In episode 160 of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim Romain and Louise Neil kick things off with a playful conversation about last names—and before they know it, they’re deep in the heart of what it really means to name, claim, and embody who we are.
Together, they explore how the way we introduce ourselves, our chosen labels, and even our casual answers to “Tell me about yourself” shape more than just conversation, they shape how we see ourselves and move through the world.
Through personal stories, Human Design reflections, and a lot of heartfelt honesty, they invite us to look at the deeper needs that live underneath our titles, roles, and expectations, and how honoring those needs helps us live and lead more authentically.
“You don’t have to explain who you are to be worthy of being seen for who you are.” — Kim Romain
“Real leadership isn’t about running up the hill first—it’s about guiding with Wisdom and presence.” — Louise Neil
Key Takeaways:
Key Moments:
00:00 — Intro and welcome
00:50 — Exploring identities
03:13 — Identity, Marriage, and the names we choose
05:00 — Open centers in Human Design and the pull of doubt and confusion
08:34 — The difference between wants and needs—and why it matters
12:34 — Needs are about fulfillment, not lack
15:32 — Unpacking the old wounds around being “too needy”
18:07 — Learning to name what fills us—and asking for it with courage
20:34 — Guiding vs. leading—reclaiming different forms of leadership
27:50 — How Human Design shapes how we hold space and show up
30:26 — Seeing yourself through someone else's eyes—and letting it land
34:29 — Letting go of performance to reconnect with belonging
36:30 — Final reflections on walking into the world as yourself
Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries community and mentorship program.
Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program.
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