The Future Of Work Podcast With Jacob Morgan | Futurist | Workplace | Careers | Employee Experience & Engagement |

In today's episode, I speak with Stephen Smith, CEO of Amsted Industries. Stephen shares his belief that vulnerability is about acknowledging that you can be wrong and being willing to expose yourself as a human being. He emphasized that showing vulnerability helps to level the playing field and eliminates defensiveness, which can hinder effective decision-making. Stephen recounted instances where he openly admitted his ignorance during meetings, which he believes fosters a culture of learning and growth. He also highlighted the importance of sharing personal experiences, such as his joy of becoming a grandparent, to help others see him as a human being with similar joys and emotions. We discussed the importance of balancing vulnerability with strength, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephen believes that being vulnerable can convey strength and security, and it's crucial to communicate both effectively. He also shared that he's been vulnerable in his personal life, such as ta