Training with Brené Brown part I: How it all began

As many of you will know, I’m a qualified Dare to Lead™ facilitator and I continue to find inspiration - which I share with my clients - in the exceptional work of Brené Brown.

I’ve been lucky enough to train with Brené, and one of the things that I really loved about the experience was that she was so completely real, even though she’d obviously done so much work to prepare for the session. In real life, Brené does exactly what she does on-screen: she takes everything that she’s lived through - her stories and her experiences - and brings them into the room with her. Most importantly, she’s not afraid to have fun! 

I first became aware of Brené Brown over ten years ago, when I listened to her TED Talk on “The Power of Vulnerability”. There was a great deal of buzz around it in the coaching and leadership community, and I was hooked immediately. 

Then in 2013, I decided to apply to become a certified “Dare to Lead™” facilitator. I was convinced that I wouldn’t be accepted onto the course: the entry criteria were pretty high, and they were looking for experienced facilitators in the leadership and organisational development space who were also certified coaches, therapists or social workers. I didn't think I was good enough, but I also remember thinking that I had nothing to lose by completing the application and sending it in. When I was accepted onto the course I was absolutely delighted - and a little bit stunned!

The training took place in London and at that time, I wasn't sure if I could actually go through with it. Things were difficult for me at that point in my life: I was recently divorced and had just started taking medication for my mental health, so just the idea of travelling to London - let alone three days of intense training in a room with complete strangers - was really overwhelming. I remember a friend saying to me that it was a bit like going on an escalator - I had to decide if I was able to get on, because if I could take the first step, then the escalator would take me up from there. So that's what I did, I took the first step, and got on the metaphorical escalator to London. 

The first person I met on the training was Jacqui Sjenitzer who is now a member of my team, so from that point of view it was all meant to be. Sometimes, it’s important to remember that you’re always connected, so if you can just take the first step, then everything else will show up to support you. This brings to mind a beautiful poem by David Whyte called “Start Close In”, which reminds us all to start with the first step and try not to worry too much about what comes next.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve been running my own Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead™ workshops for almost ten years. Whilst preparing for the latest workshop, I found myself reflecting on exactly what it is about Brené Brown’s style of leadership, motivation and inspiration that resonates with me so much. In my next post, I’ll share with you what I believe are the most important elements of the Dare to Lead™ course.

In the meantime, if you would like to find out more about Brené Brown’s teachings, you can check out my blog on her book, “Atlas of the Heart”.