-- A New Era of Leadership: Vulnerability as a Catalyst for Success
In an environment dominated by performance metrics and the pursuit of perfection, Lizette Volkwyn introduces a revolutionary perspective on leadership. Her new documentary, Triumph in Vulnerability, explores the crucial role of vulnerability in leadership and its transformative effect on trust, communication, and long-term success.
For more than two decades, Volkwyn has helped individuals and organizations unlock their potential as a Master Life Coach and NLP practitioner. As one of the only two certified lie-detection specialists in South Africa, trained by Paul Ekman International, her expertise provides deep insights into human behavior and leadership dynamics. In her latest work, Volkwyn demonstrates how leaders who embrace vulnerability can create lasting, positive change within their teams and organizations.
The Illusion of Perfection: Why Leadership Needs to Evolve
For years, leadership has been synonymous with invulnerability—leaders were expected to present an image of strength, authority, and perfection. However, this approach is increasingly being seen as outdated and ineffective. Volkwyn argues that the façade of invulnerability only creates a barrier between leaders and their teams. Employees, clients, and partners are adept at picking up on inconsistencies between a leader's words and actions, often leading to distrust and disengagement.
This growing disconnect has led to an increasing number of organizations struggling with low morale, high turnover, and poor team cohesion. By presenting a "perfect" image, leaders risk losing their humanity, which is essential for fostering genuine relationships and trust within organizations.
Triumph in Vulnerability: A Personal and Professional Exploration
Volkwyn’s documentary, Triumph in Vulnerability, is not a new launch but rather an exploration of a theme she has embraced personally for years. Each year, she chooses a personal theme to live by, and vulnerability was the focus for one transformative year.
In addition to the documentary, Volkwyn authored Triumph in Vulnerability, available on Amazon, which dives deeper into the very message she advocates: vulnerability is not a weakness but a courageous act of leadership.
Volkwyn's personal journey is intertwined with the documentary. One defining moment came when she stepped onto stage and did something she was terrified of — singing. Volkwyn performed "The Climb," not because she could sing it perfectly, but because of the message it carried. “I cannot sing — and that was exactly the point. Vulnerability isn’t about polished perfection; it’s about courage, connection, and showing up fully even when failure feels inevitable.”
This powerful message resonates throughout her work and is a key element of her leadership philosophy. Vulnerability isn’t about being flawless; it’s about embracing imperfection and showing up as your authentic self.
The Science of Trust: Why Vulnerability Enhances Leadership Performance
Drawing from her training in Evaluating Truthfulness and Credibility with Paul Ekman International, Volkwyn explains the science behind vulnerability. Her expertise in reading micro-expressions, body language, and tone shifts allows her to understand how leaders’ actions reveal their authenticity. When leaders embrace vulnerability, they foster a culture of openness and trust, key elements in driving organizational success.
Volkwyn outlines several benefits of vulnerability in leadership:
- Trust Deepens: Employees feel more secure when they perceive their leaders as authentic, fostering innovation and loyalty.
- Communication Improves: When leaders stop trying to appear flawless, they clear the air of mixed messages and improve communication with their teams.
- Resilience Builds: Vulnerability fosters a resilient organizational culture, as teams mirror their leaders' ability to recover from setbacks and challenges.
- Impact Multiplies: Leaders who embrace authenticity and vulnerability are better positioned to create lasting movements and influence their industries.
A Global Movement Toward Authentic Leadership
Volkwyn’s message has been met with enthusiasm across the globe. From her keynote addresses at Discovery, Momentum, Alexander Forbes, and the Swedish Embassy, to her workshops across more than 20 countries, the shift toward authentic leadership is gaining traction. The leaders who dare to show up as their true selves, rather than presenting an idealized image, are the ones making the most meaningful impact.
This transformation has earned Volkwyn recognition and accolades, including being named the Best Transformational Life Coach in South Africa for 2025 and a finalist in the Margaret Hirsch Businesswoman of the Year Awards. However, Volkwyn insists that the true reward lies not in the awards but in the transformation of leaders who can finally say, "I lead as myself—not as a mask."
Leaders Must Own Their Stories
Volkwyn's message to leaders is simple but powerful: If you are hiding behind the mask of perfection, you are already at a disadvantage in today’s leadership landscape. Leaders must embrace their true selves to build authentic, high-performing teams. The key to this transformation lies in three fundamental steps:
- Own your story.
- Admit what you don’t know.
- Stop chasing perfection and start practicing truth.
While embracing vulnerability may be challenging, Volkwyn assures leaders that it is the most liberating and game-changing move they can make. By fostering a culture of authenticity, leaders will inspire greater loyalty, creativity, and resilience in their teams.
Closing: Leading with Authenticity
Triumph in Vulnerability delivers a powerful message that vulnerability is not a weakness but a leadership superpower. Leaders who embrace vulnerability can create movements that go beyond management, driving lasting change and creating environments where individuals thrive. Through her documentary and global keynote talks, Volkwyn is helping leaders unlock the power of vulnerability in their leadership journey.
To learn more about how vulnerability can transform leadership, visit www.lizettevolkwyn.com and watch the documentary Triumph in Vulnerability here.
About Lizette Volkwyn
Lizette Volkwyn is an internationally recognized Master Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, and one of only two certified lie-detection specialists in South Africa, trained by Paul Ekman International. She is the founder of Meraki International LLC and Faceoff Pty Ltd, and has over 20 years of experience in leadership development. Volkwyn is a published author, global keynote speaker, and consultant who has helped leaders around the world unlock their true potential and foster more authentic, resilient, and high-performing teams.
For more information, visit www.lizettevolkwyn.com.
Media Contact
Lizette Volkwyn
Master Life Coach
Meraki Internation LLC/Faceoff Pty Ltd
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lizettevolkwyn.com
Twitter: @LizetteVolkwyn
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Contact Info:
Name: Lizette Volkwyn
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Organization: Meraki Internation LLC/Faceoff Pty Ltd
Website: http://www.lizettevolkwyn.com/
Release ID: 89169090
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