I had the most incredible conversation with on my latest Courage to Create/Voices of Courage live, and I want to share three things that stayed with me long after we wrapped up.

The first draft of your book isn’t your book — it’s your healing.

Ana has been working on her book for a couple of years, and she was honest about something most writers won’t admit. Her first manuscript was written from a place of victimhood. Raw, angry, full of “can you believe what happened to me.” And she needed to write that version. It was therapy on the page. But it wasn’t going to help anyone else. Her second attempt swung the other way — too preachy, too “let me tell you how to fix your life.” The version she’s actually publishing? It’s a fictional story that simply asks: do you see yourself here? I found that evolution fascinating. She gave herself permission to process first and serve second, and the book became something entirely different because of it.

Strategy didn’t change Anna’s life. The inner work did.

After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, Ana had to restart her legal career in her 40s. She did the practical things — a fellowship, networking, law school reunions. But she told me something that I believe deeply: none of it truly worked until she shifted what was happening inside. She was so consumed with worrying about her ex-husband’s presence, his behavior, whether he’d get in the way, that she had no energy left for herself. The real turning point came when she stopped focusing on him and started focusing on her own healing. That’s when opportunities arrived. Her outer world changed because her inner world changed first.

People are done with gurus — and honestly, so am I.

We landed on something in this conversation that I’ve been feeling for a while now. There’s a collective exhaustion with the “I have all the answers” model. Ana designed her book intentionally to avoid preaching. She doesn’t want to be the expert telling you what to do. She wants you to read a story and find your own truth in it. I think that’s where everything is heading — away from top-down instruction and toward side-by-side discovery. It’s actually one of the reasons Future Scripting™ resonates the way it does. I’m not handing anyone a script for their life. I’m handing them a pen and saying, you already know what to write.

One last thing — Ana needs your input.

She’s at a decision point with her book and I told her I’d bring this to the community. When the novel comes out this summer, she wants to pair it with something that helps readers reflect on their own patterns and relationships. The question is: should it be a workbook — journal-style prompts, self-reflection questions on paper — or an interactive tool that asks you questions and shows you your own patterns through a back-and-forth experience?

Ana’s journey is proof of something I talk about all the time — when you do the inner work, the outer world rearranges itself around you. If you’re ready to start that process for yourself, grab a pen tonight and try her morning journaling practice. Write before you’re fully awake. See what comes through. Then come back and tell me what happened. Oh, and one more thing — drop your answer for Ana in the comments. Workbook or interactive tool? She’s counting on us.

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has spent two years documenting every stumble, breakthrough, and vulnerable moment of building a business from scratch.

His raw honesty about the fear of putting words on a page will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about courage in the digital age.

Q: What's the story behind your Substack?

I am a full-time solopreneur for close to two years now. I share everything I go through, lessons I learn and things that worked and failed.

My goal is to help young solopreneurs. They can follow my journey and see where I started and where I’m at right now.

Q: What's the most courageous creative or personal risk you've taken since starting your Substack—something that pushed you far beyond your comfort zone?

Writing online is something I have never thought I am going to do.

Especially not full length articles. That was always for the writers out there, not for me.

Writing and sharing many personal and vulnerable stories from my life was pretty hard for me. Nowadays it’s much easier.

Q: The blank page can feel like a judgment waiting to happen. For those writers sitting on the sidelines, paralyzed by the fear of criticism or failure, what would you say to help them take that first brave step into sharing their voice?

Love this one. Easy answer.

Think about it this way:

If people love what you write, they’ll engage and your content will snowball.

If people hate it, they won’t engage and it’ll die with 99% of the internet and nobody will see it again.

Win-win.

Q: Reading can be passive, but transformation requires action. What's the most courageous step you believe a reader can take after being moved by something you've written?

I generally think that rereading material can be beneficial to your current stage. So instead of reading more articles or books about different topics, choose one.

Read it and reread it.

Q: There's a fine line between authentic vulnerability and emotional exhibitionism in public writing. How do you navigate sharing your truth while protecting your inner sanctuary?

I try to keep it as relevant to the reader as possible.

Going deep down may be very useful, and it’s something I am working on.

Sharing your exact feelings helps the other person connect better and understand that they probably are not the only ones to have bad days and weeks.

So as long as the article is not entirely about your emotions and it has takeaways, you’re good to go.

Q: Every meaningful piece of writing contains an element of risk; whether it's challenging popular opinion, revealing personal truths, or exploring uncharted territory. What's the biggest creative or personal risk you've taken through your writing, and how did it change you?

Calling out the fake movement of “Just ship it”.

A cult that advises young solopreneurs to ship as many products as fast as possible, see if there’s any traction and kill the product if there isn’t.

It works for big creators. Not for small ones.

Q: If you could sit across from yourself on the day before you published your first piece, knowing everything you know now about this journey, what essential truth would you share?

You have to get feedback on most things you do before you know if it works or not.

Talking to people and building a community is essential to grow and start making money online, unless you hit the jackpot with a valuable product.

If you enjoyed this interview and resonate with way of being, subscribe and reach out! He would love to hear from you.

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Years later, storytelling became the way he pieced it all back together; first behind the camera, now on the page.

Meet

Q: What's the story behind your Substack?

My Substack is a culmination of everything I have learned (and still continue to learn) about storytelling, connection, and transformation.

It is not just a platform for my writing; it is the intersection of all the different parts of my life as a writer, filmmaker, coach, and human being trying to make sense of the world.

Writing has always been an essential part of my life. Long before I picked up a camera, I was scribbling in notebooks, trying to capture the world around me in words.

Writing is how I discovered my voice. It was my first creative outlet, and from there, filmmaking was a natural progression. I trained as a filmmaker, spending years learning how to craft stories that would move people to their core.

It started with fiction, working on narratives that were big, bold, and cinematic. But over time, I found myself being drawn to something rawer. Something real. Documentary storytelling allowed me to capture humanity in all its messy, beautiful complexity. From the vulnerability of the people I met to the breathtaking landscapes I filmed, documentary storytelling taught me how to capture and share the world around me with audiences. I wanted to show people parts of the world and of themselves they might not have seen otherwise.

In my article “Dreams in Motion,” I talked about the power of storytelling as an experience, not just something to watch but to feel. It’s a way to show everyone the struggles and realities of different people so they can remember they are not alone in their struggles. That is the power of storytelling, whether it’s on-screen or off. Stories have the power to connect people, move them to action, and make the invisible visible.

But for me, filmmaking was not the end of the journey; it was the beginning.

