Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit
nonfiction-book · First published 2025
An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House.
Author guide
Brené Brown Books in Order
Brené Brown is an American research professor, author, and storyteller. She is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and a professor of practice in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Her research and writing examine vulnerability, shame, empathy, courage, wholehearted living, belonging, and courageous leadership. Brown is also the author of multiple bestselling nonfiction books, a co-editor of You Are Your Best Thing, and the host of podcasts including Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.
nonfictionpsychologyself-helppersonal developmentleadershipsocial work
Catalog record updated .
Brené Brown's Newest Book
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
The Gifts of Imperfection: Letting Go of Who We Think We Should Be and Embracing Who We Are
Brown recommends The Gifts of Imperfection as a good place to start for readers new to her work.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (9)
- Women & Shame: Reaching Out, Speaking Truths and Building Connection
nonfiction-book · 2004
- I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't): Making the Journey from “What Will People Think?” to “I Am Enough”
nonfiction-book · 2007
Shame manifests itself in many ways. Addiction, perfectionism, fear and blame are just a few of the outward signs that Dr. Brene Brown discovered in her 6-year study of shame's effects on women. While shame is generally thought of as an…
- The Gifts of Imperfection: Letting Go of Who We Think We Should Be and Embracing Who We Are
nonfiction-book · 2010
A deep book about Courage, Compassion and Connection; these are decisions (mind sets) to lead our way to being wholehearted, to loving ourselves and others. We can not give what we do not have. Real authenticity and love come from within.…
- Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
nonfiction-book · 2012
Based on twelve years of research, thought leader Dr. Brene? Brown argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection.
- Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
nonfiction-book · 2015
- Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
nonfiction-book · 2017
Social scientist Brené Brown, PhD, MSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives—experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilderness, Brown…
- Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
nonfiction-book · 2018
In her #1 NYT bestsellers, Brené Brown taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those…
- Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
nonfiction-book · 2021
"In Atlas of the Heart, Brown takes us on a journey through 85 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and lays out an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she…
- Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit
nonfiction-book · 2025
An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House.
Edited works (1)
- You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience
co-edited-essay-collection · 2021
Collaborations (1)
- The Status of Women and Girls in Greater Houston
co-authored-report · 2004
Other (3)
- Nonprofit Business Plans
report · 1997
- Connections: A 12-Session Psychoeducational Shame Resilience Curriculum
curriculum · 2009
Frequently asked questions about Brené Brown
Who is Brené Brown, and what is she known for?
Brené Brown is a researcher, storyteller, and educator whose work examines courage, vulnerability, shame, empathy, and belonging. She is also a research professor at the University of Houston and a professor of practice in management at the University of Texas at Austin.
Sources: brenebrown.com (opens in a new tab)ted.com (opens in a new tab)
Where was Brené Brown born, and what did she study?
Brown was born in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by master’s and doctoral degrees in social work from the University of Houston.
Sources: brenebrown.com (opens in a new tab)uh.edu (opens in a new tab)
What led Brené Brown to focus on vulnerability and shame?
Brown has said she wanted to understand why people are afraid to let their true selves be seen and known. Her research at the University of Houston developed around vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness.
Sources: uh.edu (opens in a new tab)uh.edu (opens in a new tab)
What honors has Brené Brown received?
In 2014, Brown became the inaugural recipient of the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work’s Spirit of Excellence in Social Work Award, recognizing excellence in social work.
Source: uh.edu (opens in a new tab)
What is Brené Brown’s legacy?
Brown helped bring research on vulnerability, shame, empathy, and courage into mainstream public conversation. Her TED talk “The Power of Vulnerability” became one of TED’s most-viewed talks, while her later work extended those ideas into leadership and organizational culture.
Sources: ted.com (opens in a new tab)uh.edu (opens in a new tab)