Brené Brown

Research Professor at University of Houston, Leadership Author, Dare to Lead Founder & CEO

Brené Brown’s Biography:

Brené Brown is a globally respected researcher, author and keynote speaker whose work has reshaped how leaders think about courage, vulnerability and trust. She is the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work and a Professor of Practice in Management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Known as a leadership and culture keynote speaker, Brené became a household name following her 2010 TEDx talk ‘The Power of Vulnerability’, now one of the most watched TED talks in history. Her ability to translate rigorous research into practical leadership insight has made her one of the most influential voices in modern leadership and organisational development.

Brené’s journey began firmly in academia. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by a Master of Social Work and a PhD in Social Work from the University of Houston. These formative years shaped her long-standing research focus on shame, empathy, courage and human connection. In 2001, she joined the University of Houston, where she has spent more than two decades as a research professor, building a body of work that challenged traditional views of leadership and emotional strength. Her early research, particularly around shame resilience theory, laid the foundations for what would later become some of the most influential leadership frameworks used in organisations worldwide.

Brené’s career accelerated beyond academia after her TEDxHouston talk gained global traction. She went on to become a six-time number one New York Times bestselling author, with titles including ‘Daring Greatly’, ‘Rising Strong’, ‘Braving the Wilderness’, ‘Dare to Lead’ and ‘Atlas of the Heart’. Her work has reached millions through major platforms, including her Netflix special ‘Brené Brown: The Call to Courage’ and the HBO Max series based on ‘Atlas of the Heart’. She is also the Founder and CEO of Brené Brown Education and Research Group, and in 2024 was appointed Executive Chair of the Center for Daring Leadership at BetterUp, further cementing her influence within global leadership development.

Why Hire Brené Brown?

Today, Brené Brown is hired by organisations because she brings credibility, warmth and clarity to complex human challenges at work. Her keynote topics span brave leadership, resilience, emotional intelligence, belonging and values-driven culture, all critical capabilities for modern leaders. In 2025, she released ‘Strong Ground’, a new leadership book offering practical tools for leading through uncertainty and pressure. Audiences leave Brené’s keynotes with language, frameworks and confidence they can apply immediately, making her one of the most impactful and sought-after keynote speakers in the world.

Brené Brown’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Brené Brown’s inspirational career in leadership and trust:

• 2025 – Published ‘Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit’
• 2024 – Appointed Executive Chair of the Center for Daring Leadership at BetterUp
• 2022 – Atlas of the Heart won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Nonfiction
• 2021 – Unlocking Us won iHeartRadio Podcast Award for Best Advice or Inspirational Podcast
• 2019 – Starred in Netflix special Brené Brown: The Call to Courage
• 2010 – Delivered TEDxHouston talk The Power of Vulnerability, one of TED’s most viewed talks
• 2002 – Awarded PhD in Social Work, University of Houston