I found myself traveling the world, learning new languages, and immersing myself in new cultures. One day, it hit me that storytelling was not just about observing the world around me, but about being a part of it.

This was when I started pursuing coaching. It was a chance for me to combine my love of storytelling with my desire to connect with people on a deeper level.

The people who come to me for coaching believe that their story is not good enough or that they do not know how to tell, change, or rewrite it. But once we work together, they see that it is their most important tool in their lives.

Through coaching I help people discover their story, leave behind the ones that hold them back, and amplify the ones that will move them forward.

That is what my Substack is all about. It is a place to share the stories of my life, connect with others, and hopefully inspire people to share their stories. We are wired for connection. It is how we learn and how we grow. Storytelling is a powerful force for change, but only if we share it. I hope to continue to use my Substack to share these stories and inspire others to share theirs.

Q: Publishing is just the beginning. What's the most courageous creative or personal risk you've taken since starting your Substack—something that pushed you far beyond your comfort zone?

The biggest creative risk that I’ve made on Substack? Being this vulnerable. This raw. This naked. Most people can’t handle this. So they stick to safe stuff and fear sharing their messy, real selves. Not me. I’m turning it on its head.

I’ve realized the key is balancing vulnerability and boundaries. It’s not about over-sharing, it’s about owning your story, so other people can own theirs. Vulnerability creates trust and trust is the foundation for community and connection.

I’m not just publishing content. I’m building a movement, one raw, honest interaction at a time. When I published “The Stories We Hide: Why Vulnerability Is The Ultimate Superpower”, I bared my soul. I wrote about my dad’s suicide when I was 12. About the gaping hole inside me. About the 15 years of therapy and unraveling to figure out the difference between grief and shame. This is the story of who I am.

And sharing it? That was terrifying. Brutal. And after I’d hit publish and send that out into the world? People didn’t just read it. They felt it. They saw themselves in it. They messaged me, shared their stories, and sent this ripple of connection and healing out. That’s the power of vulnerability. It’s not just sharing your own story. It’s about allowing other people to tell theirs. Creating a space where people feel seen, heard, understood.

Every time I share something that terrifies me, I know I’m walking the walk. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s showing up terrified and doing it anyway.

And it’s not just the big, dramatic stories either. It’s the small ones, the everyday ones. The quiet wins. The messy lessons. These are the stories that let people know they’re not alone. These are the stories I’m committed to sharing, no matter how uncomfortable it gets.

Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the ultimate superpower. This is the foundation of my work today. Helping clients see their own story clearly, so they can take the steps that terrify them but will set them free. Vulnerability builds trust. Trust builds connection. Connection transforms everything.

Q: The blank page can feel like a judgment waiting to happen. For those writers sitting on the sidelines, paralyzed by the fear of criticism or failure, what would you say to help them take that first brave step into sharing their authentic voice?

The blank page isn’t your enemy. The blank page is a mirror. Sure, it’s scary. It’s like staring into the void, waiting for it to judge you. But here’s the thing: judgment only has power if you give it power.

Stop chasing perfection. It’s a myth that’ll freeze you in place every time. Start messy. Write with reckless abandon because at first, it doesn’t matter. Because at first no one is reading. Because at first you’ve got nothing to lose.

Fear? It’s always there. The trick is to dance with it, not fight it. “What you fear but don’t face controls you. What you fear and take steps to face, you control.” Write one sentence. A messy, imperfect one. Then another. And another. Momentum builds from there. That’s where the magic is. Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first. The world doesn’t need your silence. It needs your voice.

Q: Reading can be passive, but transformation requires action. What's the most courageous step you believe a reader can take after being moved by something you've written?

What do you do when something I write inspires you? Reach out to me. Really. Stop staring at your computer, get off your phone. Do something with the wonderful experiences and sensations I know my writing can give you. Share with me how it touched you, ask me a question or tell me I’m wrong (because everyone needs to hear that now and then). That’s where it starts: in that space between us where everything matters.

Change can’t take place in a vacuum, it has to be in conversation with the world around us. I’m in a relationship with you.

So, if something I write moves you or speaks to you, let me know. Contact me. Don’t let this just end. Keep it rolling. There is nothing so powerful in this world as a million true conversations, each one of them leading a movement.

The most powerful act a reader can do for a writer is to take that which they loved and tell them about it, share it. Take what you need, pass on the excess, and then we’ll all go out and do something important together.

Life isn’t about ideas or concepts, it’s about output. We take what speaks to us and we MAKE it real.

A lot of my work is just reflecting back to you what you already know, but as you know it’s the actions we take in our lives that are truly life changing.

Q: There's a fine line between authentic vulnerability and emotional exhibitionism in public writing. How do you navigate sharing your truth while protecting your inner sanctuary?

Vulnerability vs. oversharing – where do you draw the line? It’s about selective openness—sharing with intention, not just spilling your guts to anyone who’ll listen.

Authentic connection does not require you to reveal every aspect of your life story. It does not mean writing a book, sharing it with anyone, and then leaving the room for a mic drop. Not everyone is worthy of a front row seat to your life, your fears, and your dreams. Sharing vulnerably means being authentic and not reckless with what you choose to share. Vulnerability is not oversharing.

You do not have to share your life story with everyone. You do not have to let anyone in. It's OK to guard your energy and maintain control of your narrative.

Setting boundaries is the smart way to remain authentic without giving too much of yourself away. It helps you stay grounded and true to yourself.

Let’s not forget, however, that connection also begins with self-acceptance. If you’re not secure in who you are, you will overshare to validate who you are, and you will likely end up feeling more alone. Connection with others begins with you.

Vulnerability without boundaries is not brave, but insecure. Be selective about what, when, and with whom you share. Vulnerability does not mean complete transparency. It can help you create connection with the right people at the right time and for the right reasons.

It also means knowing when to keep things to yourself. Mystery is attractive. People connect with realness, not perfection. You can be vulnerable and still keep your magic intact. You can own your story without giving up the power of your narrative.

Q: Every meaningful piece of writing contains an element of risk—whether it's challenging popular opinion, revealing personal truths, or exploring uncharted territory. What's the biggest creative or personal risk you've taken through your writing, and how did it change you?

If I had to guess, one of those moments is probably this interview with you here!

At a deep level, all of us fear being unmasked, especially those of us who present confident and accomplished fronts to the world.

We all have this dread that our masks will fall.

