Ever catch yourself putting on a brave face or carefully picking which parts of your life to show out of fear of ridicule or rejection? This “hiding” behavior is something we all do to varying degrees depending on vulnerabilities and the fear that drives it, isn’t protecting us as much as we want to believe. In fact, “hiding” can really mess with our personal Growth and stand in the way of forging real connections with others.

So, when I had the chance to talk with Ruth Rathblott—TEDx speaker, former CEO, and a powerhouse advocate for inclusion—about this concept of “unhiding”, I jumped at the chance because as terrifying as it sounds, you know that self-liberation is waiting for you on the other side.

For Ruth, her “hiding” came in the form of drawing attention away from having a limb difference that makes navigating a world where disability is often overlooked in conversations a real challenge. For you, it may be choosing to keep any Trauma, personal, financial or other emotionally-charged struggles under wraps.

Our caveman brains tell us that “hiding” protects us, keeps us safe within the tribe, but in the modern world this behavior is a form of self-isolation, which is the opposite of the authentic connect we think we’re trying to protect.  

Ruth and I get into all of this more during our conversation. Highlights from our time together include:

• The universal nature of hiding and its impact on mental and physical health
• How to take the reins away from your insecurities and own your personal narrative
• The ways vulnerability connect us and lead to deeper, more meaningful interactions; and
• Ruth’s four-step framework for overcoming your own tendency to hide

Ruth Rathblott’s experiences and advice offer valuable lessons on embracing one’s full identity and fostering genuine belonging. I’m excited for you to hear our conversation and learn from Ruth’s journey and insights. For more on Ruth and her work, visit RuthRathblott.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Most Recent Episodes

December 8, 2024

EP 94: Real Confidence- Building Teen Confidence with Special Guest Emily McCavanagh

It wasn’t that long ago that my sons were in their teens and the world has changed so much even since then. Teens face more and different challenges than we could have imagined when we were their...

Listen · 19:36

November 24, 2024

EP 93: Real Confidence- 5 Phrases that Crush Confidence

I’m going to call BS on something we probably all heard as kids: sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.  I know we were all taught this rhyme to shut bullies up, but...

Listen · 19:58

November 10, 2024

EP 92: Real Confidence- The Confidence to Be Creative with Special Guest Rich Kirkpatrick

You know those conversations that stick with you long after they’re over? That’s exactly how I felt after chatting with Rich Kirkpatrick on my podcast. We dove deep into the relationship between...

Listen · 24:44

Load More Episodes

Alyssa Dver Confidence Crusader & Neuro Nerd

Confidence Crusader, Neuro Nerd and Success Equalizer, Alyssa Dver leads the American Confidence Institute and the global association ERG Leadership Alliance that directly helps all workplaces be more diverse, equitable and inclusive. She received a Stevie Award for Thought Leadership, has two TEDx talks, hosts the popular podcasts Real Confidence and Distilled Confidence, and authored 8 expert-endorsed books including “Confidence is a Choice: Real Science. Superhero Impact.” and “ERG Intelligence.” She can be seen delivering 150+ talks each year, coaching at MIT and Wharton innovation centers and as spokesperson for both L’Oreal’s IT Cosmetics brand and The American Distilling Institute.