She Leads Confidently
#122 Vulnerability
Hey there, it’s Karen Barno, and welcome to another episode of ‘She Leads Confidently’! Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into one of the most powerful and transformative topics I know – vulnerability. This episode is not just another talk about being open and honest; it’s a journey into my own life, the raw and real moments that have shaped who I am today, and how these experiences inspired me to write my latest book, “Blue Rose Bookstore: Sanctuary for Your Soul.”
When we talk about vulnerability, we’re often talking about the willingness to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. It’s about letting people see the real us, the flawed, imperfect, beautiful selves that we often hide away. But why do we hide? Why do we feel the need to present a curated version of ourselves to the world? For me, it all started in my childhood, where I faced numerous challenges and traumas that left deep scars. These experiences taught me to build walls, to protect myself from further hurt, but they also kept me from truly connecting with others and, more importantly, with myself.
Growing up, I had a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders, and I learned early on to be self-reliant. But this self-reliance came at a cost. I became so good at hiding my vulnerabilities that I forgot how to be open and honest with myself. I carried this guardedness into my adult life, through my career in the Air Force, and even as I became the CEO of an association. It wasn’t until a near-death accident that I started to confront my vulnerabilities head-on. This pivotal moment forced me to look at my life differently, to see the value in being vulnerable, and to understand that true strength comes from embracing our weaknesses and turning them into our greatest assets.
In today’s episode, I’m going to share some of the most personal stories from my own life – the moments that broke me and the moments that built me back up. You’ll hear about the time I was alone in the ER after an accident, the motorcycle crash that changed my perspective, and the countless times I’ve felt like giving up but found the strength to keep going. These stories are not just anecdotes; they’re lessons in resilience, courage, and the transformative power of vulnerability.
We’ll also talk about practical ways you can embrace vulnerability in your own life. I believe that everyone has a ‘Blue Rose’ within them – a unique gift or purpose that they are meant to share with the world. But often, this gift is hidden under layers of fear, doubt, and past traumas. By embracing vulnerability, we can peel back these layers and uncover our true selves. I’ll share tips on how to start this journey, from journaling and self-reflection to seeking support from a trusted friend or mentor.
One of the key messages I want to convey in this episode is that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It’s about being brave enough to be yourself, to show your true colors, and to live authentically. When we embrace vulnerability, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, greater creativity, and a more fulfilling life. We stop hiding behind masks and start living from a place of authenticity and power.
As we journey through this episode, I encourage you to think about your own experiences with vulnerability. What are the moments that have shaped you? What are the parts of yourself that you keep hidden? How can you start to embrace these parts and integrate them into your life? Remember, it’s a process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.
Before we dive in, I want to remind you that you are not alone on this journey. There is a community of women out there who are also seeking to embrace their vulnerabilities and live their best lives. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #SheLeadsConfidently and share your own stories of vulnerability and strength. Let’s support each other and create a movement of empowered, authentic women leaders.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
- My personal journey with vulnerability and how it led to the creation of “Blue Rose Bookstore”
- The pivotal moments that forced me to confront my fears and embrace my true self
- Practical tips and strategies for embracing vulnerability in your own life
- How to use the ‘Find Your Blue Rose Workbook’ to uncover your true self
- Stories from other women who have transformed their lives through vulnerability
- The importance of community and support in the journey to self-discovery
So, grab a Diet Coke, cup of coffee, get comfortable, and join me for an honest and heartfelt conversation about vulnerability, transformation, and the power of the Blue Rose. Let’s dive in!
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Three Important Questions
Welcome to “She Leads Confidently,” the podcast dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their identity, embrace their true selves, and lead with confidence. Join me, Karen Barno, as we dive deep into the transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
In each episode, we tackle the life-changing questions that shape our paths:
- Who am I?
- Who do I want to be?
- How do I get there?
These questions are more than just reflections; they are the foundation of a journey that leads to profound personal and professional transformation.
Who am I? We explore the essence of your identity, peeling back the layers of societal expectations and self-doubt to uncover your true self. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, we help you connect with your authentic self and recognize your unique strengths and passions.
Who do I want to be? This question is about envisioning your future and setting bold, inspiring goals. We discuss how to dream big, identify your aspirations, and create a clear vision for the life you want to lead. Our episodes are filled with practical advice and motivational insights to help you map out your journey.
How do I get there? Once you have a clear sense of who you are and who you want to be, the next step is creating a roadmap to achieve your goals. We provide actionable strategies, tools, and tips to help you overcome obstacles, build resilience, and stay focused on your path. From developing new skills to cultivating a growth mindset, we cover the essential elements of successful, confident leadership.
Each episode of “She Leads Confidently” features inspiring interviews with experts, thought leaders, and women who have transformed their lives by answering these crucial questions. We share their stories of triumph, resilience, and leadership to motivate and guide you on your journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning to explore your potential, this podcast offers the support and inspiration you need to live your best life. Tune in to “She Leads Confidently” and take the first step towards a more authentic, empowered, and confident you. Let’s lead confidently, togetherr
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#121 Unlocking Strength: The Empowerment of Asking for Help
Welcome to another empowering episode of “She Leads Confidently,” where we dive deep into the essence of true leadership and personal growth. In this episode, titled “Empowered to Ask: The Strength in Seeking Help,” we explore a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: the courage to ask for help.
We often hear that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but today, we’re flipping that narrative on its head. I’m here to remind you that seeking assistance is not only a sign of strength but a crucial step in your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself. As women leaders, we’re conditioned to have all the answers, to be the problem solvers, and to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. But there’s immense power in vulnerability, and there’s profound strength in admitting that we can’t do it all alone.
Throughout this episode, we’ll delve into personal stories and experiences that highlight the transformative impact of asking for help. I’ll share my own journey of learning to reach out, from my time in the Air Force to building a successful career and becoming a CEO. You’ll hear about the moments when I felt stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of my next steps, and how seeking guidance from others helped me navigate those challenges and emerge stronger and more confident.
We’ll discuss practical strategies for recognizing when you need help and how to approach others for support. Whether it’s seeking mentorship, collaborating with colleagues, or leaning on friends and family, knowing how to ask for help effectively can open doors to new opportunities and foster deeper connections.
In this episode, we’ll also address the emotional barriers that prevent us from seeking help. Fear of judgment, appearing weak, or feeling like a burden can hold us back. But by understanding these fears and reframing our mindset, we can break through these barriers and embrace the support that’s available to us.
As we journey through this conversation, you’ll learn about the importance of building a support network, and cultivating a community of like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire you. We’ll explore the concept of reciprocal relationships, where giving and receiving help creates a dynamic of mutual growth and empowerment.
Finally, we’ll touch on the broader impact of asking for help on our overall well-being and success. When we open ourselves to the possibility of assistance, we allow ourselves to grow, learn, and thrive in ways we never thought possible. It’s about recognizing that we are not alone in our struggles and that by leaning on others, we can achieve greater heights than we ever could on our own.
So, join me in this heartfelt and enlightening episode of “She Leads Confidently” as we uncover the true power of asking for help. Let’s redefine what it means to be strong, capable leaders by embracing our vulnerabilities and celebrating the strength that comes from seeking support. Together, we can break down the walls of isolation and build a community where every woman feels empowered to ask for help and lead confidently in every aspect of her life.