The greatest risk I take in my writing is dropping my mask. I put myself out there in ways that make me feel vulnerable. Especially, when I decide to share my personal stories of failure, shame and grief. I use my own life as the subject of my stories, things that were touching, private, and, at times, extremely complicated.

Was I afraid it would open me to criticism or judgment? Sure. Would I back away from this approach in the future? Absolutely not. I’m more certain than ever that the willingness to be vulnerable is the greatest creative risk any of us can take.

Masks can keep us safe. But they can also cage us. They are protective, yes. But they also make us feel small and isolated. When I began writing honestly about my own challenges in grieving, during my divorce, my mother’s cancer journey and death, and my own life lessons, I felt exposed, yes, but I also felt powerful in a way I never had before.

I began to understand that a mask is a story that limits us, a thin veneer we put on to survive and avoid being hurt, and that letting go of it can be transformative.

There is something inside of you that longs to be set free. At first it can be scary to tell your truth, and the greater the story, the more fear there can be. But starting with one small thing—a story, a secret, a fear—will open the door for you. Say something you have been keeping inside to someone you trust, and begin the process. You will be surprised at how freeing it can be not only for you, but also for the people around you.

Vulnerability is inspiring. If you have ever found yourself relating to a book or movie character so deeply that you felt a profound connection to a stranger, you know the power of vulnerability. It can change your life.

Q: Reinvention requires dismantling the comfortable cage of who we used to be. For established professionals or thought leaders feeling trapped by their own success but afraid to evolve, what wisdom would you offer about the courage required to start over?

Reinvention is, without a doubt, terrifying. Discomfort is lurking around every corner. It’s not for the faint-hearted. But, truth be told, so is staying in the “comfortable cage” you’re in.

When your heart and soul ache, the familiar is no longer your friend. I know, I know, you’re thinking change and reinvention just sounds like throwing everything away and that is scary. But here’s the thing, reinvention isn’t burning down your house. It’s building on what you know. It’s taking your expertise and allowing that to help you grow.

You are not starting over, you are starting with knowledge and experience. Fear is uncomfortable. And courage is being scared shitless and doing it anyway. The scariest things, more often than not, are the things that set you free.

What is one thing you can do today to move closer to the life you want? Reinvention isn’t a single moment, it’s a decision you make over and over again. The daily choices to live the life you want to live in the future. So, make that choice today. The cage isn’t as safe as you think it is.

Q: If you could sit across from yourself on the day before you published your first piece, knowing everything you know now about this journey, what essential truth would you share?

Simplify it. Truly. Your first piece of work? Perfect? No. Published? Yes. You will embarrass yourself. You will hate things you have written when you look back on them. That is completely fine! You cannot progress without taking those risks and putting yourself out there.

Because here is the thing: the work you fear sharing, the things you fear writing down? Yes, people need to hear those. Be vulnerable, my friend. Have faith in yourself. Hit publish and learn. Let the journey teach you.

Oh, and if you want to make this process a hell of a lot easier, check out my coaching. It’s all about making your life, and your business easier, more aligned and much more fun. Because why settle for anything less?

If you enjoyed this interview, and resonate with way of being, subscribe and reach out! He would love to hear from you.

Andy Fenske

Helping people rewrite their stories, break free from autopilot, and create lives full of meaning and connection through raw, actionable insights.

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There’s an old craftsman’s rule I’ve always loved: never let the tool think for you.

Since I was little, growing up in Bolivia, I've loved making wooden carvings, small animals, simple figures, anything I could shape with my hands and a chisel. Even now, I still find peace in it. One thing you learn quickly: the tool matters and allows you to accomplish much, but it has no influence on the end product. The end product comes from my skill, my expertise, and my plan.

The same is true with AI.

Today, AI has the potential to help you create. Fast, powerful, precise. But like the chisel, it's not made to decide on the end product. That decision is on us. That's the whole premise behind ethical AI. Ethical AI begins not with code, but with character and the strategy that leads the chisel. That's still human work.

"Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." — Christian Lous Lange, Norwegian Historian.

The Real Pressure Behind AI for Creators

Let’s name what most of us feel but rarely say out loud: it’s not just the excitement of new tools, it’s the pressure to use them fully and immediately. For more, read Leadership and the AI Pressure Cooker.

For many creators and leaders, especially those juggling decades of wisdom with the velocity of digital change, the rise of AI hasn’t felt like an invitation. It’s felt like an ultimatum.

Suddenly, content must be faster, emails sharper, posts optimized. And if you're not using AI, you’re told you’re falling behind.

But here's what I've noticed talking to creators everywhere. The real tension isn't technical. It's deeply personal:

• Will I lose what makes my work mine if I do?

This is the quiet anxiety behind the AI boom, especially for those who've spent years developing a craft, a voice, a way of leading or creating that's deeply human. The fear isn't just about efficiency, it's about self-replacement.

That's exactly why this conversation about ethical AI matters. Not because we're anti-progress, but because we're pro-human-progress.

What Makes AI Use Ethical (And Why That’s Not Obvious)

"Ethical AI" sounds like a software issue, but it’s more than that.

The truth is, tools are used ethically based on what we notice, what we prioritize, and how we produce. The ethics of AI for creators isn't just about plagiarism or accuracy; it's about presence, authorship, and who holds the creative compass.

Here are three subtle risks of unchecked AI use:

• Disembodiment – When our words become generic, disconnected from our lived experience.

• Dependency – When we feel unable to create without a prompt or pattern.

• Distortion – When the algorithm’s logic dilutes the nuance of our convictions.

AI without emotional grounding risks becoming efficient but hollow. Marvin Minsky, a pioneer in AI, framed it clearly: "The question is not whether intelligent machines can have any emotions, but whether machines can be intelligent without any emotions."

The research backs this up. A 2024 review by Ashritha & Reddy shows how AI's growing role in creative arts disrupts traditional concepts of authorship, originality, and influence. Their study highlights ethical concerns ranging from authenticity to bias.

Industry leaders are feeling it too. In multiple surveys, creative professionals cited "a lack of emotional resonance" and "diluted originality and authorship" as top ethical concerns when integrating AI into their workflows.

So that's our starting point. Whether you're writing posts or books, recording content or planning a product launch, you must lead the AI. If you don't, the AI will drift wherever it thinks it needs to go.

That’s our starting point. Whether you’re writing posts or books, recording content or planning a product launch, you must lead the AI. If you don’t, the AI will drift into whichever direction it believes it needs to head.

A Simple Framework

Not every use of AI is unethical. But every use of AI is formative.

Before you automate or accelerate, try asking:

• Does this align with my values?

