From Shame to Strength
Jan 29, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode description
In this episode of the Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Abbie Maroño , a psychologist and author, about the critical topics of shame, vulnerability, and empowerment in leadership. Abby shared her personal journey, detailing her difficult upbringing and the traumas she faced, which ultimately fueled her passion for understanding human emotions and helping others navigate their own challenges.
Abbie emphasized the importance of recognizing the difference between toxic shame and healthy shame. While toxic shame can lead to feelings of unworthiness, healthy shame serves as a signal for personal growth and change. She highlighted that shame is a normal human emotion that can guide us toward better behavior and stronger social bonds when we learn to listen to it rather than suppress it.
We discussed the misconceptions surrounding vulnerability in leadership, with Abbie arguing that true empowerment does not mean being bulletproof. Instead, she encouraged leaders to embrace their flaws and be authentic, as this fosters trust and empathy within their teams. We also touched on the impact of emotional contagion, where a leader's emotional state can significantly affect their team's morale and trustworthiness.
Abbie’s insights on emotional regulation and self-awareness are invaluable for nonprofit leaders, who often face high burnout rates due to the pressures of their roles. She reminded us that it’s essential for leaders to confront their own emotions to effectively support others.
As we wrapped up, Abbie left us with a powerful message: it’s okay to be flawed and human. Understanding our emotional experiences is not just beneficial for ourselves but is also a responsibility we have to those we lead. This conversation was enlightening, and I hope it inspires our listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and foster authentic connections in their leadership journeys.
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