Leading out loud: When vulnerability becomes strength

What happens when visibility meets vulnerability? It opens the door to deeper connections, fuels personal growth and creates space for authentic leadership. Transformation is at the heart of what we do, and Executive MBA (EMBA) students Clinton Snider ’26, Jake Camp ’26 and Carlos Ortega ’26 aren’t just earning degrees — they’re helping build a thriving community.

As members of the nation’s only EMBA Pride group, these EMBA students have created a space where authenticity sparks connection and global perspectives fuel inclusive leadership. In this three-part series, you’ll step inside their stories and discover how authenticity, connection and cultural awareness are transforming not only their careers — but the future of business.  

In this installment, hear from Clinton on how he embraced vulnerability and authenticity to create spaces where leadership and inclusion thrive.  


Kellogg: Can you share the moment or experience that sparked your connection with one another? What drew you together initially? 

Our connection really began through the power of the Kellogg network. Yvonne Gonzalez from the Miami admissions office introduced us after hearing about our shared goal to build something meaningful for the Kellogg LGBTQ+ community.  

Before meeting in person, we created the EMBA Pride group and hosted different types of events in Chicago and Miami. We were drawn together by a mutual desire to connect and strengthen the LGBTQ+ community across the school’s two main campuses.  

Kellogg: In what ways do you see yourselves paving the way for other LGBTQ+ professionals in executive leadership?  

Growing up in Alabama and starting my career in the early 2000s, I saw little visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in professional spaces. That lack of representation and mentorship made it difficult for me to imagine a future where I could lead authentically. When you see someone like yourself in a position of influence, it reinforces that success is within reach.

As a Kellogg LGBTQ+ leader, my goal is to lead with authenticity to help make that path clearer for others while fostering a culture of inclusivity and allyship.  Though still in its early stages, the Kellogg EMBA Global Pride group has already opened doors to meaningful conversations about allyship and how leaders can actively support marginalized voices. 

Kellogg: Vulnerability is often seen as a strength in leadership, helping foster trust, deepen connection and inspire authenticity. How has embracing vulnerability shaped your leadership style and your EMBA journey?  

Embracing vulnerability has been a defining part of my leadership journey and EMBA experience. Early in my career, I believed that good leaders were steady, confident and had all the answers. But through my life experiences, I discovered that true leadership stems from representing your authentic self, not striving for perfection. I'm learning to stand confidently in my authenticity.

When I joined the EMBA program, I came with an open heart, ready to connect. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn about myself in the process. Sharing my story and being open about my challenges and growth allowed me to form deeper, more authentic relationships. 

Kellogg: Has there been a moment when your collaboration led to a breakthrough or unexpected outcome? 

One of the most meaningful moments of collaboration in the EMBA program was during our Pride Week student panels and Global Network Week EMBA Pride lunches. What began as opportunities to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and share our personal stories formed into spaces for genuine dialogue.

Several cohort members — many of whom are not part of the LGBTQ+ community — began to share their stories and discuss how they could become better allies to support and represent the community in their workplaces.

By being vulnerable about our own journeys, we created space for allies in our cohorts to be open, too. We built an environment where people could have honest conversations without fear of judgment. It marked a breakthrough moment for our cohorts, strengthening trust and expanding the definition of inclusion in practice.

Kellogg: You all recently attended Global Network Week (GNW) and connected with peers from around the world. What did GNW teach you about leadership across cultures? Were there any moments that challenged or expanded your worldview?

GNW reminded me that leadership across cultures begins with humility and curiosity. Being surrounded by peers from all six Kellogg campuses opened my eyes to the differences in how people communicate, collaborate and lead. What feels natural in one place — being direct, debating ideas or showing vulnerability — can mean something completely different elsewhere.

Over the week, I learned to slow down and listen before jumping in. I caught myself noticing my own assumptions and how quickly they can limit true understanding. Working in global teams pushed me to stretch in new ways; to balance confidence with empathy and structure with flexibility.

What stayed with me most was the realization that leadership isn’t about having one set style or approach. It’s about creating space for others to show up as themselves and contribute in ways that feel authentic to them. GNW helped me see that the best leaders aren’t just those who inspire, but those who connect across differences and bring people together around a shared sense of purpose.

Kellogg: How did GNW deepen your bond or shift your understanding of global LGBTQ+ communities?

One of the most meaningful moments during GNW was when I connected with an international EMBA student who opened up about the challenges of being their authentic self at work. They shared how they constantly weigh how much of their identity to reveal, worried that being open could limit their career growth or change how colleagues see them. Hearing their story was a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ professionals face similar struggles, no matter where they are in the world.

I shared my own coming-out journey and how embracing authenticity has shaped the way I lead. That honest exchange created a genuine sense of connection and understanding — one that’s stayed with me ever since. It reinforced my belief that vulnerability builds bridges and that when we create space for people to show up fully, we build stronger, more inclusive communities everywhere. 

Kellogg: What advice would you give to other LGBTQ+ professionals striving to lead with authenticity?

In today’s world, mainstream culture often frames vulnerability as weakness, but for the LGBTQ+ community, it is our superpower. The ability to connect and build respectful, emotional bonds with others, including colleagues and business leaders, is key to forging more resilient business agreements.  

Leading with your truth allows people to see themselves in you, which is the first step in building trust. LGBTQ+ people have endured discrimination and hardship, yet what defines our community is the courage to meet these moments with a powerful response: respect and love. 

Read next: First, but never alone

All students are welcome to join any group, as Kellogg values all perspectives and ensures access to benefits and services without regard to legally protected categories. 

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Kellogg School of Management or Northwestern University.