• Am I outsourcing discernment or just delegation?

• Will this deepen or dilute my voice?

This is where AI can serve like a chisel, not as the sculptor. It can refine what you already know, shape what you’ve already seen, and clarify what you deeply believe. But it can’t decide for you what matters.

You still have to feel the grain. As I like to say…

"Tools are only as good as the hands that wield them."

A Practical Way to Use AI Without Losing Your Voice

To make this real and repeatable, I created a free 4-step tool for myself, one that uses AI to sharpen my voice and go through a 4-step refinement process, and I want to freely make it available for you as well.

It’s not a writing hack, it’s a process for refining your drafts with clarity, alignment, and integrity.

The 4-Step Refinement Process:

1. Concept Simplification – Strip down noise to find your real message

2. Structure & Flow – Ensure ideas unfold with logic and meaning

3. Language Polish – Refine tone, rhythm, and emotional clarity

4. Final Formatting – Prep for publication with excellence

Try my Free 4-Step Tool

Claude screenshot - Joel Salinas

Use it with your next email, post, whatever you prefer. It will retain your tone, your style, and the answers are not saved or published. In fact, I ran this article through it before finalizing it!

All I ask is that you let me know if it was useful and give me any suggestions to improve it. And share it with others!

If You Only Remember This

• AI is not a compass. Let your values lead.

• Ethical AI starts with how we show up, not just what we generate.

• The pressure to produce faster is real, but so is your right to create slowly and with soul.

• Don’t fear being replaced, fear replacing what makes you human.

• Use tools that refine your voice, not erase it.

I read every reply. If this stirred something in you, or helped you reframe your approach to AI, I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions.

Leadership in Change

Insights on the convergence of Leadership and AI to help you maximize your impact and sustain your success.

By Joel Salinas

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AWAKEN HEART WISDOM

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Please meet - the thought leader behind the Author Circle.

Q: What's the story behind your Substack?

I started writing on Substack four and a half years ago, back when hardly anyone knew what it was. I moved a small handful of subscribers from my blog and Medium, and just… began. Quietly. Consistently. Week after week. I wasn’t chasing numbers or growth—just showing up to flex my writing muscle.

By the end of 2024, after four years of writing,I had less than 1000 free and a handful of paid subscribers. I was fine by it but I knew I could do more—if I focused.

So I wrote Note a day. In May something unexpected happened. I wrote a note sharing my story and it went viral. In less than a week, 283 new subscribers joined.

Within months my subscriber numbers doubled and it is continually growing.

Q: Walk us through the pivotal moments or experiences that shaped you into the writer you are today.

I didn’t become a writer because I was good at writing.I became a writer because I was bad at it.

Years ago, during a performance appraisal, my boss looked me in the eye and said,
“The only thing standing between you and a senior management position is your written English.”

It stung. But the worst part? I knew he was right. English was my second language. And my Achilles heel.

But instead of letting that feedback break me, I let it push me. I joined writing groups. Took courses. Learned to write reports, minutes, discussion papers—anything that would sharpen my skill. And along the way, I stumbled onto something that changed everything: storytelling.

I realised writing isn’t about fancy words or rigid rules. It’s about connecting. Explaining. Moving people.

So I started telling stories. In resumes. In reports. Even in policy papers.

That shift didn’t just earn me the senior management role I was aiming for. It unlocked a new identity: writer.

Today, I’ve written eight books and coach others to write their own stories—not because I started out strong, but because I had the courage to turn my biggest weakness into my greatest strength.

Q: What's the most courageous creative or personal risk you've taken since starting your Substack—something that pushed you far beyond your comfort zone?

The most courageous risk I’ve taken since starting my Substack was launching my first paid program—the 90-Day Write-Grow-Monetize Transformation.

For years, I wrote quietly, consistently, and mostly for free. I was comfortable there—sharing stories, building community, avoiding the vulnerability that comes with asking for money or claiming expertise.

But deep down, I knew I had more to offer. I had built a system that helped me turn my writing into a business, and I wanted to help others do the same. Still, launching a paid offer felt terrifying.

What if no one joined? What if I wasn’t “enough”?

But I did it anyway—with one honest note and five simple emails to my small list. And to my amazement, fifteen brave creators signed up in five days.

I appeared on the Substack Education Leaderboard #13 first and #11 a couple of days later.

That leap pushed me beyond just being a writer. It made me a mentor, a guide, and a builder of something bigger than myself.

It taught me this: sometimes the real courage isn’t in writing—it’s in believing your work is worth paying for.

Q: For those writers sitting on the sidelines, paralyzed by the fear of criticism or failure, what would you say to help them take that first brave step into sharing their authentic voice?

The blank page used to terrify me—not because I had nothing to say, but because I was afraid of being judged for saying it. I wrote in secret for years: diaries, notebooks, even an anonymous blog. Despite writing since 2001, I couldn’t call myself a writer. I had nothing published, no bylines, no book cover with my name on it.

I was paralysed by self-doubt and a relentless inner critic. I set impossible writing goals, then beat myself up for not meeting them. I juggled a demanding job, raised a family, and slowly felt something in me withering.

Then came the turning point. I bought my domain name to blog under my real name. On the same day, my father passed away. In my grief, I turned to writing like never before—it became my sanctuary. I realised I wasn’t writing for applause. I was writing and publishing to honour my story—and theirs.

After three years of writing on my blog and then on Medium.com. I was writing for so long but still couldn’t call myself an author because I hadn’t published a book.

One morning, I woke up with a voice inside my head which whispered, “Write the damn book.” If there is one thing I have learned in my creative life, it’s to listen to the tiny voice of inspiration. I opened my laptop and got working. I wrote and self published my first book in seven days, that too while giving daily update about my progress on Medium.com

I became a published author and my life changed forever after that tiny act of courage.

If you’re frozen by fear, know this: you don’t need permission or perfection.
You just need one small act of courage.
Listen to the voice. It knows the way.

Q: Reading can be passive, but transformation requires action. What's the most courageous step you believe a reader can take after being moved by something you've written?

The most courageous step a reader can take after being moved by my writing is to act on their creative impulse—to stop waiting for permission, perfection, or the “right time,” and instead, begin creating and sharing their authentic voice with the world.

I understand the fear that comes with this. For years, I wrote privately, filling notebooks and diaries, too afraid to share my words. I even started a blog anonymously, unable to claim the title of 'writer' despite my dedication.

Transformation began when I chose to confront these fears. I started sharing my work publicly, embracing imperfection, and focusing on progress over perfection.

