Turns Out Being Human Works: My Biggest Lesson of 2025
Much of my work in 2025 revolved around building the keynote, “Fact or Story: How the Narratives We Believe Shape the Leader We Become” — and creating content around this theme for both clients and social platforms.
The process of developing this material was deeply personal. It pushed me to look closely at my own life and examine the stories — the lenses — through which I’ve learned to interpret the world. And it made me acutely aware of how those stories continue to shape my experience today.
And that is what creates our emotional experience and reactions, good or bad.
I’ve been practicing separating fact from story more intentionally than ever — pausing to question my assumptions and staying open to what else could be true. It’s led to a deeper sense of ownership over my life.
One of the most transformative moments happened while I was presenting to a group of CEOs. We had agreed to be fully present — no laptops. Mid-presentation, I noticed one participant typing on his computer. I assumed he was distracted and reminded the group of our initial agreement.
Later I learned he wasn’t disengaged at all — he was taking notes.
I froze internally. I felt myself slipping into self-criticism for making an assumption while teaching the importance of not doing exactly that.
Fact: I made an assumption while teaching others not to make assumptions.
Story: This “mistake” proves I am unqualified, and admitting it is unprofessional or weak.
Turns out I have a deeply rooted belief, or story, that I need to be perfect at a skill in order to teach it. And that vulnerability, especially in front of senior leaders, diminishes my credibility. So even though in that moment I realized I had contradicted my own message, I hesitated to acknowledge it.
And although every cell in my body wanted to move on as if nothing had happened, I knew I had to address it. So I paused and said:
“I teach curiosity over assumption… and today I made an assumption.
I thought you were distracted, and I didn’t ask.
Clearly, I haven’t fully mastered this skill — just as I don’t expect any of you to.
We are all humans; we judge and make assumptions. With practice, it happens less often.
And, as I just skillfully demonstrated, even the teacher still needs the practice...”
What happened next surprised me. The energy in the room shifted from performance to connection, and the conversation became more honest and engaged. It turns out that admitting you’re human is quite effective.
It wasn’t my content that created the most significant impact — it was my willingness to own the moment with honesty and humility.
The very thing I once believed would make me look weak is what made me a more credible, relatable, and trustworthy facilitator.
This is the power of Fact or Story in action.
As we close the year, I invite you to reflect on your own stories:
Where might they be holding you back?
And what new story could create more freedom, possibility, and alignment in the year ahead?
Wishing you happy holidays, a meaningful close to 2025, and a wonderful new year.
Be well. Be now.
Warmly,
Barbara