Dare to Lead – AML Summer Book Read Discussion

Session Description: 
Do you believe that courageous leadership starts with you? If you are curious about this concept, join us for a discussion of Dare to Lead by Dr. Brené Brown, a bestselling leadership expert and researcher who challenges conventional thinking about what it means to lead with courage.

In this virtual live session, participants will explore the key principles of daring leadership, including vulnerability, trust, values-driven decision-making, and resilience. Through meaningful conversation and reflection, we will examine how courageous leadership practices can strengthen relationships, foster psychological safety, and create cultures where people are empowered to perform at their best in municipal government.
Whether you are a seasoned leader, an aspiring manager, or an individual staff member looking to increase your influence, this discussion will provide practical insights and actionable strategies that can be applied immediately in your municipal career.

About the Book (from Goodreads.com):
How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders? And, how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? Dare to Lead answers these questions and gives us actionable strategies and real examples from her new research-based, courage-building program.

Brené writes, ‘One of the most important findings of my career is that courage can be taught, developed and measured. Courage is a collection of four skill sets supported by twenty-eight behaviors. All it requires is a commitment to doing bold work, having tough conversations and showing up with our whole hearts. Easy? No. Choosing courage over comfort is not easy. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and work. It's why we're here.’

The book is available on Amazon and Audible, and in local libraries.

About the Author
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. She also holds the position of visiting professor in management at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Brené has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers and is the host of two award-winning podcasts, Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.
 

What to Expect:
In this facilitated discussion, participants will:
• Reflect on key insights from Dare to Lead 
• Explore how vulnerability strengthens leadership effectiveness 
• Identify opportunities to build courage, trust, and accountability 
• Commit to one actionable leadership behavior

Number of AML credits: 1 AML Credit
 

Facilitator:

Vickie Miller, NCLM, Director of Learning and Development

Vickie Miller is the Director of Learning and Development for the N.C. League of Municipalities. Vickie is responsible for leading, managing, and delivering the League's training and education programs for elected and municipal officials. Vickie has a distinguished career that has placed a focus on helping others. She has held many roles including Grassroots Coordinator for the League, Executive Director for the 501(c)3 North Carolina Operation Lifesaver, and Director of Community Investment and Assistance where she oversaw the state Community Development Block Grant program for the North Carolina Department of Commerce with responsibility for an annual appropriation of $45 million and a grant and loan portfolio over $200 million. Vickie holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She is currently pursuing a doctorate with the University of the Cumberlands in leadership with a specialization in public administration. Vickie holds the Certified Public Manager designation from the North Carolina State Office of Personnel, the Certified Housing Development Professional, the Certified Finance Development Professional from the National Development Council, and the County Municipal Administration certification from the UNC School of Government.