So, if something I've written resonates with you, I encourage you to take that brave first step: write a paragraph, start a blog, share a story. Embrace the discomfort, and let your voice be heard.

Remember, courage isn't the absence of fear—it's the decision that something else is more important. Let your desire to express and connect outweigh the fear of judgment.

Start today. Your authentic voice matters.

Q: There's a fine line between authentic vulnerability and emotional exhibitionism in public writing. How do you navigate sharing your truth while protecting your inner sanctuary?

I’ve learned to write from the scar, not the wound. Vulnerability is at the heart of my writing, but I’ve also learned the difference between processing and performing. When I share my truth, I ask myself: Have I made peace with this? If not, I write it in my journal, not on Substack.

My stories come from lived experience—but with enough distance to offer clarity, not just catharsis.

I share what I’ve learned, not just what I’ve felt. Writing publicly is not therapy; it’s an offering.

I hold back details that belong to others, or to the parts of me still healing. That’s how I protect my inner sanctuary—by keeping a private place where my messy drafts of life can unfold without an audience.

What I share is always honest—but it’s also edited with intention, shaped to serve both me and the reader.

Q: What's the biggest creative or personal risk you've taken through your writing, and how did it change you?

The biggest risk I’ve taken in my writing was telling the truth—my truth. After years of hiding behind anonymous blogs and journals when I couldn’t bring myself to say, “I am a writer.”

But hitting “publish” was transformative. It broke the spell of fear. I realised the real risk wasn’t being seen—it was never showing up at all.

Writing openly—about grief, reinvention, failure—changed how I saw myself. It gave me my voice. It showed me that vulnerability, when offered with intention, invites connection.

That first act of courage led to eight published books, a growing community, and a life built around what I love most: writing and helping others tell their stories.

Q: Reinvention requires dismantling the comfortable cage of who we used to be. For established professionals or thought leaders feeling trapped by their own success but afraid to evolve, what wisdom would you offer about the courage required to start over?

I know that cage well. I spent decades building a respectable career first as a Research Scientist and then as Information Technology manager, ticking every box—until I realised I was quietly suffocating. I had the title, the responsibilities, the steady income. But what I didn’t have was joy. Or space to grow.

Reinvention didn’t come with fanfare. It came with uncertainty, and a quiet voice inside me saying, “There’s more for you.” I started over, in my late 50s, not with a grand plan, but by giving myself permission to be a beginner. I wrote my first book, then another. I built a newsletter. I created a program to help others write and share their stories. I went from “retired” to “reinvented.”

To those afraid to evolve: you are not starting from scratch. You are starting from experience. Let that be your fuel.

Reinvention isn’t reckless—it’s an act of remembering who you were before the world told you who to be.

Q: If you could sit across from yourself on the day before you published your first piece, knowing everything you know now about this journey, what essential truth would you share?

I would sit across from her—nervous, hesitant, staring at the “publish” button—and say gently, “Your inner critic is loud right now, but that voice isn’t truth. It’s fear, dressed up as protection.”

You’ve written for years, in diaries, notebooks, even anonymous blogs. You’re a writer. You got to show your work. That’s what writers do. You don’t need permission, or proof before you could claim your voice.

But here’s what I know for sure: the moment you’ll publish that first piece, something will shift. The inner critic may not vanish, but it will quieten. Because you’ve finally done the thing it said you couldn’t.

Go on, write books, launch programs, coach other writers. In this moment, right here, is the real beginning. Not when you have an audience. Not when you get praise.

Dare To Create despite the noise in your head.

Your courage will lead the way.

If you enjoyed this interview, and resonate with way of being, subscribe and reach out! She would love to hear from you.

Author Circle

Author Circle is a community of authors and creative professionals who want to turn their expertise into sustainable income. Join now to gain access to 90-Day Write-Grow-Monetise Program to build a thriving business around your expertise.

By Neera Mahajan

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Share Courage to Create

Marketing feels like the unintended consequence of following the dream to make a living from our creative endeavors.

Let’s be honest: we creative writers are incredibly gifted with words, but selling ourselves? Self-promotion? Ew. Few creatives I’ve met enjoy the inevitable task of marketing that comes with this lifestyle.

Unfortunately, we live in a time where we HAVE to master this self-promotion thing if we want to be entrepreneurs. We need to know how to grab attention and connect with potential clients in a matter of seconds if we want our creative work to succeed.

Story is the language every human is innately wired to speak. Beyond even the power of words, stories and the feelings they communicate go right through our heads and to our hearts. Stories transcend language, culture, generation, and geographic barriers, connecting us instantly through our humanity.

The Art of a CTA

Crafting a powerful Call To Action (CTA) with every piece you write is an essential tool for grabbing interest in our oversaturated, fast-paced society and making the bid for connection with potential clients.

A CTA is exactly what it sounds like: an irresistible invitation for your reader to DO something with what they have just read.

Whether an article, social media post, or essay, readers on the internet often aren’t giving what they are reading their full attention. By the time they get to the end of a text (if they ever do) they are probably already on to their next distraction. This likelihood means you have a very narrow window of awareness to help your reader learn anything about you or what you can offer them through your brand. A CTA is a clear stepping stone you offer your readers to show them a path they can follow that will ultimately help them along their journey.

So far this probably sounds like a bunch of cryptic marketing language none of us are thrilled about learning how to speak. BUT! Learning how to self-promote might come to you more naturally than you think. (Gaining the courage to self-promote is another task and article altogether).

You likely already have the tools you need to write a powerful CTA. Let’s tap into your innate storytelling language arsenal and lay them out:

The Hero

The first ingredient every story needs is a protagonist. The worldwide truth is that everyone is the protagonist in their own story; you are the hero of your own story. When you write a CTA, you are speaking directly to the hero deep down in others.

The biggest tip to writing a CTA? It’s not about you. You are not the hero of this particular story–your reader is. If you want to connect with something deeper than their attention span, call out to the hero that is on the other side of your words.

When someone yells out in a crowded public space, “Hey, you!”, you might turn around for a second. But if someone yells your name, your focus will immediately be drawn to them. In the same way, having a clear picture of who the person you are speaking to with these brief but important sentences is will help them feel that magnetic connection.

What motivates them to walk the path they’re on? What do they not only want, but need? What are their dreams, aspirations, goals, pressures?

The Guide

The hero’s journey–whether through a fictional adventure or through life–is perilous. Every hero faces painful struggles along their journey. Knowing the next step to take is often confusing or scary. Protagonists need a guide to mentor them along their journey, which is where you come in.

