Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?

We have had the good fortunate of connecting with Nobel Laureates, titans of industry, rockstars and rising stars across dozens of industries and we have always found their stories about who they were early on to be most fascinating. Below, you’ll find members of the community sharing their responses to this key aspect of their stories.

Joi Gregor
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I was Xena, Warrior Princess. Or at least, I wanted to be. I wasn’t pretending. I was her — fierce, fearless, full of purpose. I wanted to protect the people around me, make the world a safer place, and stand up for what was right. That was the dream. Not fame, not perfection — just impact. Just doing good. Read more>>

Safiya Femi

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply existing — living the only way I knew how: to survive. By the age of 20, I had lost my mother, my father was absent from my life, and I had already experienced more trauma than most could imagine… including the pain of being abused by him at just 5 years old. Read more>>

Chante Pantila

I’ve always been me. Evolving, sure—but the core has never changed. Even as a kid, I could sense when people were trying to mold me into something that didn’t fit. I’ve played the role of the people-pleaser when it felt safer or necessary, but I’ve also been labeled difficult or resistant—probably because I don’t conform easily. And I’m not supposed to. Read more>>

Victoria Vacala

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a girl who wanted to be a doctor, fascinated by how the human body works and how people heal. However, when I entered college, I discovered that chemistry was not my love language. So, I pivoted and became an accountant, working my way up from staff accountant to supporting a CFO. Read more>>

Maggie McCane

Sheesh—what a question! Before the world chimed in, I was a thinker, a dreamer, deeply creative and endlessly curious. I’ve always been intelligent, hard-working, and full of ideas. But along the way, I got the message (more than once) to tone it down. To stop doing so much. To “sit there and look pretty.” I wish I could say I brushed it off—but I didn’t. Read more>>

Breanna Helfert

I was light, positive, happy – felt anything was possible. Wanted to be an actress, singer, and dancer before being told I would only make it to second-rate dance companies at best. This stark information surprised me – yet propelled me to new aspirations. Read more>>