Embrace the Conflict
Want the no-bullshit reason True Story exists?
My ex got cancer and died and when I prioritized my kids over my job, I got fired.
I could have just not told you that.
I could have just focused on my talent and drive, and my portfolio, but guess what? In storytelling, when you skip the conflict, the central why do you exist, you skip over the best part.
And that’s why I’m writing this. To all the brands out there just focusing on the positive, skipping the gritty, personal, messy stuff that came first… you are missing an opportunity.
On some level you already know this.
You don’t sell detergent without mentioning stains. You can’t sell a new drug without discussing the illness it treats.
Yet every day I see businesses skipping their juiciest, most compelling stories because they want to keep things positive.
Sure, maybe sharing my story reveals a lot about me. But is that a bad thing? I’m human. I knew that I only got one chance to help my children through the loss of their dad, and they mean a lot more to me than any boss, or any job, ever could.
The choices we make in hard moments are what define us.
Don’t be afraid to share yours.