Simon Sinek and Brene Brown: Good Leaders Create Safe Places

In his powerful TEDx talk (https://lnkd.in/g32zjz6Q), Simon Sinek explores what makes truly great leaders stand out—not their intelligence, strategy, or charisma, but their ability to make the people around them feel safe.

Sinek introduces the idea of the “Circle of Safety”: in strong organizations, leaders protect and support their teams from external threats and internal fears. When leaders prioritize the well-being of their people, those people respond with trust, cooperation, and loyalty.

In contrast, when leaders foster fear, competition, or pressure, people turn inward, focus on self-preservation, and innovation and collaboration suffer.

Key Takeaways from the Talk:

   •   Great leaders sacrifice personal gain for the good of their people.

   •   Leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about taking care of those in your charge.

   •   People thrive when they feel trusted, valued, and safe.

   •   The best organizations invest in their people first—and results follow.

   •   Loyalty and trust are earned when leaders consistently act with empathy and integrity.

Connecting to the Principles of Authentic Leadership

Sinek’s vision of leadership deeply aligns with the principles we explored in our session on Authentic Leadership at the Lead to Succeed Conference that are aligned with Brene Brown’s work on wholeheartedness:

1.  Courage & Vulnerability

Authentic leaders step into discomfort, even when it’s risky. Sinek speaks to the leader who says, “I’ve got your back”—even when that choice isn’t the easiest or most popular. This mirrors Brené Brown’s idea of ordinary courage: leading from the heart.

2.  Connection & Empathy

Building a “circle of safety” is exactly what it means to lead with connection and empathy. Authentic leaders don’t just manage people—they build relationships that foster trust and belonging.

3.  Purpose Over Ego

Sinek’s example of leaders who eat last and sacrifice for their teams echoes the authentic leader’s desire to serve others, not seek personal recognition. It’s about leading from values, not from fear.

4.  Emotional Safety Builds Performance

When people feel safe, they take risks, speak up, and innovate. Authentic leadership creates that environment—by modeling openness, by acknowledging challenges, and by prioritizing people over optics.

Sinek reminds us that leadership is a human responsibility. It’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. Authentic leadership does just that—through courage, connection, empathy, & integrity.

How are you creating a circle of safety in your school or organization?

What might change if people felt more seen, supported, & safe under your leadership?