Brené Brown is an American research professor at the University of Houston who studies courage, vulnerability and empathy. Her 2010 TED talk on vulnerability is one of the most watched talks ever recorded, and her books have spent years on the New York Times bestseller list.
Who is Brené Brown?
Brené Brown has spent more than two decades studying vulnerability, shame and empathy as a qualitative researcher. Her writing translates academic research into plain language about why it is hard to be honest about our feelings, and why doing so anyway changes how we lead, work and love.
Brené Brown’s books
- Daring Greatly — her best-known book on vulnerability and courage
- The Gifts of Imperfection — a shorter, gentler guide to wholehearted living
- Rising Strong — what to do after you have fallen down
- Atlas of the Heart — a map of 87 emotions and what they mean
Where should you start?
Start with Daring Greatly. It is her most complete statement of the case for vulnerability, and the natural entry point to everything else she has written.
Key ideas in Brené Brown’s work
- Vulnerability is courage — being honest about how you feel is not weakness — it is the foundation of connection
- Shame needs secrecy — shame survives in silence and loses power when it is spoken
- Wholehearted living — engaging with the world from a place of worthiness rather than fear
- Emotional literacy — you cannot regulate a feeling you cannot name
Frequently asked questions
What is Brené Brown best known for?
Brené Brown is best known for her research on vulnerability and shame, introduced to the wider public in Daring Greatly.
Should I read Daring Greatly first?
Yes. Daring Greatly covers her core framework most completely and is the best place to start.
