Finding Strength in Vulnerability During Uncertain Times

Anyone else feeling particularly vulnerable right now?

Earlier this week, I was tasked with kicking off a Carnegie Mellon University/ Kearney event in Dubai for Middle East executives on the challenges and opportunities of Enterprise AI. I chose to wrap my keynote in a framework of finding strength through vulnerability, resetting the audience's perspective, followed by a deep dive on how executives can effectively embrace AI. It worked.

Let's face it, we're all incredibly vulnerable right now. If not from the looming questions of Venture 4.0, then how about the species-threatening potential of AI? And if that's not enough, how about recent advancements in quantum physics, challenging our understanding of matter, the universe, who, where, and when we are?

There, how’s that sit? Feeling vulnerable now?

Yet we march on.

When I think about leading in vulnerability, one particularly personal moment stands out. Not in an existential "we are but specks on the earth" kind of way, but tangibly and viscerally.

In my first venture firm, we tripped the key-man clause, that thoroughly negotiated but rarely triggered provision in the event of a named partner's departure. I was in uncharted territory. My team was spooked, investors were spooked, founders were spooked. Everyone was on edge, looking to me for answers that I frankly didn't yet have. We made it through, but had to build the playbook as we went.

So, I thought we could all take a step back and pull from our personal moments of professional vulnerability and share learnings as we embrace the challenges inherent in Venture 4.0.

I’ll start with the following:

1. Embrace it, don’t duck it: Your first decision is how are you going to deal with the issue. Do you try to sweep whatever crisis you are facing under the rug, or confront reality head-on? Facing the unfamiliar directly might feel exposed, but it builds the foundation for authentic leadership.

2. One foot forward, eyes ahead: Don't try to solve everything at once. Start walking - follow your North Star while the path becomes clear. Be thoughtful, but don't get run over by a car while assessing its make and model; the human brain evolved for survival, not perfect accuracy. Each deliberate step creates clarity for the next one.

3. It’s impossible to over-communicate: If you're feeling vulnerable, your stakeholders likely are too. This is not a time to be coy and clever. Within hours of giving stakeholders updates, they will want more. Even without new developments, reiterate and confirm what you know. Silence breeds anxiety, and no one wants to be left in the dark.

4. Activate your network: Reach out to trusted allies and mentors who've navigated similar waters. This isn't about broadcasting your crisis, but about tapping into wisdom that can guide you through the unknown.

If you’re feeling vulnerable, embrace it as you can find great relief and strength in doing so. If you aren’t, question why. To be vulnerable is to be human.