Transparency, Vulnerability and Authenticity: Why They Matter in Your Business
In an age of AI and increasing competition, standing out as a coach requires more than just expertise—it requires you. Your authenticity, vulnerability, and transparency are the keys to building deep, meaningful connections with your clients. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story from a recent retreat, insights from my Enneagram journey, and actionable steps to help you show up as your most authentic self in your coaching business.
A Personal Retreat Story: What I Went For vs. What I Got
Earlier this year, I invested in a year-long mastermind focused on visibility and PR. It was a decision I made from my gut, not my head—something that’s rare for me as a natural problem-solver and strategist. The retreat in Palm Springs was a highlight of this experience, and while I went in with specific goals, I walked away with something far more valuable: a deeper understanding of myself and the importance of vulnerability.
One of the speakers, Tracy O’Malley, an Enneagram expert, helped me uncover my tri-type (I’m an Enneagram 8, by the way!). Her insights were life-changing. She explained that while I’m great at transparency—sharing stories from the past—I struggle with vulnerability, which is about being open in real time. This realization hit me hard and inspired today’s conversation.
Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever
In a world saturated with AI-generated content and cookie-cutter coaching programs, authenticity is your superpower. Here’s why:
- AI Can’t Replace Human Connection: No matter how advanced technology gets, it can’t replicate the depth of human emotion, vulnerability, and authenticity.
- People Are Craving Realness: Clients can sniff out inauthenticity from a mile away. They want to work with someone who’s relatable, imperfect, and real.
- Authenticity Builds Trust: When you show up as your true self, you create a sense of trust and rapport that no polished marketing strategy can match.
As Tracy put it, “Transparency is being open about what’s already happened. Vulnerability is being open about what’s happening right now.” And in the coaching industry, both are essential.
4 Ways to Double Down on Authenticity in Your Business
If you’re ready to stand out and connect with your clients on a deeper level, here are four actionable steps to embrace transparency, vulnerability, and authenticity:
1. Slay Your Dragons
Talk about the things that piss you off in your industry. Whether it’s Ozempic for health coaches, AI for business coaches, or screen time for parenting coaches, sharing your strong opinions sets you apart and creates “aha” moments for your audience.
2. Share the Real You
Give your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your life. What do you eat for breakfast? How do you balance work and family? These seemingly mundane details humanize you and deepen the connection with your ideal clients.
3. Embrace Imperfection
Don’t be afraid to share your failures and struggles. Clients don’t want a perfect coach—they want someone who’s relatable and understands their challenges.
4. Be Vulnerable in Real Time
Share what’s on your heart as it’s happening. Whether it’s nerves before a webinar or excitement about a new project, real-time vulnerability builds trust and relatability.
Your Authenticity is Your Differentiator
The coaching industry doesn’t need more coaches—it needs more coaches who are unapologetically themselves. Your authenticity, vulnerability, and transparency are what will set you apart in a crowded market.
So, here’s my challenge to you:
- Reflect on where you can show up more authentically in your business.
- Share your story, your struggles, and your real-time experiences.
- Remember, your clients aren’t just buying your results—they’re buying the feeling they get when they’re with you.
Let’s make 2025 the year you embrace your true self and build a coaching business that’s as unique as you are.
