There are over 8 billion people on this planet, and not one of them is you. There were many before you, and there will be many after—but none with your story, your way of thinking, or your voice. You are entirely unique. And yet, it’s surprisingly easy to forget that when you’re running a business. Too easy.
When I first started my personal training business, social media wasn’t the beast it is today. There weren’t thousands of people to compare myself to, so I just did my thing. Now, platforms are saturated. It’s easy to scroll and think, Maybe I need to sound more like them. Maybe I should do what they’re doing.
But here’s the truth: your clients don’t come to you because you’re like everyone else. They come because you’re you. Your energy. Your perspective. Your way of showing up.
This blog is a reminder—and an invitation. Embracing what makes you you is the key to mastering communication, building real trust, and creating genuine influence. It’s not about being louder. It’s about being more yourself.
The Myth of “Professionalism”
Have you ever felt like you had to show up a certain way to be accepted in your industry? Maybe you’ve looked around at other business owners and thought, I should sound more like them… dress like them… maybe even market like them. That pressure to feel polished, to be taken seriously.
I recently needed to see an osteopath and found one about 15 minutes away. I checked their basic website, skimmed through their pretty average social media… and thought, Yep, this is the one for me. In my experience, the more polished a business is, the more inauthentic it often feels.
When I book an osteopath, I’m not looking for a curated Instagram feed or someone with a six-pack and a ring light. I just want to know: Can you solve my problem? Can you take this pain away? Do you actually know what you’re doing? That’s it.
When I meet you, I want to meet you—not someone you think you should be. People can feel when you’re faking it. You might be saying all the right things, but something’s off—and most of us can’t even explain what it is. We just know.
Authenticity cuts through the noise. When you communicate from a place of truth, people feel it. They trust you more. They remember you. And they’re far more likely to work with you—not because you’re the slickest or the most “on brand”—but because you’re real.
Authentic Leadership Starts With Owning Your Light
I felt most “lit up” when I met my husband. It was four and a half years ago, in the middle of Covid. I was living alone, freshly heartbroken after being dumped just months after moving into a new house with someone. I was figuring out how to run my business online, pay a brand-new mortgage by myself, and navigate the mess of a breakup. Good times.
At the same time, I’d just started my second year of an intensive communication programme, and something in me began to shift. I started to embrace showing up imperfectly and trusting my own way of doing things. I prioritised real relationships. I began setting boundaries and protecting my energy.
I don’t follow the typical “rules” of business, and honestly—I think that’s part of what makes my work resonate. I don’t believe you need to be overly polished to be taken seriously. In fact, I think too much polish makes people feel like they can’t trust you.
I don’t post for the sake of posting or try to chase trends. I’d rather say something meaningful once a week than share noise every day. I don’t pressure people into working with me. I believe in enrolment, not convincing—people saying yes to themselves, not yes to me out of fear. And I definitely don’t build my life around my business. I build my business around my life.
I’ve always believed sustainable success comes from alignment, not constant hustle. While others might look to industry leaders and try to copy them, I’ve learned that my power comes from doing things my way—even if it’s slower, even if it’s different.
Because business is hard. Let’s be honest: it’s lonely sometimes. You question everything. You carry the weight of every decision. If you’re going to put all that effort in, why not do it your way? Why not make it energising and aligned?
Ask yourself:
- What lights you up?
- What’s missing in your business that would help you feel more like you?
Building a Business From Soul
I used to feel like I needed a script. I wanted the perfect thing to say to a client so they’d sign up or stay with me. But honestly, it made me feel awkward and stiff. I sounded robotic. I’d forget what came next. It didn’t even sound like me.
I also used to use a lot of “expert speak”—you know, the kind of language we think makes us sound clever or professional. But all it did was confuse people. I’d see the blank stares. What is she even going on about?
So I ditched the script. Now I say what I think needs to be said, and I say it like me. Sometimes I even say, “I don’t know—let me find out and get back to you.” I’m okay with not knowing. I’d rather be honest than BS my way through.
In business, this can feel risky. We’re told we need to be confident and slick and have all the answers. But people don’t need a perfect expert. They need someone they can trust. Someone who gets it.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Ditch the scripts and speak from your heart.
- Share your experiences, not what you think people want to hear.
- Use your real language—not jargon.
- Be human. Be you.
Because people might forget what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
“Selling” vs. Enrolment
I used to read all the books about how to sell. Looking back, I cringe a little. Because people can tell when you’re trying to manipulate them—even subtly. You leave the conversation feeling a bit… off. A bit gross.
When I say “sales,” most people picture that door-to-door vibe—the one we all get warned about in local Facebook groups: “Don’t answer the door, they’re trying to sell you internet!” No? Just me?
You don’t want to be that person. You want to be the one people are glad showed up.
“I need more of what you’re offering.”
That’s enrolment.
You know those conversations where someone just naturally signs up with you? It feels effortless. You’re relaxed. You’re just saying what’s true—and they say yes.
What’s really happening?
- You’re listening deeply.
- You’re not pressuring.
- You’re guiding with honesty.
- You’re showing up as yourself.
When you’re lit up, people feel it. They want to be around it. And they trust it.
Find and Fuel Your Light
When I look back over my 33 years of life, the unhappiest times were the ones when I wasn’t being true to myself. I was doing what I thought I should do or trying to meet someone else’s expectations.
Here’s what lights me up:
- Quality time with family and friends (we don’t need to be doing anything fancy)
- Deep, honest conversations—where we drop the act
- Fitness—how it makes me feel strong, clear, and energised
When I bring all of these into my life and business, I feel more like me. Grounded. Connected. Happy.
So, what lights you up? What would it look like to bring more of that into your week? What are you holding back that you secretly want to share?
Here’s a bit of me:
- I’m obsessed with business, fitness, and personal development.
- I’ve built my business around looking after my toddler because I don’t want to send him to nursery.
- I eat the same things most days. I don’t drink.
- I still breastfeed and co-sleep with my 16-month-old.
- I like my home clutter-free. I don’t love having too much “stuff.”
- I trust my gut more than I trust data.
- I get tired when I spend too much time with people—I really value alone time.
- I don’t sweat the small stuff because I trust I can handle whatever comes.
That’s me. Not everyone will like or agree with it. And I’ve learned to be okay with that.
Because when I communicate honestly and follow what feels true, I build deeper relationships. Clients feel safe. They feel seen. And that’s what creates real impact.
If you’re ready to rise above the noise, speak with more confidence, and lead with more impact—download my free audio sessions: Rise Above the Rest.They’re short, powerful, and designed to help you show up as you. Because that is your real superpower
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