Latest news with #vulnerability
UAE Moments
7 hours ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
♑ Capricorn: Daily Horoscope for June 20, 2025
Capricorn, today the Universe whispers a gentle reminder: "Embrace the calm within and let it guide you." With the Moon transitioning into Taurus, you'll find a soothing energy that encourages stability and practicality. Love Horoscope Today, dear Capricorn, the stars encourage you to open your heart and let love flow freely. With the Moon's calming influence, you might feel more at ease expressing your feelings to your partner or someone special. Remember, vulnerability can be a strength, not a weakness. Plan a cozy evening at home, perhaps cooking a meal together or watching a favorite movie. These small gestures can deepen your connection and bring warmth to your relationship. Single Capricorns might find joy in simply enjoying their own company, embracing self-love as a foundation for future relationships. Career Horoscope In the realm of work, Capricorn, your disciplined nature is your greatest asset today. The calming influence of the Moon in Taurus supports your methodical approach, making it an ideal time to tackle projects that require focus and precision. Whether you're drafting a detailed report or strategizing for future endeavors, your attention to detail will not go unnoticed. Colleagues may seek your advice, appreciating your wisdom and reliability. Embrace collaboration, as teamwork could lead to innovative solutions. Remember, your ambition is the driving force behind your success. Health Horoscope Capricorn, today is a day to nurture your body and soul. The Moon's transition into Taurus invites you to indulge in simple pleasures that ground you. Consider a walk in nature, where the rustling leaves and chirping birds can soothe your mind. Or perhaps a yoga session to stretch and strengthen your body while calming your spirit. Remember, well-being isn't just about physical health; it's about finding balance and peace within. So, take a moment to breathe deeply, appreciate the present, and let go of any stress that might be weighing you down. Finance Horoscope Financially, Capricorn, today is a day to focus on stability and practicality. The Moon's influence encourages you to review your budget and ensure you're on track with your financial goals. It's a good time to consider long-term investments or savings plans that align with your ambitions. Avoid impulsive purchases and instead, think about how each financial decision supports your future security. Remember, your natural thriftiness is a strength, allowing you to build a solid foundation for the future. Trust in your ability to manage your resources wisely.
CBS News
9 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland tech executive's reset inspires broader message for Men's Mental Health Month
What if the strongest thing a man can do is step away? That's exactly what Leon Burns, a Maryland tech executive, did this spring. The President and CEO of Open Technology Group unplugged from his demanding corporate life, taking a 23-day reset in Cancun, focused on rest, reflection, and therapy. "Kind of getting away from the mundane really allowed me to do a deep dive and figure out some things that I could have been doing differently or more efficiently in my life," Burns said. "Gave me a much clearer vision" For Burns, the time away wasn't about escape. It was about realignment. "It made me realize that I needed to reconnect with family a little bit more, because work had gotten so hectic," Burns said. "It also gave me a much clearer vision as to other things that I could be doing to help others." Resonating with Black men Burns' message resonates not only with men in high-pressure jobs but especially with Black men, who often feel pressured to suppress vulnerability. Licensed therapist Arnold Hicks says breaks like this aren't signs of weakness, but they are acts of strength. "You sometimes don't know how much you need the reset until you step away from it," Hicks said. "We are not rewarded for vulnerability. It's not something we have ever been taught as a strength or a skill." Value of boundaries, resisting temptation Burns also learned the value of boundaries — a tool both he and Hicks say is vital in preventing burnout and building emotional resilience. "Setting boundaries is the beginning of you taking control of your life," Hicks said. "Most people are good at setting boundaries with others, but not themselves." Burns agrees that sharing that he's learned to resist the temptation to always be on. "I learned over those 23 days in Cancun to step away — and that created a much healthier version of myself," Burns said. For those in leadership roles, Hicks says guilt shouldn't be the driving force behind staying overworked. "It's not selfish to step away. What's selfish is knowing you're on empty and continuing to give people a lesser version of you," Hicks said. "You're not helping them, or yourself." Now, as Men's Mental Health Month unfolds, both men are urging others to take action. "Even if you feel unloved or unsupported, there is help out there," Hicks said. "You don't have to go through it alone." By the numbers: Men's Mental Health According to the CDC and Mental Health America: 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but fewer than half receive treatment. Suicide rates among men are nearly four times higher than among women. Only 1 in 3 Black adults in need of mental health care receive it. 76% of men in high-stress jobs report feeling burned out. Burns and Hicks hope stories like this remind men — especially Black men — that self-care isn't optional. It's essential. "Give yourself the permission to reset and rest," Burns said. "That's not weakness. That's wisdom."
