The Lasting Impact of Radical Transparency
by Micaela Kamp
The pressure to present a strong front can be relentless. If you’re a founder, you’ve heard time and time again how important it is to look like you’re “in control.” The idea being that control is what inspires confidence in your team, your advisors, and maybe even yourself.
Here’s the thing: trying to appear bulletproof doesn’t build trust. It builds walls. And those walls can cut you off from real support and genuine connection.
Transparency isn't a weakness, it’s a strength. And it opens doors. When we’re upfront about challenges or worries, it invites our collaborators to bring their best ideas and support to the table.
This doesn’t mean you should share every worry or nightmare scenario with those beyond your closest circle. It’s more about embracing a willingness to show up authentically, even when that means saying, “I don’t have all the answers” or “We’re struggling with this.”
For your team, this openness creates space for them to speak up, share new ideas, and admit mistakes. By inviting your trusted advisors and investors into this reality—even when it’s messy—this becomes the foundation of real strategic partnership, the kind that unlocks growth beyond what you can achieve alone.
Why “Looking Good” Gets in the Way of Real Progress
Constantly working to maintain appearances will hold you back. The incessant work to appear bulletproof uses a whole lot of mental energy that could be better served working toward solutions.
Being stuck in “performance mode” also creates invisible barriers within teams. If you’re not creating space for honest conversations, you’re probably missing out on some of the most valuable input your team has to offer.
The same goes for your advisors and investors. Most want to help you navigate tough decisions. But, if you’re afraid to admit when you’re struggling, you’re not giving them a chance to provide insights and actionable guidance.
Building a Culture of Transparency Starts at the Top
The way leadership approaches challenges sets the tone for everyone else. When you show up open, honest, and willing to talk about the real stuff, you give others permission to do the same. This type of culture is fertile ground for creativity and resilience, enabling teams to adapt quickly in the face of change.
Being transparent isn’t just about creating a more supportive culture; it’s also about being adaptable and ready for whatever comes next. The more you’re willing to let your guard down, the more space is made for open, honest collaboration that drives real growth.
To make this more common in your company culture, you need to lead by example. By moving away from the need to perform and toward a culture of transparency, you’ll create the potential for growth that’s not just sustainable, but transformative.
The Transformative Power of Transparency
Radical transparency has the power to change a company from the inside out. When leaders choose openness over performance, it creates an organization where people feel safe to bring their whole selves to the table. This doesn’t just make for a healthier workplace; it makes for a more innovative, resilient one, where challenges are faced together, and growth is a shared journey.
Embracing transparency might feel uncomfortable at first, but the long-term benefits are worth it. By letting go of the need to always appear “in control,” you create a space where everyone can contribute to building a company that’s more adaptable and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
P.S. For a look at how to navigate the unknown with a sense of transparency, check out Melissa Wither’s post on the Suspension of Disbelief in business building.
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RevUp Capital Director of Growth Platform Micaela Kamp is an accomplished growth marketer and content architect with 8+ years of experience helping early stage companies share their stories. Over the years, she has used her ability to question everything and a belief in storytelling to build strong foundations for scalable growth for founders.