A reflection upon my legacy in the classroom. It turns out the lessons that impact my students the most aren’t the ones I pre-planned. They weren’t outlined in the syllabus or color-coded in my schedule (though if you ask anyone, I am proud of my color-coding). The impact I made emerged from far more complex and deeper moments. It was felt in the moments when I rearranged my agenda because the group needed to process something real together. The instances when I noticed a small detail about a student and invited them to share more about it with the class. My students remember vulnerability, laughter, and the feeling of being seen in the classroom. This “invisible curriculum,” as I have deemed it, is an environment of trust, humanity, and belonging. It may not be explicitly listed in my course description, but it is what my students carry with them long after the semester ends, and this “invisible curriculum” is the fuel that keeps me going. I’ve learned that trust in the classroom is the soil for learning. Without it, even the most brilliant content won’t stick. There are many ways in which I seek to earn the trust of my students. It starts at the beginning of every class session. Warm Up Exercises I begin each class with an invitation for students to express what is on their minds; their “struggles and triumphs.” It is a short warm-up exercise that allows everyone in the class to cheer for their classmates’ successes, and hold space for their sorrows and anxieties. By starting with this warm-up exercise, I gently remind my students that I am not the only person who matters in my classroom. In fact, each of them is a co-creator of our vibrant and trusting learning community. My Own Vulnerability While I may not explicitly request vulnerability from my students, it is my goal to earn their vulnerability in order to enhance our learning community. The number one way that I earn their vulnerability is by practicing it myself. I stay committed to showing up as a whole human being in every class session. Being vulnerable as the instructor means if I pose a personal question to the class, I will share my own story first. I do this not to center myself, but to signal that this space allows for truth and transparency, even from the person in charge. Sometimes when I invite them to take a deep, mindful breath before an exam, I close my eyes and do it with them. Then we all physically shake out our nerves. Another way I practice vulnerability is when I invite them to approach their long-held beliefs through a lens of curiosity- I often will do the same. In my classroom, we all ask ourselves; “What are the stories we have been told, and the stories we have told ourselves, that are causing us to think this way?” While being fully present and engaged with my students inside and outside of the classroom comes very naturally to me, it is not as easy as a more traditional teaching approach that involves simply preaching from a lectern. In class, I am fully present with each of my students, and I host around 150 of them per semester! I learn all of their names, I learn their birth dates so we can sing in class, I learn about the sports they play, where their hometowns are located, the hot new lingo/reels of the week, their favorite matcha spots, their internships, their family visits, the list goes on! In addition to this, I am available 7 days a week for my students to reach out with questions about the class, ask for career advice, share a spiritual moment when they are grieving a loved one, lend an ear when they are upset about a relationship, or listen to whatever else may be on their minds. I fully open myself to my students which takes time, brain space, physical and emotional energy, and a little sprinkle of my own heart and soul. There is a personal sacrifice associated with this level of presence, but, of course, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Why do I put my heart and soul into what I do? Why make personal sacrifices for these students who I may never speak to again in a few short months? The answer rests in the premise of this blog entry. Each of these souls carries with them the experience of having one person in their lives who cared. One person who made an effort to create a safe, vibrant, and cozy space for them to enjoy. One person who they could be vulnerable with and were left feeling validated and better off as a result. To me, this is enough. It is always a special (and sometimes tear-filled) bonus when they reach out after the class and reflect on the way our classroom felt. They say things like: “You made me feel like I mattered.” “I learned how to speak up.” “I didn’t know I could feel this comfortable in a professional setting.” Their words of affirmation about the “invisible curriculum” that I teach are what keep me going full steam ahead. Each time a new student expresses their enjoyment of the class, it reminds me that I still got it! It encourages me to always prioritize building community, not just building curriculum. When I do it right, my students will remember the way we practiced humanity together. They will remember feeling safe, validated, and seen. When they share their reflections about the class with me, it shows me that my area of expertise –emotional intelligence– is so much more than a soft skill. It is a powerful leadership tool that has a profound impact, and, when we practice it well, it becomes our legacy.
