The problem today is we are bombarded by messages of success, inspiration and live-your-best-life tips from all sides – Facebook posts, Instagram stories, even the highlight reel on TV.

The reality is, ‘overnight successes’ are years, possibly generations in the making.

So how do you know who to listen to and learn from? How do you separate the real deal from the fluff?

On October 11, 2019 (International Day of the Girl), I had the privilege of joining close to 12,000 guests in Ottawa as Michelle Obama dispensed deep wisdom and real inspiration. It was clear to us all that she is the Real Deal. Michelle Obama is worth listening to and learning from.

In case you weren’t in the audience with me that afternoon, here are some of the lessons that I garnered ‘in conversation with’ former First Lady Michelle.

1. About Excellence: Drive towards excellence. It is an admirable journey. But define it for yourself, rather than blindly striving to meet conventional expectations.
2. About Compromise: It’s not a bad word as long as your actions stay aligned with your core values.
3. We are all human. Look every person in the eye. Especially children. Treat every child, every person you meet with respect. Respect tears down barriers.
4. When you find yourself centre-stage, realize you will be open to criticism – rightly or falsely. You don’t need to be a former First Lady to step centre-stage. As business founders, owners and CEOs we need to take the stage to promote our businesses.
5. So how do you deal with criticism? Michelle spoke about racism. Without minimizing her experiences and applying a broader context, my translation of her take on all forms of “haters being haters” is to understand that critics are coming from what they know. You can’t talk someone out of how they were raised, especially people raised to be afraid of the colour of skin. You can’t change people’s early years. So in essence, the criticism is about them and not about you.
6. Relate to your clients and all your audiences through your story.

When you’re vulnerable enough to open yourself up, you open yourself.

We are not the sum of our last dozen tweets and insta stories. We are not the value of our net worth statement or business balance sheet.

We are all humans. Real people with real stories, before, beyond but also including our business stories.

So despite feelings of vulnerability and the risk of criticism, it’s important to open up and share your story. Welcome the acceptance.

This reminded me of meeting Silken Laumann a number of years back. She also writes about strength and vulnerability in her book Unsinkable.

Everyone has a story, a unique perspective of the world. This is what I share twice a week on my podcast I’m a Millionaire! So Now What? (listen & subscribe anytime!). It’s those unique entrepreneurial journeys.

Maybe it’s time to share your ‘overnight’ success. Reach out to me to chat about bringing your inspirational story, your practical strategies, and your fun frank advice to fellow members of the Self Made Nation. Tell me your story.