Why Your Corporate Strategy Needs Your Pageant Story

I used to believe my past in pageants and modeling (including Pantene ads!) had to be scrubbed from my professional narrative in corporate strategy. I thought it detracted from my serious achievements.

Today, I embrace it completely. As leaders, anything that makes us different is an asset to be celebrated. This shift has unlocked incredible new connections, including executives who started conversations with me over my shoes or jewelry.

Recently, meeting Corina Larpin, founder of Stefere reaffirmed this. We connected deeply over a shared passion for supporting equity and small business growth, opening up new relationships that will drive our consultancy forward. It was a privilege to hear more about her leadership journey as she co-hosted a wonderful fundraiser for Fashion Trust Us. I also had the privilege of meeting Hanna Isaksson and hearing more about the incredible work Fashion Trust does. When you show up fully, you find unexpected connections that expand your definition of leadership and also your network.