Power of vulnerability: why admitting you don’t know accelerates career growth
What the 2025 Global 30 Under 30 reveal about the role of vulnerability in building confidence, trust and expertise
Among the 2025 Global 30 Under 30 cohort, one message appears again and again, vulnerability is not a weakness, it is a catalyst for growth. Many of the honourees recall moments early in their careers when they did not know the answer, felt out of their depth or made a mistake that felt significant at the time. Instead of hiding these moments, they learned to communicate openly, seek help and embrace not knowing as part of the learning process. These experiences shaped them into more confident, capable and human leaders.
The courage to say “I don’t know yet”
For several honourees, a defining career lesson came from admitting uncertainty. Whether it was during a client meeting, a team discussion or a methodological challenge, there were moments when pretending to know more would have been easier. Instead, they chose honesty. This openness built credibility. It showed curiosity, humility and an authentic desire to grow. They discovered that leaders and colleagues do not expect perfection, they expect integrity. The phrase “I don’t know yet, but I will find out” became a turning point for many.
How asking for help strengthens careers
A common thread in their stories is the moment they realised they could not progress alone. By asking mentors, managers or peers for support, they accessed expertise that improved their work and accelerated their development. Far from being judged, they were respected for their willingness to learn. This shift in mindset helped them build stronger networks, deepen relationships and expand their knowledge at a faster pace. Vulnerability became a path to competence, not a sign of limitation.
Mistakes that led to meaningful growth
Many honourees described mistakes that, at the time, felt career defining. A misinterpreted piece of data, a poorly handled conversation, a proposal error or a misunderstanding with a client. These moments were uncomfortable, but they became powerful teachers. By acknowledging the mistake and reflecting on it, they gained self awareness, improved their judgement and strengthened their communication. Vulnerability turned error into insight.
Vulnerability as a leadership skill
Several cohort members now use the lessons from these early experiences to shape how they lead others. They recognise that teams thrive when people feel safe to ask questions, share uncertainty and admit when they need support. These leaders model openness, encourage learning and celebrate honest communication. They have seen firsthand that vulnerability builds trust, strengthens collaboration and increases team performance. It creates an environment where people can stretch themselves without fear.
Lessons for those at the start of their careers
The messages from the cohort are clear. You do not need to pretend to know everything. You can ask for help without losing credibility. Mistakes are not career ending, they are career shaping. Openness is not unprofessional, it is a mark of maturity. Vulnerability accelerates growth because it allows you to learn faster, build deeper relationships and engage more authentically with your work.
Closing, embracing vulnerability as a strength
The 2025 Global 30 Under 30 show that the most meaningful career lessons often come from the moments that feel uncomfortable. By embracing vulnerability, they developed confidence, clarity and connection. They learned that admitting what you do not know is not a setback, it is a step forward. For anyone entering the insights industry, their advice is liberating, vulnerability is not something to avoid, it is something to use. It is one of the most powerful accelerators of growth, leadership and long term success.