Author: Nik Lewis
When Leaders Get Vulnerable: Why It Works (and When It Doesn’t)
A dive into the modern leader’s superpower: vulnerability. For generations, strength in leadership was synonymous with stoicism, decisiveness, and emotional distance. Vulnerability was often labeled a liability, or a crack in the armor. Modern leadership demands something more from those in charge. Today, people expect presence, connection, and authenticity. Recently, I worked with a CEO of a biotech company. He told me about how he shared his own nerves during a major company pivot with his team. The result was his team feeling inspired to rally behind him! The team was motivated because he trusted them enough to bring them into the unknown with him. The insight he gained from this situation is that he didn’t need to have all of the answers to gain that trust. This skill of vulnerability is becoming an increasingly important strength in modern organizations. Not every moment calls for exposure, but great leaders understand that vulnerability has the power to unlock trust, deepen collaboration, and promote unity. Vulnerability is one of the most powerful tools a leader can harness. When leaders embrace it thoughtfully, the impact is immediate. Here are the ways in which vulnerability works: It Builds Trust Fast Authenticity is magnetic. When leaders share moments of uncertainty or personal sentiments, it sends a signal: “I trust you with this truth.” That gesture often invites reciprocal trust, loyalty, and deeper collaboration within the team. People are inspired by honesty. It Invites Open Dialogue A leader’s openness sets the tone for communication across the board. Vulnerability creates space for real conversations about what’s working, what’s not, and what people truly need. Teams that witness emotional openness are more likely to speak candidly and be courageous during problem-solving sessions. It Signals Self-Awareness & A Growth Mindset When leaders own their mistakes, uncertainties, or limitations, it’s a confident declaration of their willingness to grow. Leaders who lean into vulnerability show they’re not consumed by ego or fear. Instead, they model that evolution is an instrumental part of the job. While vulnerability can be a powerful leadership skill, it’s not foolproof. Without clear intentions and boundaries, it risks misinterpretation, or even eroding the trust it’s meant to build. Here are the two main ways in which well-meaning openness can go off course: Using It to Seek Validation Leadership isn’t a popularity contest, and vulnerability shouldn’t be used as a tactic to gain likability. If sharing is driven by a need for external affirmation “Do you still trust me?” “Am I good enough?” it can make team members uncomfortable or uncertain about roles and boundaries. Demonstrating Inconsistent Behavior Words need weight. For example, if a leader shows vulnerability by admitting a need to improve communication, but makes no moves to change their communication style, their team’s trust in them can unravel. Vulnerability without accountability feels performative, and it teaches people not to take you seriously. Not all vulnerability is created equal. To use it effectively as a leader, you need clear intentions, alignment with the team, and a strong follow-through. That’s where strategic vulnerability comes in. Strategic vulnerability is the art and science of being real. Try using the following checklist to ensure your openness is productive not performative: The Strategic Vulnerability Checklist • “Does what I’m sharing serve a purpose?” If it doesn’t support growth or connection, reconsider. • “Have I earned the trust required for this moment?” Vulnerability lands best when relationships have a solid foundation. • “What do I want the team to take away?” Give your truth a clear takeaway. Otherwise, it risks creating confusion. Strategic vulnerability doesn’t have to be perfect or polished. It is not about sharing every thought that crosses our minds. It is our unique process of selecting what to share based on what will build momentum and trust in our team. Vulnerability in its simplest form is a commitment to show up with your full humanity. When practiced with care, it becomes a bridge between leaders and teams that turns uncertainty or nerves into profound trust. The strongest leaders are no longer the ones who power through alone. They’re the ones who know when to pause and say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here to figure it out with you.” When used wisely, vulnerability becomes one of the boldest acts of leadership there is.