In a recent LinkedIn post, Brené Brown explores the critical role of preparation in leadership, drawing inspiration from her conversation with soccer analyst Rebecca Lowe. Brown, a renowned researcher and author on courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, shared her admiration for Lowe’s approach to leadership, particularly her emphasis on rigorous preparation.
Brown begins by recounting her and her sisters’ admiration for Lowe, especially her performance during the World Cup. This admiration extended to a recent conversation Brown had with Lowe alongside Adam Grant. Reflecting on the insights gained, Brown was particularly struck by Lowe’s dedication to preparation.
“I often tell the women I mentor to never confuse what we call ‘presence’ with preparation – and Rebecca is such an example of this.”
Brown emphasizes that Lowe’s ability to command a room and handle challenging personalities stems from a foundation of thorough groundwork. This insight is particularly valuable for aspiring leaders, as Brown points out the common misconception that confident presence alone is sufficient.
The Unglamorous Foundation of Leadership Presence
According to Brown, Lowe candidly described her preparation process as tough and unglamorous. This honesty is something Brown highlights as a crucial element of effective leadership. It challenges the often-idealized perception of leadership, which can sometimes overshadow the hard, behind-the-scenes work required for success.
“She explained that her strong ground is her prep. She’s honest about how tough and unglamorous it is. She’s also honest about preparation being the key to her success.”
Brown uses Lowe as a prime example of how deep preparation enables genuine presence. This isn’t about faking confidence, but about building a solid base of knowledge and readiness that allows one to perform authentically and effectively under pressure. Brown suggests that this preparation is not just beneficial but is, in fact, the cornerstone of sustained success in any leadership role.
Mentorship and the Preparation-Presence Dichotomy
In her post, Brown relates this to her own mentorship, advising women to distinguish between perceived presence and actual preparation. She posits that true confidence and effectiveness in leadership are not innate qualities but are cultivated through diligent effort.
The Importance of Groundwork
Brown argues that Lowe’s example underscores a vital lesson: leaders who appear effortlessly in command have likely invested significant time and energy in preparing. This preparation allows them to navigate complex situations, manage difficult conversations, and lead with conviction.
“There are about 68 important insights from the conversation that Adam Grant and I had with her but nothing struck me as deeply as her commitment to preparation.”
The post also touches on a lighter note, mentioning that Brown’s sisters participated in the podcast episode, humorously noting their influence on her decisions. The episode, featuring Brown, Grant, and Lowe, was released on the day of Brown’s post and is available on podcast platforms and YouTube.
Ultimately, Brené Brown’s insights, shared via her LinkedIn post, serve as a powerful reminder that leadership is built on a foundation of diligent preparation, enabling authentic presence and driving success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Brené Brown on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 7, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →