Skip to content 
The story you’ve been hiding might be the one that sets you free.
When you’re building something powerful—your brand, your business, your leadership—it’s tempting to lead with polish. We show off credentials, frameworks, and data. But people don’t connect with perfect—they connect with real. And often, the story you’ve buried is the one that could set others free.
In a recent conversation with storytelling strategist Kyle Gray, we talked about this exact tension: how your most painful chapter might be your most potent asset.
1. Vulnerability Builds Trust
If you’re a high-achiever, it’s easy to skip over the origin story—the mistakes, shame, or setbacks. But that’s what makes you human. And humans trust humans. When I started including how I got kicked out of the Air Force Academy, my message finally hit home. People stopped seeing perfection—and started seeing possibility.
2. Storytelling Requires Structure
Kyle shared a framework every speaker should know:
- Should I listen to you?
- Can this work for me?
- Should I take action now?
If your story doesn’t answer those three questions, your audience will tune out—no matter how inspiring you are. Great storytelling blends authenticity with intentional delivery.
3. Your Audience Wants to See Themselves in You
People don’t hire you because you’re untouchable. They follow you because you’ve been through something—and made meaning of it. When you can articulate that journey clearly, with both heart and precision, you move from expert to guide.
One-Sentence Punch:
You don’t need to be perfect—you need to be real, structured, and in service to the people you’re here to help.
Your Next EASIEST Step:
Audit your origin story. What moment are you still hesitant to tell? Share it—first with yourself, then with someone safe. That’s the story that could unlock your audience’s trust and your next level of impact.
Ready to Lead with Impact, Not Just Info?
Join us inside the Alignment Village to access tools, coaching, and content designed to help you build your story, your body, and your business.
🔗 https://nextlevelvillage.com/
