How I Influenced a Fashion CFO Find His Voice and Unlock His Hidden Strengths

Kianna Leaa

27 minutes ago3 min read

Fashion Business Uncovered Conference in 2015 with the speaker presenting to a large audience of students

How I Helped a Fashion CFO Master Public Speaking and Unlock His Hidden Strength

We all have hidden superpowers—qualities, talents, or strengths lying dormant within us, waiting for the right moment (or person) to bring them to life. But sometimes, it takes a gentle push (or, in my case, a persistent nudge) to inspire someone to step out of their comfort zone and embrace those untapped abilities. Let me share a story that forever shaped my perspective on the power of encouragement and the incredible growth that can result from taking a leap of faith.

FROM A RELUCTANT SPEAKER TO INSPIRING LEADER

Back when I was a university student organizing fashion conferences, I faced the exhilarating challenge of recruiting speakers to share their expertise. One of my most memorable pursuits was convincing the CFO of a renowned international fashion company to step onto the stage.

At first, he hesitated, expressing doubts about addressing a large audience. Public speaking wasn’t in his comfort zone, and he feared he wouldn’t measure up. But I saw something in him—a story, a journey, and a wealth of knowledge that could inspire countless others. For three months, I persisted. I didn’t just ask him to speak; I presented solutions to ease his discomfort and highlighted the incredible benefits:

The opportunity to inspire others with his unique professional journey.
Personal fulfillment from conquering a fear and stepping outside his comfort zone.
Networking opportunities with like-minded professionals.
The chance to exchange valuable insights with others in his industry.

To my surprise (and delight), he said yes sooner than I had expected.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF COURAGE

When the day of the event arrived, he delivered a powerful presentation that resonated deeply with the audience. Afterward, he sought me out to thank me for pushing him to take the leap.

He admitted he never imagined the profound fulfillment he would feel from sharing his story and connecting with the audience. Even more surprising? He told me he was eager for future speaking opportunities—a testament to how life-changing one brave step can be. That moment was humbling. I wasn’t just a student organizing a conference—I was someone who had encouraged a seasoned professional to discover his hidden superpower.

The Takeaway

This experience taught me three valuable lessons:

Embrace Opportunities: Often, we need to see opportunities for others that they can’t yet see for themselves. When we encourage them to embrace those opportunities, we help unlock their potential.
Persistence Pays Off: Growth rarely happens overnight. Sometimes it takes patience and persistence to encourage someone to step into their greatness.
Age and Wisdom Are No Barriers: No matter how seasoned someone is, there’s always room for growth and self-discovery.

We all have the ability to uplift and inspire those around us, whether it’s by encouraging a colleague to take on a challenging project, supporting a friend through a personal milestone, or simply reminding someone of their incredible potential. Let’s create a ripple effect of personal and professional growth by continuing to uplift and ignite passions. When we empower others to embrace their hidden superpowers, we unleash a wave of extraordinary achievements—not just for them, but for everyone they touch.

Have you helped someone unlock their potential, or has someone done the same for you? Share your story in the comments or tag me on Instagram @SkyHighChoos

Let’s celebrate those hidden superpowers together!