Stop living as though you have spare lives hanging up in the wardrobe!

Is it time to update your stories?

“Are you a millionaire yet?”

That was the opening gambit from a fellow speaker after my keynote at the Women in Business Show.

I had a Forrest Gump moment.

In the 90’s blockbuster film starring Tom Hanks, Lt Dan asks Forrest if he’s found Jesus yet. Forrest considers the question and replies: “I didn’t know I was supposed to be looking for him, Sir”!

Was I supposed to have been focused on becoming a millionaire all this time? Is being a millionaire a measure of success? If I’m not a millionaire. Does that mean I’ve failed?

The speaker went on to explain that he had been following my progress on social media and could see I was ‘clearly smashing it’!

His story about me was at odds with my story about me.

Every organisation is driven by the same four stories. They are playing out in your life right now:

1. The story on your website and LinkedIn (you know, the polished one we want people to see)
2. The story your employees and customers tell about you (the actual story that gets out there)
3. The story you whisper to yourself at 3 AM (the inducing, sleep-preventing scary one)
4. The story of what your business and life could look like if you were just 10% braver

See, change comes as a result of either inspiration or desperation. Most of us wait for the latter!

After thousands of conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs, here's what I've learned about bridging the gap between those stories:

1. Success leaves clues: When you're brave enough to own your real story - including the frigate-sized mistakes - it creates belonging. Your scars become our superpowers and your professional vulnerability and personal authenticity create a competitive advantage.
2. Your private 3 AM doubts? They're universal. Even that leader you admire who seems to have it all figured out is either currently wrestling or has wrestled with imposter syndrome. The difference is that they act rather than let fear drive their bus.
3. Transformation isn't about being 100% ready. It's about being 10% braver than yesterday. Small acts of courage, consistently applied, create exponential returns.

If this email has resonated with you; which of your four stories are you ready to update?

Stay brave,

Jaz Ampaw-Farr

Be Human First Ltd

Good News! The 2025 dates for my Mindset In Morocco Retreat are 8th-12th April. Three more places went last week so if you’re thinking about it - STOP thinking and act before it’s too late! Click the button below and join me.