Forbes
a day ago
- General
- Forbes
Why The Most Effective Leaders Are Forged, Not Appointed
Business colleagues meeting in modern conference room The most impactful leaders aren't always those with the most polished résumés or the longest tenure in the boardroom. More often, they are those who have endured adversity, adapted under pressure, and emerged with hard-earned wisdom. Their authority doesn't stem from hierarchy—it's rooted in lived experience. And in an era when 82% of organizations admit to placing the wrong individuals in leadership roles (Gallup), that distinction has never been more critical. Leaders who lead from experience offer more than strategy or instruction—they offer perspective. They build trust not through perfection, but through presence. They bring a depth of understanding that resonates far beyond directives, sparking the kind of loyalty, motivation, and resilience that organizations can't fabricate. Vulnerability in leadership isn't weakness—it's strength in its most human form. When leaders have the courage to share their personal setbacks, professional stumbles, or moments of uncertainty, they normalize imperfection and create space for growth. This is the foundation of psychological safety, which research consistently links to innovation, collaboration, and team performance. I recently connected with fellow author Kathie FitzPatrick - a Stage 4 breast cancer survivor and author of Achieving Greater Health and Beauty After Breast Cancer - who stated, 'Authenticity fuels psychological safety, which in turn fuels innovation and performance. It's especially important for women to feel safe sharing vulnerabilities. When team members are empowered to take risks and admit what they don't know, the entire organization becomes more agile.' Janice Omadeke adds in a recent HRB article, 'Over the years, we've learned that leaders who create space for true vulnerability foster environments where people feel welcome to be themselves.' Leadership rooted in lived experience fosters connection, and connection builds trust—the currency of high-performing teams. Vulnerability is ineffective without empathy. True leadership requires the ability to see others—not just their outputs, but their context, emotions, and challenges. Empathetic leaders don't rush to solutions; they sit with complexity, ask better questions, and lead with compassion. Empathy, when combined with experience, becomes a multiplier. Leaders who have faced adversity—whether in business, health, or life—tend to develop a deeper understanding of others' struggles. According to a report from Catalyst, employees with highly empathic senior leaders report significantly higher engagement. This isn't soft leadership—it's smart leadership. Empathy improves retention, resilience, and results. If you're a leader who wants to leverage personal experience to empower others, consider these core practices: 1 - Share with intention. Don't tell stories for sympathy—tell them for clarity. 2 - Listen as much as you lead. Experience is valuable, but it must be balanced with active empathy. Make space for others' journeys, not just your own. 3 - Model continuous growth. Leadership is not a destination. Show that you're still evolving, still learning—this grants others permission to do the same. 4 - Be real, not rehearsed. People don't connect to polish—they connect to presence. At its core, leadership is not about controlling outcomes—it's about influencing people. And few things influence more profoundly than experience worn with humility and shared with purpose. Leaders who have struggled, adapted, and grown are uniquely equipped to guide others through change, complexity, and challenge. Their credibility doesn't come from a title—it comes from truth. And in today's turbulent business landscape, that kind of grounded, experience-driven leadership isn't a nice-to-have. It's a strategic imperative.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jameel Index launches to illuminate food security risks amid global food trade uncertainty
Oxford, United Kingdom – The Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced today the official public launch of the Jameel Index for Food Trade and Vulnerability. The innovative online tool equips policymakers, investors, and development practitioners with data-driven insights to better navigate the complexity of global food trade and its implications for food security in a time of mounting geopolitical, climate and economic instability. The Jameel Index is the foundational project of the J-WAFS-led Food and Climate Systems Transformation (FACT) Alliance, a global network of over 20 leading research institutions and stakeholder organizations with support from Community Jameel. Fewer than 10 countries provide more than 90% of the world's food exports. The Jameel Index indicates that 55% of the world's countries are in medium to extreme food import vulnerability. This growing interdependence raises serious questions about systemic resilience, equity, and preparedness. By translating complex global trade data into actionable insights, the Jameel Index aims to inform and guide both global and local strategies for enhancing food security through diversified sourcing, policy alignment, and sustainable investment. The Jameel Index generates food trade vulnerability scores for over 180 countries, analysing risks across eight major agricultural commodities (wheat, rice, soy, maize, dairy, meat, sugar, and cooking oils). It integrates indicators on import dependency, supply chain diversity, supply variability, and foreign exchange––offering a customisable, holistic platform to assess exposure to global food trade shocks. According to the Jameel Index, four countries in the Middle East –Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Oman– are among the most vulnerable, alongside small island states such as Cabo Verde and Grenada. By contrast, major food exporters, including Argentina, the United States, and China remain the most resilient to shocks in global food trade. The Jameel Index was formally unveiled at a special event titled The Jameel Index Forum: