstoppable!  

How to lead with courage and wisdom during difficult times

[Show Notes]

David a young shepherd boy filled with wisdom, courage, humility, focus, resilience and a sense of dependence on God got promoted to leader of a  powerful country despite a contract on his life to destroy him by his best friend and employer. The truth is not everyone will be happy and celebrate your successes. David had a first hand experience of this from his employer Saul. The closer you are to achieving your dreams the more you become the target of negativity, jealousy, criticism and betrayal. The question is, how do you manage during these challenging times to avoid interrupting your vision?

[Key Summary Points:]


The intent and motives of a leader’s heart must be pure
Your destiny is secured. Stay focused
Look for a different perspective to challenges
Leaders must be ready to innovate to stay in and ahead of the game
Give honour where honour is due
Wisdom will protect you, so remain devoted
Have the right attitude. Be responsible and manage your deliverables
Refuse to entertain the twins called Fear and Failure and become friends with the twins called Faith and Success

Leaders should be capable of providing a strategy for their teams, seize the opportunity, step out in faith and be confident of the expected outcome. People want leaders who are courageous and operate in wisdom.

[3 Key Definitions for Leaders]


“Courage in a leader is having the ability to do what is right and to be an inspiration to others to do the right thing.” – Avril Riley
“Wisdom in a leader is to know what is the right thing to do, when is the right time to do it, and the right reason for doing it for the right outcomes.” – Avril Riley
Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is your mental, emotional, and social strength in control.” – Avril Riley

[Empowerment Quote]

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles Swindoll

Drop us a email at www.avrilriley.com