These painful struggles along the hero’s journey are called pain points in marketing language. You need to understand these pains and PROVE you understand them if you want your hero to trust you as their guide.

Here’s the secret that helped me stomach self-promotion in marketing myself as an editor: you do not have to sell yourself on hubris. While it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to give yourself the credit you deserve for your expertise, most people you are trying to connect with don’t care about the technical know-how and credential spiels as much as you might think. They mostly want someone who can understand where they’re at, where they want to be, and knows how to passionately support them along their journey to get there.

The Transformative Journey

Deep down, we are all looking for the transformation a hero’s journey offers us. This catharsis is a part of the storytelling structure that speaks directly to every human soul.

No one is static in life. As soon as we stop growing, we cease living. Life is a constant arc of learning, growing, transforming into better versions of ourselves. Use the universal reality of this character arc in your CTA.

Even if your readers do not know so, they–just like every hero–need to become a better version of themselves to achieve the happy ending we all hope our character arcs lead to. Every hero needs to gain certain skills or strengths to defeat the dragon that they will encounter at the castle.

Writing an actionable CTA is not about tricking a reader into doing something but about clearly communicating how you can help them with their heroic struggles and convincing them to let you guide them on the path toward that better version of themselves.

The Plot Points

Now that we have the ingredients to tell a story that connects with your readers, we are going to talk about what the steps actually are that you should be directing them to take with your CTA.

Every story has its own line of plot points. First, your character is here and does this. Then, this happens and they do that. Next, they go here and learn this. Then, they move on over there and do that.

At the end of each step down the path to earning your heroic readers’ trust as their guide, you should have a CTA in place that shows them the next step along their plot line. The end goal is for you to help them become the capable, successful hero of their own story. Each CTA they encounter from you–the guide who holds the knowledge they need to succeed–should invite them to take the next step toward gaining that knowledge (i.e. engaging with more of the content or services you offer).

In marketing language, this is called a funnel: a unique series of touchpoints you guide your potential clients down so you can eventually earn their business.

If you are writing here on Substack, your first step is probably to get people to subscribe to your newsletter. The second step might be getting them to join your paid membership tier for exclusive content. If you create digital products or sell your services as a coach, your final step will likely be inviting them to become your lifetime customer who will fulfill their successful journey then refer you to other heroes who need you as a guide.

If you are writing a CTA for the end of an article that will likely be a reader’s first time meeting you, (e.g. a free post or Note), you won’t want to skip ahead to a plot point that should happen in the third act of this adventure story. A guide is most likely not going to ask the hero character immediately after meeting them to risk everything for a mission they were just introduced to. Likewise, you won’t want to ask your reader to spend their hard-earned money on your premium services unless you have first invited them to get to know you and the value you stand to offer them.

A Few Technical Notes

I’ll keep this part brief, because you came for the storytelling secrets and there is plenty of information to be found elsewhere on how to fine-tune your writing.

From the editor in me:

• Your CTA must be brief. Rule of thumb: you have 5 words to hook your readers into your story and 3 sentences to tell your story.

• Focus on using action words. Don’t use long, vague words.

• Give your readers concrete, visual words to latch onto that engage their senses or imagination.

• Use simple sentences and clear formatting. Make the words easy on the skimming eyes that come across them.

• Your CTA must be honest and your tone genuine. No one likes false promises, and people can smell sleazy marketers like they can recognize the swindling salesman in a fictional tale.

Start with these goals and you will find yourself springboards to help you learn even more.

Wrapping It Up

Writing a strong CTA is simple. The structure is:

“Hey hero, I see you struggling with this step on the plank bridge. Take my hand and I’ll help you reach the next step along your heroic journey. We’re going to the castle so you can save your world.”

Craft an invitation to an adventure that your hero cannot refuse.

Creative work is a tough, heroic journey through the uninspired digital world. The story coaches at walk this road every day. Our newsletter empowers you to become a better writer both on and off the page so your story can change the world.

One Brilliant Arc (OBA) Newsletter

What is OBA Media, Anyway?

At One Brilliant Arc (OBA) Media, we believe storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a powerful tool to inspire, connect, and transform lives. In a world where authentic voices are often drowned out, your story deserves to be heard…

Read more

a year ago · 6 likes · One Brilliant Arc (OBA)

is a writer, editor, and story coach at . Subscribe to our weekly newsletter so our passionate team can share more storytelling secrets with you that will fuel your courageous creative work. ✨

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background

Hi Magdalena, thank you for having me here. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to introduce myself to your esteemed community.

I’m a psychoanalyst and psychologist in private practice for the past 25 years. I did my psychoanalytic training at the Western New England Institute for Psychoanalysis (WNEIP) in New Haven, Connecticut, where I have taught courses on psychoanalytic theory and technique, and did my postdoctoral training at Yale University, the University of Michigan and the Detroit Psychiatric Institute.

In my clinical practice, I help individuals examine their well-being and understand their behavior patterns including their thoughts and beliefs they have about themselves and the world around them. I find we humans are creatures of habit and repetition and it’s not a question of if we are going to repeat ourselves but a question of what and why we are repeating what we are and whether or not what we repeat is good for us or not.

Q: Beyond the act of hitting "publish," what's the most courageous thing you've done as a writer on Substack?

That’s a great question, especially for me, because I feel like I’m still learning how to live the answer out here on Substack. Beyond simply hitting publish, I’d say the most courageous thing I’ve done as a writer is choosing to try to write from a place of both personal and clinical honesty without defaulting to ready made answers or universal formulas. The truth is, I’m still figuring out, and working through, the very things I’m inviting others to explore alongside me. I’m in my own therapy doing this work which gives the whole process a kind of meta quality for me.

Much of what I write invites readers to question inherited beliefs, confront internalized narratives and engage in the slow often uncomfortable process of self-exploration and reflection. It’s not always tidy, quick or a popular way to move through life. It requires a willingness to sit with nuance, explore complexity and resist the pressure to offer quick fixes in a world that often favors them over deeper less visible paths to growth.

But perhaps the bravest part has been trusting that there’s an audience not just for insight but for truth-telling that meets people where they actually are—messy, searching and still figuring it out. Just like I am trying to do.

In many ways, Substack has become a kind of holding space for exploration that I did not intend or understand prior. And I’d like to believe that through our shared vulnerability, curiosity and courage, it’s something we’re all trying to cultivate together here.

Q: Many people dream of writing but fear judgment or failure. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to share their voice on Substack?

