Radical Tenderness : The Value of Vulnerability in an Often Unkind World

An inspiring manifesto from philanthropist and advocate Gisele Barreto Fetterman that explores her surprising source of power and strength—vulnerability—and how we can all harness it to effect meaningful change.

As a society, we shy away from public expressions of vulnerability, mistaking it for weakness or a lack of grit. To even talk about crying, much less shed tears publicly, is seen as shameful or cringeworthy. But for Gisele Barreto Fetterman, accessibility advocate and wife of Senator John Fetterman, showing strong emotions has always been her default—at events, during speeches, in her car or even at the grocery store. Friends and family warned Gisele that the world would eat her alive if she didn’t toughen up. But over the years Fetterman came to a realization: her emotional tenderness was not her downfall, but her strength—one that could be incorporated into her leadership style to show a different way to create true social and cultural change.

In Radical Tenderness, Gisele Barreto Fetterman courageously shares her story of power through vulnerability—from her childhood survival years as a Brazilian-American undocumented immigrant, to the prejudice she experienced in corporate and political settings, to her hardships and resilience stepping into her husband’s role when he suffered a stroke. Through it all Gisele learned that leading with tenderness—whether at the office, as a boss, or as a human being—can help us face challenges in a healthier, more authentic way, and in turn guides others to do the same.

Ultimately, Gisele redefines strength and leadership for our modern times, presenting tools for surviving and thriving in a world designed to wreck the tender-hearted. Because by embracing those emotions publicly—laughter, vulnerability, and, yes, even tears—we not only honor ourselves but open a path toward changing the world.

Gisele Barreto Fetterman is a Brazilian-American activist, philanthropist, and non-profit executive. She is a founder of the non-profit Freestore 15104 and co-founder of the non-profits For Good PGH and 412 Food Rescue. Her efforts have rescued millions of pounds of food and clothed several hundred thousand people. Fetterman was the first woman recipient of the Rodef Shalom Congregations Peace award. She currently resides in Braddock, PA with her husband, Senator John Fetterman, and children.