Wolf&Grayson EditorialLeaders often assume they must project certainty at every turn. Rick Williams argues that this belief is not only outdated but counterproductive. Bestselling author of the leadership guidebook Create the Future, Williams has spent decades advising CEOs and serving on the boards of early stage companies in sectors from medtech to finance. Across his career as a founder, scientist, management consultant, and board chair, he has seen again and again that leadership requires decisive action. Paradoxically, leaders are more powerful when they are also vulnerable.
“Successful leaders must be prepared to actually make decisions,” says Williams. “They must also be vulnerable, meaning they are open to learning from others and acknowledging that their initial thinking might be wrong.”
Why Vulnerability Strengthens Decisions
He defines vulnerability not as emotional exposure, but as intellectual openness. It is the willingness to listen, to ask questions, and to allow new information to shape one’s view. “If you’re willing to be vulnerable, you will make smarter decisions,” Williams says. “You will think more broadly about the opportunities or threats you are facing and be more open to creating options that can lead to better outcomes.”
This openness helps leaders evaluate risk with more clarity, consider alternative paths forward, and avoid the blind spots that come from working in isolation. It also builds connection. People trust leaders who show they do not assume they have all the answers.
While some may see vulnerability as conflicting with the expectation that leaders must inspire confidence, Williams argues the opposite. “My job is not to be the smartest person in the room,” he says. “My job is to synthesize what we all know and then make the final call.”
The Human Judgment Technology Cannot Replace
Rapid technological change, including the rise of AI, has led some to question whether traditional leadership skills still hold the same weight. As automation accelerates and data becomes more abundant, many wonder if traits like decisiveness and vulnerability can remain central to effective leadership or whether advanced technology will reshape what is required from those at the helm.
Williams says that, “Technology does not make decisions.” “Successful leaders weigh the risks and rewards and choose where they want to be on that spectrum. They bring energy and values to the organization.” According to Rick Williams, “The leader’s humanity will not be replaced by AI.” Teams, customers, and investors are not looking for robotic precision. They seek clarity of purpose, thoughtful judgment, and the ability to rally people around shared goals. Those responsibilities remain firmly in human hands.
Empathy as a Leadership Capability
Williams argues that the soft skills of judgement, values, risk assessment and empathy irreplaceable human leadership capabilities. When leaders draw from the experiences, insights, and wisdom of the people around them, they will make better decisions for the company and for themselves. They also build trust and commitment and reduce resistance to change. Engagement with their leadership team brings team members into alignment with the organization’s future direction. Williams’ message is ultimately one of optimism.
Leaders create the future by the choices they make today. They make better choices when they embrace both the strength to decide and the humility to learn. “Successful leaders create the future by the decisions they make today.”
To connect with Williams or explore more of his thinking, visit his LinkedIn.
