4. On Clarifying, Claiming, and Communicating Your Why with Rebecca Williams
Overview
Rebecca Williams, Story Coach, Executive Communications Coach, and a Brand Storyteller, joins me to discuss the importance of clarifying your story, claiming it, and then speaking your why.
For me this conversation goes to the root of the first pillar of Sustainable Ambition, Right Success, and aligning to your own personal reward, defining success on your terms. In this conversation, Rebecca shares how painful it can be to not have clarity about your purpose, your why, and how it can be uncomfortable following a path that just isn’t you. As she says, “Trying to fit into someone else’s narrative doesn't work.” But then when you find that clarity—knowing your purpose, values, and your genius—everything starts to align.
She also shares the power of story and how being a good storyteller is important for all of us to connect with others in many situations. Most importantly, I love this insight Rebecca shares about how story can impact our own fulfillment: “We have to see a bigger story for ourselves if we want to live fulfilled, purpose-driven lives.”
It’s a great conversation. Appreciate your honest sharing and teaching, Rebecca. Thank you!
More about Our Guest
Rebecca Williams has been helping people communicate for over two decades, in two languages, and in five countries. Her theater training and early career experience as an English as a Second Language instructor taught her what it takes to command attention and deliver a strong message, even across cultural divides.
Rebecca has worked with hundreds of companies, executives, and founders to help them speak clearly, speak for impact, and craft compelling narratives. Her work in communication includes story development and delivery coaching for pitches, presentations, and keynotes.
She continues to use her culture and language sensitivity to work with non-native English-speaking executives, and also coaches women in power to speak up, stand out, and take the stage. Rebecca gets high praise for her highly engaging facilitation skills and her ability to turn complicated ideas into clear, meaningful, and actionable training.
Topics Covered
The importance of getting clear on your value and being able to communicate it clearly
How when you are able to clarify and articulate your genius and your why, you become more fulfilled with your work and more clear on your path forward
The fact that people don’t think about this enough, getting clear on who they are and the value they have to offer
How most people aren’t clear about who they are and why they do what they do, thus they can’t claim their stories, own their narratives, and articulate them in a powerful way
That it’s important to pause, pay attention, reflect, get to know yourself, and find that clarity
The importance of really seeking the WHY behind what you do. Once you do, you can own it, see your greater purpose, and bring meaning to your work
The danger of following the “should’s” and how society’s expectation of us needing to know our path can create shame and pain
The power of stories and how they are the fastest way to connect with another human being and build trust, connection, and empathy
The importance of storytelling for all of us and going to an emotional space
How story can impact how we see ourselves. “We have to see a bigger story for ourselves if we want to live fulfilled, purpose-driven lives.”
Resources Mentioned
Website: http://rebecca-williams.com/
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4. On Clarifying, Claiming, and Communicating Your Why with Rebecca Williams
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