Food Trade in the Current Age of Uncertainty, hosted by the Martin School at the University of Oxford. The event featured a presentation of the Jameel Index and a thematic address exploring the Jameel Index's application within the evolving BRICS trade bloc, now composed of 11 major agri-food economies. The event additionally included a panel discussion with global leaders in food systems, trade, and sustainability. Dr. Greg Sixt, director of the FACT Alliance at J-WAFS, said: 'The Jameel Index is a critical tool for the planning and investment needed to ensure that food trade can meet food security needs in an increasingly volatile global trade environment. In the coming months, the Jameel Index will integrate the impacts of future climate change scenarios on food trade, which will further enhance the Index's value for long term future planning.' Nader Iskandar Diab, head of programmes at Community Jameel, said: 'Shielding global communities, especially the most vulnerable ones, from the impact of climate change is core to our mission at Community Jameel. We are pleased to support the development of the Jameel Index, which will equip policymakers and practitioners with the critical insights they need to strengthen food systems, improve resilience, and ultimately safeguard lives and livelihoods in a time of mounting uncertainty. We are proud to see this tool come to life as a cornerstone for more equitable and sustainable global food security.' Dr Linus Mofor, regional advisor for sustainability & climate at UNICEF ESARO, said: 'Africa continues to be disproportionately affected by the increasing adverse impacts of climate change, particularly regarding food security. With the operationalization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, enhancing understanding of the nexus between climate change, trade, and food security is critical. The Jameel Index tool can play a powerful foundational role for an Africa-specific index in this regard.' Paola de Almeida, food, agriculture and water portfolio head at Pegasus Capital Advisors, said: 'The Jameel Index is a valuable tool that will help de-risk investments around the world. It serves as a sentinel for food and agricultural systems risk areas ensuring that money is properly deployed and allocated fit for purpose and context.' The Jameel Index was previewed at the 2024 World Food Prize's Borlaug Dialogue, where project co-leads Dr Greg Sixt and Professor Kenneth Strzepek, presented the framework and a preliminary version of the index.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Women Who Appear 'Strong' Often Feel Emotionally Neglected
You've got it all handled, right? From juggling work deadlines to managing social engagements, your life looks picture-perfect from the outside. But beneath that polished exterior, the weight of emotional neglect can quietly press down on you. Here's a deeper dive into why being perceived as "strong" can sometimes lead to feeling unseen and unheard. You've mastered the art of doing it all. People look to you as the ultimate symbol of independence, but this perception can be deceivingly isolating. Independence, while empowering, often prevents others from seeing the full spectrum of your emotional needs. In her research, psychologist Bella DePaulo found that society often equates independence with self-sufficiency, ignoring the nuanced needs for emotional support. The irony is that your self-reliance can become a double-edged sword. While you're busy managing everything on your own, others assume you need nothing from them. This assumption can deepen the void where connection should be, leaving your emotional needs unaddressed. The reality is, everyone needs someone, even those who seem to have it all together. In a world that celebrates strength, admitting vulnerability feels like a radical act. "I'm fine" becomes your go-to response, a shield against probing questions. Those two words, while convenient, can strip away authentic connections. People believe your facade, rarely digging deeper, and you are left carrying burdens that aren't meant to be shouldered alone. This habit of minimizing your struggles teaches people that you don't need help. Over time, it conditions them not to ask, further entrenching the cycle of emotional neglect. It's a paradox where the more you demonstrate strength, the less likely others are to offer support. Being 'fine' becomes a lonely space where genuine needs are left unmet. Strong women often find themselves trapped under constant performance pressure. You are expected to excel at everything—career, relationships, personal goals—without missing a beat. This relentless expectation can be emotionally exhausting, leaving little room for self-care or genuine expression. According to Dr. Brené Brown, the pursuit of perfection is often rooted in the fear of being unworthy, yet it disconnects you from authentic relationships. When performance becomes your identity, you end up neglecting the softer parts of yourself. Those parts that crave empathy and understanding get pushed aside. Others may see only your accomplishments, failing to glimpse the person behind the achievements. This creates a cycle where emotional needs are buried under the weight of expectations. In the curated world of social media, strength is often glamorized. You post the highlights—career wins, social outings, perfectly filtered snapshots of life. This creates an illusion of perpetual success and contentment. What isn't shown are the moments of doubt, loneliness, or yearning for deeper connection. Your online persona can inadvertently signal to others that you have it all figured out. This can discourage them from reaching out or offering support, assuming you don't need it. The truth behind the screen is that you're just as human as anyone else, with a complex tapestry of emotions. The digital facade can deepen feelings of isolation, as the world sees an edited version of your reality. Beneath your strength lies a multitude of sacrifices that often go unnoticed. You've given up moments of vulnerability to maintain the image of having it all together. These