As a psychotherapist, I often remind people that fear of judgment is a deeply human response that we all experience sooner or later in our lives–bar none! Meaning, to some degree it’s normal and is there for a reason that we can come to understand in our own time and in our own quirky and personal ways.

We’re wired for belonging, and sharing our voice, especially in writing can feel like an anxiety producing experience. It taps into old fears: Will I be misunderstood, rejected or seen as not enough? That’s not just any old anxiety as it’s often tied to a nervous system response rooted in our early relational experiences.

So my advice is this: don’t wait until the fear goes away. Share anyway but do it at a pace and depth that feels manageable for you–and that will be different for all of us. Perhaps, think of writing on Substack as an explorative process that you are building out like a skill. Or maybe you can think of it less as performing and more as connecting. You don’t have to go about proving something here per se but more express something within yourself that matters. And that expression doesn’t have to be polished or figured out completely to be meaningful.

Try starting small, be real and trust that the people who are meant to resonate with your voice will find their way to it in their own good time–or not. The point is to explore being who you are here and don’t worry so much about what I or anybody else thinks. After all, we’re all just trying to figure things out in life.

Q: In your opinion, what's the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with your work?

In both my professional and personal experience, one of the most courageous things a reader can do after engaging with my work is to pause and genuinely ask themselves, “What here, if anything, actually applies to me?” Not in some high-minded, theoretical way but more in the quieter, lived out reality of their day-to-day life.

My hope is that my work resonates not just intellectually but in a way that invites people to sit down with themselves and begin a few honest, important conversations about how and why they’re choosing to live the way they are.

It takes real courage to reflect honestly, to question our inherited beliefs, to explore uncomfortable patterns of thought and behavior and to begin the slow, intentional process of designing a life that feels more aligned with healthy, mature and sustainable ways of being. Often, that means stepping away from familiar scripts and facing parts of ourselves we’ve long avoided—not to judge mind you, but to better understand with care and kindness.

It’s one thing to read something that resonates. It’s another to let it reshape how you think, relate and move through the world. And in a culture that constantly pulls us toward distraction and performance, turning inward with curiosity and care may be one of the bravest things we can ever do for ourselves.

Q: Vulnerability is often a key component of courage. How do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining healthy boundaries as a writer in such a public space?

As a psychotherapist, I think often about what it means to model emotional openness while still maintaining a sense of internal safety for both myself and my readers. Vulnerability, in my view, is central to courage, especially in writing that aims to be meaningful, real and capable of connecting us to the best parts of ourselves. Thus, for me, vulnerability isn’t about oversharing but more about learning to be honest without becoming uncontained.

I try to write from a place of lived experience and reflective insight rather than from raw or unprocessed emotion. If I’m still actively working through something, I’ll usually pause before sharing it publicly not to hide it but to respect its weight and complexity and often to explore it more deeply in my own therapy first. That pause is part of how I think about maintaining healthy boundaries.

I’ve also found that vulnerability, when offered with intention, not for validation or catharsis, but in service of connection, clarity and shared humanity is where the most meaningful writing tends to live. Keeping this distinction in mind helps me show up more authentically while still honoring my emotional limits.

Q: Courage often involves taking risks. What's the biggest risk you've taken in sharing your writing or building your Substack community?

I think the biggest risk, or perhaps biggest felt uncomfort, I’ve taken is sharing my work before it feels fully formed. To share it before I have a fully crystallized framework for exploring mental health in a public space. As both a clinician and a writer, there's a natural desire to wait until everything is airtight, polished and perfectly supported by theory or evidence. But over time most of us come to realize that real life, and real healing, rarely if ever happens that way.

Writing with nuance about mental and emotional health can feel especially risky in a digital world that often rewards simplicity, certainty and quick solutions. But I try to trust that depth, honesty and a willingness to think out loud in real time will resonate more meaningfully with people here on Substack even if that approach leads to a slower, but hopefully, more organic growth.

For all of us, it’s a risk to show up as someone still in process but I believe that’s where much of the spark of real life unfolds, beneath the surface of the ordinary, in the space of self-exploration and reflection.

Q: What advice would you give to other thought leaders who feel stuck or unfulfilled but are hesitant to take the leap and reinvent themselves?

I’d remind them, and myself, that feeling stuck or unfulfilled is a normal part of life—but if it lingers too long, it can be our psyche’s way of saying, “Something essential is being overlooked or outgrown.” Reinvention doesn’t always require a dramatic leap; often, it begins with a quiet, honest inventory of what no longer fits and what is quietly asking to emerge. It’s a similar kind of conversation with ourselves I referred to earlier.

As a therapist, I’ve seen that many people delay change not because they lack insight but because they fear the identity disruption that growth often requires. Reinventing ourselves requires loosening our grip on roles, stories or strategies that may have once served us well. Our ability to do this speaks to our capacity to mature especially in relation to the ways we were brought up and conditioned to survive.

So my advice would be this: start by getting curious. Curiosity is often far more helpful than rushing to be decisive. Pay attention to the parts of yourself that feel restless or unseen. Begin where the aliveness is—not where the certainty is. And trust that reinvention is less about becoming someone new and more about becoming more fully yourself—more alive within yourself, if you can find your way back to that place within you.

Q: If you could go back and tell your pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, what would it be?

You’re asking some great questions, Magdalena and they really get to the heart of the process I’ve been trying to wrestle with. I’d probably say to my pre-Substack self: Trust the slower pace. Trust your voice even when it feels unfinished. And it’s okay to miss a few days or take time off just to be with yourself and your thoughts.

When I first started on Substack, I thought I needed to have everything figured out before I could share anything. Honestly, I still wrestle with that thought from time to time. But what I’ve come to learn is that real connection often comes from being willing to think out loud with care and to write from a place of curiosity and kindness not from a need to sound certain or that I have it all figured out.

This platform has reminded me that thoughtful writing, like a meaningful life, calls for a type of presence of being. A kind of openness and inner spaciousness that allows ideas to breathe as they form.

So, I’d tell my earlier self: You don’t have to rush, be perfect or package yourself up in just the right way. Just keep showing up with honesty, as best you can, and let the work evolve as you do and for God sake be kind to yourself–it matters! That’s more than enough for a type of living that suits you better. 😊

If you enjoyed this interview, and resonate with way of being, subscribe and reach out! He would love to hear from you.

The Wellbeing Equation | Bronce J. Rice

Psychoanalyst | Psychologist | Health & Wellness Coach dedicated to helping you understand and enhance your wellbeing.

