Why is vulnerability so often seen as weakness—especially at work? And what if it’s actually the key to movement, motivation, and lasting success?

In this episode, Dr. Lola and Polina build on their previous conversation about the basics of the EmC process and dive deeper into one of the most misunderstood leadership strengths: vulnerability.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between withdrawers and pursuers—and how their negative cycle fuels disconnection
• Why we are biologically wired for emotional connection
• How society trained us to suppress emotions in the workplace
• What vulnerability actually looks like in a professional setting
• How sharing emotion safely creates empathy, reassurance, and engagement
• Why vulnerability is the doorway to Stage 2 of the EmC process—healing, bonding, and repair

When leaders suppress emotion, teams get stuck. When leaders access and share vulnerability in a regulated, professional way, they create safety—and safety creates movement.

This episode reframes vulnerability not as emotional exposure, but as emotional clarity. Not as weakness, but as relational courage.

Because we are not robots.
We are wired for connection.
And success begins when we stop shutting down—and start showing up.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where you can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

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RESOURCES:
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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team ...