The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership

“There are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders hold a position of power or influence. Those who lead inspire us.” — Simon Sinek

I was reminded of this last week, catching up with Esther Chesterman between meetings. Esther is someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over my career and can call a friend. She’s one of those people who naturally mentors, inspires, and listens, not because it’s a job requirement, but because that’s just who she is and I think that’s what real leadership is all about.

It’s All About Connection

Good people bring great energy. They make you think differently, challenge you in the best way, and leave you feeling inspired rather than drained. The most effective leaders aren’t the ones commanding from above, they’re the ones walking alongside you, encouraging you, pushing you when needed, and giving you space to grow.

And they listen.

For me, leadership has never been about holding a title or having all the answers. It’s about facilitating rather than dictating, listening rather than just speaking. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued and heard, where they have the confidence to make decisions and take ownership. But here’s the thing: I don’t always get it right. None of us do.

And that’s okay.

The Strength in Imperfection

I’ve come to realise that accepting our imperfections doesn’t make us weak, it makes us better leaders. Owning our mistakes, learning from them, and being open to new perspectives builds trust and authenticity. No one expects perfection, but they do expect honesty, and the best teams thrive when they know their leader is human too.

A recent Education Conference panel discussed the power of imperfect leadership, emphasising that “leading with vulnerability fosters authenticity, trust, and stronger relationships” (AASA, 2023). Leaders who acknowledge their mistakes and show their human side create environments where teams feel empowered, safe, and motivated to take risks.

Simon Sinek also said “Authenticity is about imperfection. And authenticity is a very human quality. To be authentic is to be at peace with your imperfections."

That’s why I love working with like-minded people and organisations that share these values, people who lead with purpose rather than ego. The National Extension College (NEC), where Esther is CEO, is a perfect example. Established in 1963 as a not-for-profit distance learning provider, NEC is social value driven, it’s all about widening access to education, giving people a second chance, an opportunity, a way forward. They don’t just say they believe in education for all, they actively live by it and make it happen.

Esther puts it perfectly:

"I work with the college trustees and the senior management team to ensure our mission to widen learning opportunities with flexible and high-quality learning is met. I do this by working with the team to offer a positive student experience from beginning to the successful end."

I highly recommend connecting with Esther on LinkedIn as she champions and shares the most current and up-to-date education insights with the LinkedIn community.

Leadership as a Journey, Not a Destination

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room, it’s about being the one who listens, who brings people together, who creates opportunities for others to shine. The best leaders I know, like Esther, lead with purpose, not ego and thrive on supporting others to be their best selves. I always look forward to my catch-ups with Esther, bouncing ideas off each other and I always come away energised.

And really, that’s the kind of leader I aspire to be every day. Someone who learns from the incredible people around me, who embraces imperfection, and who creates space for others to grow.

So, here’s my question: Who inspires you? Who are the natural mentors in your life, who are the people who leave you feeling energised, heard, and ready to take on the world? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Georgie McIntyre is an experienced leader and coach in education, not-for-profit, business and professional development. Georgie is passionate about helping individuals and organisations to unlock their potential. Connect with Georgie to explore fresh perspectives, projects and strategies for success.

References

AASA (2023) Panel tackles imperfect leadership. National Conference on Education. Available at: https://nce.aasa.org/panel-tackles-imperfect-leadership/ (Accessed: 17 February 2025).

National Extension College (NEC) (n.d.) About us. Available at: https://www.nec.ac.uk (Accessed: 17 February 2025).

Sinek, S. (2009) Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. London: Penguin.

Sinek, S. (n.d.) ‘There are leaders and those who lead’. Simon Sinek Official Website. Available at: https://simonsinek.com (Accessed: 17 February 2025).