How Vulnerability and Authenticity Transformed My Business and Can Transform Yours Too
Hi, I’m Lumia.
A bullied kid who never fit in with the lads.
A child that grew up in a council house in England with a single, disabled mum.
A maths and music geek studying on a scholarship with kids who had butlers at home.
An absent secondary school student flopping all my GCSEs while battling with OCD and panic attacks.
An 18-going-on-30-year-old with a full-time job on the first Monday after college--who got fired 3 months later.
A music venue manager with zero managing experience.
A spiralling newborn adult living in a graveyard (no, really) who, in the face of ending my life or running away to Ireland, chose to live.
A street musician who attracted the generosity of a millionaire and caught the ear of an agent.
A traveling super yacht and cruise ship performer enlightened by curiosity.
A business coach who scaled multiple companies to 7-figures.
A woman, an identity so deeply buried that I spent years preventing that conscious acknowledgment.
Over the next few articles, I’ll be posting more stories about my life, cataloging the chaos, missteps and victories in an attempt to lead with the vulnerability and authenticity I’d like to encourage you to embrace:
The Foundation: Embracing Vulnerability
The path to my own business / career transformation began in the most unassuming places. As a vocalist and musician, my initial steps into the world of performance were fraught with challenges. I juggled multiple jobs, busked for a living, and faced countless rejections. Yet, it was in these moments of apparent vulnerability that the seeds of authenticity began to sprout. A chance encounter with a generous stranger, who believed in my talent more than I did, taught me the first lesson in vulnerability: genuine connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.
The Transformation: Building Authenticity
As my journey unfolded, I discovered that the businesses and entrepreneurs I admired most were those unafraid to show their true colours. They were the ones who shared not just their successes, but their failures and fears. This realisation was a turning point. I began to weave my personal narrative into my business, sharing my story of transitioning, my battles with mental health, and the highs and lows of my career. This wasn't just about being open; it was about showing that behind every business is a human heart, with its own stories of struggle and success.
The Strategy: Vulnerability as a Business Tool
Incorporating vulnerability and authenticity into my business strategy wasn't a straightforward path. It required a conscious effort to remain open, to engage deeply with clients and audiences, and to build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Here are a few strategies that have been instrumental in this process:
Sharing My Story: From blog posts to speaking engagements, sharing my journey has invited others to see themselves in my story, fostering a community of like-minded individuals and businesses.
Building Transparent Relationships: Whether it's with clients, team members, or partners, I've found that honesty about challenges and limitations fosters stronger, more resilient relationships.
Creating Value Through Empathy: By understanding the fears and aspirations of my audience, I've been able to offer services and products that resonate on a personal level, addressing their needs in a way that feels both genuine and empowering.
The Impact: A Ripple Effect
The impact of integrating vulnerability and authenticity into my business has been profound. Not only have I seen tangible growth in my consultancy work and the businesses I help scale, but I've also witnessed a ripple effect of transformation among my clients and their communities. They've become more open to sharing their journeys, more resilient in the face of challenges, and more impactful in their own right.
Your Turn: The Path Ahead
Now, I invite you to consider how vulnerability and authenticity can transform your business and your life. It's not about oversharing or making yourself uncomfortably exposed. It's about finding your authentic voice, sharing your true journey, and connecting with others in a way that is both genuine and strategic.
Here are a few steps to start:
Reflect on Your Journey: What are the moments of vulnerability that have shaped you? How can they inform your business and personal growth?
Embrace Your Authentic Self: Identify what sets you apart, not just in your business but in your approach to life and work. Let this authenticity guide your decisions and actions.
Connect with Purpose: Build relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared vision for the future. Remember, vulnerability attracts vulnerability, fostering deeper connections and opportunities for growth.
As we scale the heights together, remember that the most powerful transformations begin with a single step: the courage to be vulnerably, authentically you. Let's embark on this journey together, transforming not just our businesses, but our very essence.
