By Abi Osho
There is an undeniable power in storytelling. Our personal narratives shape who we are, the way we move through the world, and how we lead. Yet, for so many women—especially women in leadership positions—there is a hesitation, even fear, about embracing their personal stories. We worry about judgment, vulnerability, and whether our experiences truly matter. But the truth is, our stories are our power. They are the bridge that connects us to others, creating space for transformation, belonging, and deep, meaningful leadership.
A Story of Identity and Belonging
My own journey has been one of profound self-discovery. I was raised in East Sussex, privately fostered by a white family as a Black child of Nigerian heritage. Growing up in an environment where I often felt different, I struggled with questions of cultural identity and belonging. Where did I fit? Who was I meant to be? How could I honour both the girl I was raised as and the heritage that was deeply rooted in my DNA?
These questions didn’t have easy answers. As a young woman, I battled self-doubt, feeling like I needed to silence parts of myself to be accepted. It took years of inner work to shift from self-doubt to self-belief, to understand that I didn’t have to choose one identity over another—I could embrace all of who I was and use that to empower others.
Today, as a Personal Storytelling and Leadership Coach, BAFTA award-winning retreat curator, speaker, and author, I help women—especially leaders—embrace their own narratives. I’ve worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, healers, and therapists who are incredibly gifted but hold back because they don’t believe their story is valuable. But it is. Every single time.
The Power of Owning Your Narrative
When women step into their full stories, something shifts. They become more confident, more authentic, and more impactful in their businesses and leadership roles. They stop playing small and start owning their space with grace and power. This is why I do what I do—because I know firsthand what it’s like to question your worth, and I also know what it feels like to rise beyond those doubts.
So how do you start? If you’re a woman leader struggling with confidence, unsure about embracing your personal story, here are three key tips to help you step into your full power:
- Rewrite the Narrative You Tell Yourself
We all have inner stories that shape our beliefs about ourselves. Maybe you tell yourself, “I’m not experienced enough to share my story,” or “People won’t take me seriously.” But these are just old narratives—stories that were formed based on past experiences, fears, or societal conditioning.
Rewriting your narrative means choosing new, empowering beliefs. Instead of “I’m not experienced enough,” try “My unique journey makes me the perfect person to share this message.” Instead of “People won’t take me seriously,” try “My authenticity attracts the right audience.” When you shift your self-perception, the world around you shifts too.
- Find Strength in Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness in leadership, but in reality, it’s a superpower. When you share your personal journey—including the struggles, doubts, and challenges—you give others permission to do the same.
Think about the leaders who inspire you most. Chances are, they are the ones who share their experiences with courage and honesty. This doesn’t mean revealing every intimate detail of your life, but rather, allowing yourself to be seen as human, relatable, and real.
When I first started talking openly about my experience growing up in private foster care, I worried about how people would perceive me. Would they see me as “less than” because I didn’t have a traditional upbringing? But the opposite happened. The more I shared, the more I connected with people who had also felt like outsiders at some point in their lives. Vulnerability builds bridges, and bridges create community.
- Align Your Leadership with Your Truth
Leadership is not about fitting into a mold—it’s about owning who you are and leading from a place of truth. When you align your leadership style with your authentic self, you lead with more confidence, creativity, and impact.
This means asking yourself: What are my core values? What message do I want to share with the world? How do I want people to feel in my presence? When your business and leadership are built on authenticity, they naturally attract the right clients, opportunities, and partnerships.
Embracing the Light Within
I often say, “Celebrating the light that shines within you.” Because I believe that every woman has a unique brilliance—a light that, when fully embraced, becomes a guiding force for others. Your story, your journey, your experiences—they are not just for you. They are meant to uplift, inspire, and create change.
So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time to step into your power, to share your story, to take up space in your business or career—the time is now.
The world needs your voice. The world needs your leadership. And most importantly, you need to honour yourself by stepping into the fullness of who you are.
Your story is your strength. Your authenticity is your superpower. And your leadership is most impactful when it is deeply aligned with who you truly are. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a CEO, a healer, or a woman on the brink of stepping into something greater—know that your voice matters.
I have walked the path of uncertainty, questioning my own worth. I have had to overcome self-doubt and replace it with self-belief. And I continue to do so because personal growth is a lifelong journey. But one thing I know for sure is this: the moment you embrace who you are, everything changes.
So, my message to you today is simple: Your story is powerful. Own it. Share it. Let it guide you. And watch as the world opens up in ways you never imagined.
Celebrating the light that shines within you.
Love & blessings Abi
Abi Osho
Abi Osho is a Personal Storytelling and Leadership Coach, BAFTA award-winning retreat curator, author, and speaker. She specialises in helping individuals and organisations harness the power of their personal stories for deeper impact. With over seven years of experience leading transformational international retreats, Abi creates safe and powerful spaces for growth, healing, and authentic leadership.
