Boxing with Myself
In the middle of a virtual coffee with my friend Dr. Missy Bird, founder of Natural Born Rebel, we stumbled onto a surprising spot of similarity in our lives.
"I've got the oppressor and the oppressed in me, Missy."
"Whoa Steph. Me too!" Missy said.
Let’s back up. Missy and I are passionate about creating a world where people from traditionally marginalized identities are valued and heard. Every conversation ends up landing on the topic of identity, we get very – firecracker-y. How do we bring who we really are into our brands? How do we make a bigger difference by owning our difference? How do we get over the fear of putting it all out there?
In our wide-eyes, arms flying around frenzy, I shared a recent “aha” I hadn’t yet told anyone. That my mixed bag of cultural identities have been boxing with each other my whole life and didn’t know it.
I’m the descendant of Asian parents and great grandparents who'd married "their enemy" in times of war. My mother's name was changed at five, when she started elementary school, so that people wouldn't know our family was part Japanese.
This, combined with my lifelong search to find a solid place as an Asian American in my own country (and over the last year, to feel safe at a time of rising AAPI hate), have played a big part in me strategically staying small.
Because both the oppressor and the oppressed are both part of my identity. No wonder it had been difficult to shine when I’m battling myself.
Missy's eyes bugged out. She's white and part Native American, who happens to be a life coach, Christian pastor, and a practicing witch. (Yes, you heard that right - how cool is she?)
She'd split up her identities as Christian pastor and witch as far apart from each other as possible because she didn't want to freak anyone out.
What if the biggest obstacle to growing your brand isn't the fear of what others think of you, but what you believe about you?
My unconscious story of being both the oppressed-oppressor in my DNA, a physical battle inside of me. This side, beating up that side. Loving this part of me, feeling shame about that part.
There's another way to see the story. With a new story, you find new power.
I come from a line of brave people who bucked the odds to become bridge builders across deep divides. They (like me), embraced difference instead of fearing it.
Suddenly, the Lego bricks click together:
Why my approach to brand building focuses on integrating the dimensions of you into a powerful story dream clients need to hear.
Why my company's manifesto is to help you make a bigger difference by owning your difference.
What hidden dimensions and dualities within you have shaped gifts in you that no one else has?
Like Missy and me, the contradictions in you have the potential to be a power source for your brand, and inspiration for your audience.
If you need help integrating your personal story to grow your brand and impact, I’m just a call away. Schedule a no-obligation Clarity Call with me here.
