This isn’t meant to sound like a warning.
It’s an invitation. A mirror. A nudge.
Because we all carry parts of our story we keep hidden.
The raw bits.
The unpolished chapters.
The moments we’d rather tuck away because they feel too much – too vulnerable, too messy, too real.
But in a world obsessed with highlight reels and glossy wins, what we really crave is truth.
Scroll through social media, and you’ll see perfectly curated wins, polished success stories, and achievements wrapped up with a neat little bow. However, the most powerful moments in our journey aren’t the ones that make it to social media. They’re the messy ones. The mistakes. The late-night doubts. The stumbles and faceplants. The moments that nearly broke us – but didn’t.
And yet, we keep those parts of our story locked away. Why?
Maybe we think they’re too personal. Maybe we’re scared they’ll make us look weak. Or we think no one will care. Or maybe we just don’t realise how powerful they are.
But I want you to know this:
- Those are the stories that connect.
- Those are the stories that cut through.
- Those are the stories that matter.
I’ve shared stories about my children – not because they’re part of my business plan, but because they teach me lessons the boardroom never could.
Like my daughter, Taya. She’s schooled me in boundaries, self-respect, and the courage to say no. Not through lectures, but through how she lives. Watching her reminds me every day that leadership doesn’t come from titles. It comes from integrity. From truth.
When I share those moments, I’m not trying to be wise or poetic. I’m simply offering something real. And every time I do? Someone reaches out and says, “I needed that.”
So now I’m asking you:
What part of your story are you hiding?
The moment that cracked you open – but made you stronger.
The failure that taught you more than any success ever could.
The lesson life smacked you with – and how it reshaped how you serve, lead and show up.
You don’t need to be a guru. You don’t need a viral transformation story. You just need to be you – the real, flawed, brilliant version.
Because the best brands, the most magnetic leaders, and the most successful businesses?
They aren’t built on perfection. They’re built on connection.
So if you’re tired of playing by the rules of the algorithm. If you want to attract the right clients and build something deeper, more meaningful, more you. Then here’s your challenge:
- Share the parts of your journey you’ve been filtering out
- Let your personal experiences shape how you lead professionally
- Stop chasing trends. Start telling the truth
You never know who’s waiting to hear your story to unlock their own.
So I’ll ask you again…
What part of your story are you hiding? And what might happen if you finally shared it?
Janine x