True Stories at Work: fresh from HR

True Stories at Work: fresh from HR


Vulnerability Improves Leadership: Cynthia

February 24, 2023

Cynthia is a preacher’s kid, a performer and a Human Resources professional with more than 15 years of experience including employee relations, leadership development and diversity + inclusion.


Cynthia has witnessed the worst of people at work, yet remains hopeful “I really like people, so I’m always looking for the best in people, but I have like built a lot of cynicism in, people, but I, I feel like I’ve ebbed and flowed and I’ve finally come back to, having more faith in people…..  so, you know, I’ve learned that people suck, but I also think that there’s hope for them.”


On today’s show you will learn about Cynthia’s journey into HR. We talk about vulnerability + how making and owning your mistakes will make you more respected by your team, and not less. You’ll hear a story about a CEO at a start-up who screwed up, owned up, and then you’ll learn how it all ended up.


At the end, you get to hear a workplace confession, something that happened at work that never made it through the doors of HR. This one might give you pause before you grab for that next pot of office coffee.


Curious about vulnerability + authenticity at work, here are some great places to start:


Brenee Brown, The Power of Vulnerability


Everything on Brenee Brown’s website


Herminia Ibarra, The Authenticity Paradox


Come on the show + tell your story!


Record your Workplace Confession


Ask a question?


Join the True Stories at Work Linked In group to share your stories and connect with other listeners.


Haiku for Cynthia


Cynthia knows that


Vulnerability does


Improve leadership.