How annoying is it when you find the perfect thing to say…just after the moment to say it has passed?

That was me last week.

I was honoured to be part of a panel hosted by the brilliant team at YuLife, during which we were asked:

“How can HR show more vulnerability at work?”

Now, I’ve done a lot of work on not overanalysing what I say in moments like this and learning to trust that even if my answer doesn’t come out perfectly, there’s often still impact in the message. But this particular question has stuck with me. I’ve been replaying it since.

And here’s what I wish I’d said:

Vulnerability is a prerequisite to being the most powerful version of yourself.

All the things you want to do in the world? The bold moves, the meaningful changes, the full expression of who you are?
Vulnerability has to come first.

Vulnerability doesn’t mean oversharing your emotions with anyone who’ll listen. It’s not about being fragile or constantly needing support.

Real vulnerability looks like this:

• Acknowledging your feelings as natural, valuable feedback and data about what matters to you.
• Choosing to stay connected to the people who make you feel strong, safe, and seen.
• Planning your work and life in a way that respects your energy not just your obligations.

It’s:

• Leaving a conversation because the way someone is speaking to you doesn’t sit right, and saying so.
• Cancelling a meeting when you’ve hit your limit and know you won’t be fully present.
• Checking in daily to ask yourself: “Did I live in alignment with the life I actually want today?”

Your vulnerability isn’t a weakness to be hidden. It’s a power source.
Two sides of the same coin. One can’t exist without the other.

So how do you start being more vulnerable especially at work, where the stakes can feel high?

Start here:

Ask yourself:
“What do I need today to feel powerful, centred, and well? And how can I honour that?”

That’s the beginning. That’s the shift.

Because when you honour your vulnerability, you create the conditions to show up as the most powerful version of you not just at work, but in your life as a whole.