Host: Allison Dunn, Business Coach & Leadership Strategist
Episode Title: Numbers Don’t Lie, But They Also Don’t Lead

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why data is your compass—not your captain

The danger of waiting for “perfect clarity” before acting

How to balance instinct and insight in decision-making

What it means to be data-informed vs. data-driven

3 key takeaways to lead wisely with numbers

Culture Action of the Week:

Ask your team:
“What’s a decision we’ve delayed because we’re waiting for enough data?”
Then ask: “What would we do if we trusted our values, our vision, and our team more than our spreadsheets?”

Memorable Quote:

“You can’t spreadsheet your way into innovation. You can’t forecast your way into courage.”

🎧 If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a fellow leader who’s ready to stop waiting and start leading.

📩 Stay connected at DeliberateDirections.com

This episode of the Deliberate Leaders Podcast, hosted by Allison Dunn, explores the power of vulnerability in leadership. Dunn begins by acknowledging the common misconception that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, contrasting this with her emphasis that embracing vulnerability actually strengthens leadership.

The episode delves into the definition of vulnerability in leadership, clarifying that it is not about oversharing or excessive emotional displays. Instead, Dunn defines it as having the courage to show up authentically, admit when you don't have all the answers, acknowledge mistakes, and be willing to ask for help. She also references Brené Brown's definition of vulnerability as "uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure," emphasizing the removal of the protective "armor" leaders often wear.

To illustrate the impact of a lack of vulnerability, Dunn shares an anecdote about a CEO named Mark, who initially prided himself on appearing perfect and never admitting mistakes. This resulted in a disengaged team, high turnover, and a lack of innovation because his team members were afraid to take risks or share ideas. A turning point occurred when Mark admitted to his team that he was struggling with a market challenge and needed their input, dramatically shifting the team dynamic, leading to increased engagement and better ideas.

Dunn then outlines three key reasons why vulnerability is powerful in leadership:

• It builds trust: Showing your human side creates psychological safety, allowing team members to feel comfortable speaking up and taking risks.

• It fosters innovation: By demonstrating that failure is a part of learning, leaders empower their teams to experiment and be creative.

• It builds authentic connections: Relatable leaders who share challenges are more approachable and human, fostering stronger connections with their teams.

Dunn clarifies that vulnerability in leadership is not about being weak or indecisive but requires significant courage, introducing the concept of "strategic vulnerability". She provides five practical ways to practice strategic vulnerability:

• Share lessons from failures: Discussing what was learned normalizes failure as a part of growth.

• Ask for help: Phrases like "What are your thoughts?" show that it is acceptable not to have all the answers.

• Acknowledge emotions: Naming feelings humanizes the leader and validates the emotions of others.

• Admit when you're wrong: Simply stating "I was wrong" builds credibility.

• Listen deeply: Being present, asking thoughtful questions, and valuing others' perspectives are crucial.

Dunn also shares an example of a leadership team that transformed their culture by implementing a simple weekly meeting practice where each person shared one challenge and one win. This ritual improved collaboration and facilitated earlier problem-solving. The episode references research from the Center for Creative Leadership, which indicates that leaders who demonstrate vulnerability are perceived as more authentic and inspiring, and their teams report higher levels of innovation and engagement.

Towards the end of the episode, Dunn challenges listeners to consider how embracing strategic vulnerability might change their leadership and their team's response. She provides an action step for the week: to practice one act of strategic vulnerability with their team, such as admitting a mistake, asking for help, or sharing a learning experience, and to observe the outcomes.

The episode concludes by reiterating that vulnerability is not weakness but rather the ultimate form of courage in leadership, and in today's world, it is not just beneficial but a competitive advantage due to the desire for authentic connection. Allison encourages listeners to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review, reminding them that "the most deliberate leaders have the courage to be vulnerable".

About the Host:

Allison Dunn

• Host of the Deliberate Leaders Podcast

• Business Coach

• Founder of Deliberate Directions

Connect:

• Website: Deliberate Directions

• Podcast: Deliberate Leaders Podcast

Reminder: Subscribe and leave a review to support the podcast!

This Deliberate Leaders podcast episode, hosted by Allison Dunn, centers around the crucial leadership skill of mastering difficult conversations. The episode begins by highlighting the common tendency for leaders to avoid these challenging discussions, such as addressing performance issues or team conflicts, and emphasizes that avoidance only exacerbates these problems. Dunn shares a personal anecdote about a client who delayed addressing an underperforming team member, resulting in a damaged relationship and frustration for both parties, illustrating the point that a leader's willingness to have difficult conversations significantly impacts whether problems become disasters or opportunities for growth.

The core of the episode introduces a four-part framework for navigating difficult conversations: Prepare, Connect, Navigate, and Close.

• Prepare: This initial stage involves thoughtful preparation before the conversation. Leaders are encouraged to define their desired outcome, identify supporting facts, anticipate the other person's reaction, and choose an appropriate time and place. Dunn recommends writing down key points to maintain focus, while stressing that this is for clarity, not scripting.

• Connect: The opening of the conversation is critical for establishing psychological safety. Leaders should begin by expressing genuine appreciation and stating their positive intention to find a way forward that addresses the challenge and supports the other person's success. This helps build a foundation of respect.

• Navigate: This is presented as the stage where conversations most often succeed or fail. The episode emphasizes using "I" statements to present one's perspective without being accusatory, and provides an example: "I noticed the project deadline was missed" instead of "You missed the deadline". Crucially, leaders are advised to pause, genuinely listen by asking open-ended questions like, "I'd like to understand your perspective," and to use the powerful phrase, "Tell me more about that," to uncover important information. The primary goal during navigation is mutual understanding and finding a path forward together, not "winning".

• Close: The final part of the framework focuses on summarizing what was heard, confirming any agreements or next steps, and expressing confidence in future progress. An example provided is: "So we've agreed that you'll provide weekly updates, and I'll check in more frequently. I'm confident we can make this work together". This ensures shared understanding and reinforces the relationship.

To help listeners apply these concepts, Dunn issues a "Conversation Audit" challenge. This involves taking 15 minutes to identify postponed conversations, noting the reasons for avoidance (fear, uncertainty, concern), selecting one conversation, scheduling it within a week, and applying the four-part framework. Listeners are then encouraged to reflect on the experience—what went well, what could be improved, and how the outcome compared to expectations—and even to email the host with their experiences.

The episode concludes by reinforcing that how leaders handle difficult conversations significantly shapes their leadership reputation, especially more so than easier interactions. It highlights that teams observe how leaders navigate challenges and take cues from their approach. Mastering these conversations is presented not as eliminating discomfort, but as moving through it towards better understanding, stronger relationships, and improved outcomes. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast and leave reviews to help others discover the content. The final message reminds listeners that the conversations they are avoiding are often the key to their next level of leadership.

About the Host:

Allison Dunn

• Host of the Deliberate Leaders Podcast

• Business Coach

• Founder of Deliberate Directions

Connect:

• Website: Deliberate Directions

• Podcast: Deliberate Leaders Podcast

Reminder: Subscribe and leave a review to support the podcast!