Finding Your Voice: Transforming Personal Passion into Powerful Thought Leadership

What can you passionately talk about for 20 minutes?

This question has the power to unlock the door to authentic thought leadership, yet it's one that many entrepreneurs struggle to answer.

As a multi-creative entrepreneur myself, I've grappled with this question for years, trying to identify my unique wedge in a world filled with endless possibilities.

For the longest time, I could list a slew of topics I found interesting: luxury travel, homeschooling, faith, entrepreneurship, project-based learning, and even experiential learning with cake mix cookies (a personal favorite!). However, I hesitated when I asked myself if I could discuss any of these subjects passionately for a full 20 minutes. The word "passionately" was the key, and it always hung me up.

It wasn't until I founded my nonprofit, For My Bonus Child, Inc ., that I discovered the topic I could speak about with unwavering passion: homelessness. Ironically, this realization stemmed from a chapter of my life that I had long been ashamed of and wished to forget. For approximately 18 months, I experienced homelessness while my daughter received inpatient care for a rare autoimmune disorder in a new state we were visiting, which eventually became our home.

Through this challenging experience, I gained a deep understanding of the struggles, stereotypes, and biases that individuals facing homelessness encounter daily. It ignited a fire within me to break down barriers, challenge preconceived notions, and provide new perspectives on this often misunderstood issue.

As part of my mission to raise awareness and inspire change, I've had the privilege of working on an anthology titled "When I Was Homeless..." which features 15 powerful stories of individuals who have persevered through and triumphed over homelessness. These stories are powerful testimonies that display the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion and understanding.

Additionally, I'm currently producing a podcast of the same name, where we dive even deeper into stories and conduct live interviews with individuals who have experienced and overcome homelessness. Through this platform, we aim to give a voice to those who have been silenced and to shed light on the complexities of homelessness.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that the very season of my life I once wanted to hide is the source of my passion and the foundation for my thought leadership. It has equipped me with the experiences, insights, and drive I needed to lead my nonprofit with integrity, truth, and transparency.

So, I ask you again: What can you passionately talk about for 20 minutes? Take a moment to reflect on your life experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges. Often, it's the moments that have shaped us the most that hold the key to our true passions. It's in these moments that we find out truth and power.

If your current business idea or operation doesn't align with your passion, don't be afraid to pivot or incorporate elements of what drives you into your venture. Embrace vulnerability, share your story, and let your authenticity resonate with others.

Thought leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about having the courage to ask the right questions and the passion to pursue the answers. As you grow your business, stay true to what ignites your soul, and you'll find that authentic thought leadership will naturally follow.