Freedom and authenticity

Are you really competing?

If you can't share what's on your mind, you're not telling a story but presenting a memo. And crazy enough, somehow, that has become the norm. This is what we settle for when it comes to a stage-worthy story. We hide behind dry facts, conformism and last but not least, a whole lot of fear. Deviating from this norm, if only ever so slightly, often feels that it carries too much of a risk (of rejection) so it’s safer and much less intense to just stick to it.

And so, prepared T and scripted to the comma, we step into the most exciting and perhaps only arena left in modern society: the stage. With a mindset focused on defense, we go on that stage to "fight" for the story, that new strategy or yet another reorganization. But the actual battle is already lost, because you stand there with a beaten to death story that you might as well have put it on an email. And your audience? Ah, Ah, they feel socially obligated to applaud. And that’s why they are willing to put their mobiles away… at least for a while.

Freedom is in my DNA and Authenticity is the dream

This is the era of fake news, the inevitable dark side of the digital information revolution. The news is everywhere, all the time, in real time. And sometimes it is the only thing that is "real." We loathe it, politicians abuse it to (re)gain voter trust, and we ban the Internet trolls who are guilty of it.

But where is that fierce intolerance against everything fake when we are on stage?

Because being real sometimes means being ugly and vulnerable especially in the moments that matter. For example, at the lunch table on your first day at work, where even the CEO has stopped by to get acquainted and everyone is talking about last night’s soccer game. But you didn't watch, because eyou have soccer and everything sports related.

But this is the moment: Feel the fear, do it anyway! You hate soccer and that’s ok. That authenticity makes you unique, interesting and ensures that you leave an impression. Your impression.

And sure, that authenticity doesn't come cheap. You always have to overcome something for it: fear of rejection, insecurity or confronting who you really are. But the more you do this, the more you connect with both others and with yourself. You are no longer looking for the affirmation or approval others or for the perfect way to present yourself. And everything you consider desirable in that regard is now given to you anyway: spontaneity, being "in the flow," humor and focus.

Unleashing the words that change the world for the better

This is my motto. Everyone carries a story with them and that story is allowed to be there. And yes, it can define who you are, but it is also the solid ground beneath your feet that enables you to make that connection with another person. A prerequisite for communicating with impact.

But keep in mind: The judgment or rejection of the outside world is not the only barrier that compromises your story. It's also that inner critic and fear monger that won't allow that story to see the light of day.

So yes, for me there is work to do. I’ll continue to fight against forced communication where there is no ownership by the speaker, the energy is missing and the audience drops out. Because for that, the spoken word is too great a commodity to waste.

The world needs a game changer. And that's me.