This same principle applies to communication, whether you are addressing a room, giving a presentation, or telling a story. People are touched by real people. Not by graphs, numbers or perfectly polished words. They want to hear you, see you, feel you. What drives you? What is your vision? What are you hot for – and what are you afraid of?

When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you not only show yourself – you give your audience the space to see themselves. They recognize their own fears, dreams and doubts in your story. That creates connection. And connection is the basis of impact. But here’s also the challenge: You have to dare. Dare to take off your masks, let go of your role for a moment, and speak as a human being.

Back to that audition room. My choice? I decided to do something no one else was doing. I made a choice that completely suited me, even if it was pretty crazy. That made it exciting. But it worked, because it was real. And I got the job.

So, my invitation to you: dare to be real. Put yourself in the spotlight, not only as a leader, but as a human being. Show more of yourself in all your communication. Because people are not touched by numbers or roles. They are touched by you.