sacrifices, while seemingly small, accumulate over time, leaving little room for emotional fulfillment. A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships highlights how women often deprioritize their own needs for the sake of others. Every sacrifice made in silence chips away at your emotional well-being. The unseen efforts you invest in maintaining relationships or careers are rarely acknowledged. This lack of recognition can feel like an emotional void, leaving you questioning if your efforts are truly valued. Emotional neglect isn't always overt; sometimes, it's the subtle lack of validation that stings the most. True strength is often misunderstood, equated with an absence of emotional needs. This misconception can lead others to dismiss your feelings, assuming you can handle anything. It places you on a pedestal that's isolating rather than empowering. The strength you project becomes a barrier, preventing genuine connections. Others may unintentionally distance themselves, believing you don't require support. This misunderstanding can leave you feeling unseen, as your emotional landscape goes unrecognized. There's a quiet loneliness in being the one who always 'has it together.' Beneath the surface, you long for acknowledgment of your complex emotional life. You might hesitate to express your emotional needs, fearing you'll be seen as a burden. This fear is rooted in societal expectations that praise resilience over vulnerability. Clinical psychologist Dr. Tanya Byron explains that the fear of burdening others often silences those who long for connection. The irony is that vulnerability enhances relationships, yet the fear of rejection keeps you silent. This fear creates a cycle where your needs remain unspoken and unmet. You internalize the belief that your struggles are yours alone to bear. Over time, this isolation reinforces feelings of emotional neglect. Breaking the cycle requires courage to voice needs and a willingness to risk vulnerability in pursuit of genuine connection. The mask of strength is a familiar one for you, worn to protect and to project. But behind it lies an emotional landscape yearning for acknowledgment. The mask might shield you from judgment, yet it also prevents others from seeing your full humanity. It's a delicate balance between protecting yourself and wanting to be truly seen. When you constantly wear this mask, you deny yourself the depth of genuine connections. Your emotional world becomes a hidden realm, inaccessible to those who might offer support. While the mask provides temporary protection, it can lead to long-term loneliness. True strength lies in daring to remove the mask and risking vulnerability. Resilience is often mistaken for invulnerability, a misconception that can be both exhausting and isolating. People see your ability to bounce back and assume you're impervious to emotional wounds. This perception overlooks the fact that resilience is not an endless resource. Even the strongest need space to process emotions and heal. The expectation of constant resilience can prevent others from offering support. They assume you're always okay, leading to a lack of emotional outreach. This can leave you feeling isolated, with your emotional needs consistently unmet. True resilience is not about never needing help; it's about knowing when to seek it. Being seen as strong often comes with the heavy burden of expectations. You're expected to be the rock, the one others lean on, never faltering. This role can be exhausting, leaving little room for your own emotional needs. The pressure to maintain this persona can lead to an internalized sense of neglect. Living up to these expectations means denying yourself the grace to falter. It's a cycle where your needs are perpetually sidelined for the sake of maintaining appearances. Others may not realize the toll these expectations take on your emotional well-being. Behind the strong exterior, you may feel like you're constantly treading water, longing for relief. Sometimes, the strongest cries for help are the quietest. You may not verbalize your needs, but the signs are there—subtle shifts in mood, withdrawn behavior, or silent struggles. These signals often go unnoticed by those around you, perpetuating the cycle of emotional neglect. The strength you project can overshadow the silent cries for support. This silence can become a heavy burden, as your unvoiced needs remain unaddressed. The paradox is that those who appear the strongest often need the most support. Recognizing and addressing these silent cries requires empathy and attention from those around you. It's a reminder that even the strongest need someone to lean on. The myth of having it all together is a relentless one. It's the image you project, yet it rarely reflects the complexities of your emotional world. This myth can prevent others from offering support, assuming you have no unmet needs. The truth is, the facade of perfection often hides a very human need for connection and understanding. Maintaining this myth can feel like a balancing act, where one misstep risks revealing the truth. It's an isolating experience, as others remain unaware of your emotional struggles. The myth becomes a barrier, preventing authentic connections and perpetuating emotional neglect. Breaking free requires vulnerability and a willingness to share your true self. In the pursuit of strength, validation often becomes a double-edged sword. You seek external affirmation of your capabilities, yet it can feel hollow if not accompanied by emotional support. The validation you crave isn't just about achievements; it's about being seen for who you truly are. Without this recognition, emotional neglect can quietly fester. This quest for validation often leads to a cycle of overachievement, where your emotional needs remain overshadowed by accomplishments. It's a paradox where the more you achieve, the less validated you feel on a personal level. Emotional neglect thrives in the absence of genuine recognition and understanding. Seeking validation is not about ego; it's about wanting to be seen and valued for your full self.
