A CALL TO COURAGE

Through her Dare to Lead programme, Brené Brown helps people to choose fortitude over comfort. Sarah Catherall speaks to three Kiwi women inspired by the author about learning to be brave in the workplace

- Sarah Catherall

For most of her life, Sue Johnston describes herself as a woman who was “living small”. The Wairarapa professional and personal development coach had raised five children in a blended family, and formerly worked as a nurse and public service adviser, but she often thought she wasn’t good enough. She held herself back out of fear. The 57-year-old found it difficult to have tough conversations – when she did speak out, she often worried how she might be perceived.

Sue’s entire world changed in 2016 when she became hooked on American self-help guru Brené Brown’s bestselling books, which cover the themes of courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. While reading Brené’s book, Daring Greatly, Sue realised she often felt what she terms “shame” – her fear of criticism particularly in her work was so great that at times she felt paralysed. “I read all this and thought that the steps I was taking were all about being small. I realised my emotions were affecting my thinking and my behaviour. I thought, ‘Gee, how does Brené know me?’” she says.

Sue went on to train as a Brené Brown Dare to Lead facilitator. Now, she’s one of three women in New Zealand offering the programme through private and professional coaching sessions and workshops. She studied the two-day course with Brené in Australia, and since then, has coached about 60 people, many of whom are women.