Openness: Your Secret Weapon for Executive Presence and Leadership Success
Openness
We all know how important it is to communicate openly. But let’s be honest — when we’re feeling anxious, opening up can feel almost impossible.
Then we want to hide behind a wall of self-protection because we fear we’ll be judged.
Our insecurities tell us that we’re inadequate; driving us to hide behind carefully constructed personas we believe to be more acceptable. Yet deep down we recognise the emptiness of this facade. We’re aware that we’re not being authentic, and frequently end up in superficial exchanges where our mask merely interacts with someone else’s mask.
The truth is, in today’s connected world, being able to communicate with confidence is more important than ever — and openness is right at the core of that. It’s not about oversharing; but it is about approaching conversations with a sense of vulnerability.
What does this look like? Firstly, it’s being straightforward, honest and transparent in how you deal with others. It’s admitting you don’t have all the answers, and it’s actually seeking out other people’s views before making a decision.
Such openness invites real connection — and it’s our willingness to show a little vulnerability that makes it stick.
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The most vulnerable I’ve ever felt is standing on the Old Vic stage, my mind blank, knowing it was my turn to speak. Time expands like an empty chasm, you feel all eyes on you, and you can feel your heart beating out of your chest. When you’ve experienced something like this, your brain says, “never again, heck, I’m done with vulnerability!”
However, in my experience, the fear of exposure doesn’t shrink when we run from it — it grows. It’s like a shadowy monster at your back: the more you pretend it’s not there, the larger and darker it looms. But the moment you turn to face it, you throw light on it — and what once felt terrifying shrivels into something small and manageable.
So I say, feel the fear and do it anyway. None of us are perfect - so let’s dive in and do the work!
At Vermillion, openness isn’t just something we teach — it’s something we live. We design every programme with a mindset of meeting clients exactly where they are, not where we think they should be. Instead of following a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, we tailor each experience to fit the real, evolving needs of the individual.
So whether public speaking fills you with fear or your storytelling skills just need a little refining, we’ll encourage you to show up with an open heart and mind — because that’s when real transformation begins.