By Dr. Bronce Rice

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Share Courage to Create

Sometimes a Substack begins with a quiet question—one that won’t go away.

For this writer, that question surfaced during early motherhood, when she realized she couldn’t ask her daughter to follow a path she herself didn’t believe in. So, she left her career in programming, pursued medicine, and years later—after raising children, battling leukemia, and caring for thousands of patients—found herself drawn to writing.

Doctoring Unpacked was born not from ambition, but from a desire to connect. To explain. To give readers the kind of clear, compassionate conversations most doctors don’t have time for.

Her stories—rooted in fictional patients but grounded in real-life medicine—quickly resonated. They’re not just educational. They’re human.

In this conversation, she shares how courage, clarity, and curiosity shaped her writing voice—and why vulnerability might be the most powerful prescription of all.

Meet

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background

I am a primary care doctor. Unlike most doctors, I career-switched into medicine. My initial career was as a computer programmer. After my first daughter was born, I was not sure if I wanted to go back to work or to stay home with her. In the hormone-soaked, sleep-deprived state that mothers of newborns are in, I found a thought drifting through my head about my daughter’s future career. It occurred to me that if she felt about her job the way I felt about mine, I hoped she’d quit it. This thought grabbed my attention. I realized that I should be giving some serious thought to quitting my job, which I soon decided to do.

This left me having to give serious thought to what I wanted to do instead. I thought about being a birth doula. Back then, I lived in Berkeley. There was a doula training place within a mile of my house. I volunteered there for a while. One day as I was answering phones and dealing with their broken mailing list, I overheard some doula trainees talking about an exam they had just taken. Their conversation hinged on whose blood was in the placenta: the baby’s or mother’s. I knew the answer, and I was surprised that they didn’t.

I started thinking about how much I had enjoyed all the quasi-medical stuff you read when you’re pregnant. It was then that the thought occurred to me that I could become a doctor. At that moment, I had the sensation that you get when you’re putting a plastic toy together and suddenly there’s a snap and everything goes into place. I could be a doctor!

This required some educational catch-up. I started taking pre-med classes, one or two at a time. I entered med school when my baby entered first grade. Along the way, I had another baby, did residency, and after that, moved to New Hampshire. I got leukemia. I got divorced. I got married again - to a writer. He’s published a book, and he has a Substack. He encouraged me to start my own Substack, to give me a platform, however small, for the things I wanted to write about.

I started publishing regularly. For several months, I got little traction, then suddenly I did! It turns out that lots of people were interested in “How to make your eighties miserable.” I write engaging stories about doctor-patient interactions and about common diseases. As privacy laws prevent me from talking about real patients, I write about fictional patients, giving them realistic personalities and backstories. In article form, I have a big advantage over real-life interactions: I have all the time in the world to answer their questions about their medical condition. This style of article quickly generated a sizable following of readers. One of my articles even went viral, getting over 1,300 likes. I now have a sizable group of highly engaged fans. My Substack is called “Doctoring Unpacked.”

I am an internist. That means I only take care of people who are 18 and up, and I only do medical (as opposed to surgical) care. I did not intend for it to work out this way. At the beginning of my career, I thought I’d specialize in perimenopausal care. What happened instead was that the oldest, frailest, and most complicated patients kept showing up in my schedule. I found that treating these patients was what I enjoyed the most and it set up a positive feedback loop. You don’t have to be my patient long before you hear me say, “You never want your doctor to think you’re interesting.” Well, almost everyone in my panel is interesting.

My favorite thing to talk about with patients is when one organ system would benefit from a particular treatment but they have another organ system would be harmed by that treatment. The most important input into this calculation is the patient’s values, beliefs, hopes, and desires. The thing that turns me on the most is when I can understand a phenomenon from the molecular level, through increasing scale, right up to the societal level.

I cannot believe my good fortune. I have a job that allows me to do much of that and a platform on Substack that allows me to do the rest.

It’s like an intellectual orgasm.

Q: Beyond the act of hitting "publish," what's the most courageous thing you've done as a writer on Substack?

I think writing that previous sentence required a certain amount of courage.

Telling people what we like, what we value, and what is important to us is an act of courage and makes us vulnerable. It’s like pointing out where your exposed flank is.

Q: Many people dream of writing but fear judgment or failure. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to share their voice on Substack?

The same advice I give to any thirteen-year-old who happens to cross my path. Nobody is thinking about you anywhere near as much as you think they are. You’ll write something, and no one will notice. You’ll bleed out onto the page and no one will notice. You’ll wish people would judge you because at least then you’d know someone was paying attention.

Say you define failure by having no subscribers. If you write nothing, you’re guaranteed to have no subscribers. If you write a little something, maybe your Aunt Martha will subscribe. Then maybe some more will subscribe. Maybe not, but you’ve not done any worse than if you’d not tried at all.

The prospect of having no subscribers didn’t bother me. The barrier for me is that the world is awash in voices. Do I really have something so interesting to say that saying it is more valuable than being quiet? What I discovered was that no one was writing about the things I said to patients. I wanted more people to hear these things than just the patient in front of me and that helped me overcome my complex.

Q: In your opinion, what's the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with your work?

Use the information provided to talk with their own doctor. Doctors can be very paternalistic and sometimes don’t like it when their authority is questioned. Patients feel vulnerable. It takes a lot of courage to say to your doctor, “I don’t think you’ve heard how distressing I find symptom XYZ. Are you sure there is nothing more we can do about it?” Even just asking for a thorough physical exam can require courage.

Q: Vulnerability is often a key component of courage. How do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining healthy boundaries as a writer in such a public space?

My articles are not really about me. They are about the patients, and our relationship, and the diseases. Certainly, my attitudes and ideas are expressed here, but I am not the focus of my Substack.

Q: Courage often involves taking risks. What's the biggest risk you've taken in sharing your writing or building your Substack community?

Encouraging people who know me in real life - patients and doctors I admire - to read my work. Saying “I have a Substack; I think you’ll like it” is a bit like saying “Here are my best thoughts.” We equate people liking us with people thinking our thoughts are good thoughts. More importantly, we equate people not liking us with people thinking our best thoughts are not good thoughts. This is, of course, foolishness, but I’m human and do my best not to fall into that trap.

Q: What advice would you give to other thought leaders who feel stuck or unfulfilled but are hesitant to take the leap and reinvent themselves?

To give some thought to why they are feeling stuck or unfulfilled. Is it really the career or circumstances or is it internal? I do see a lot of people who blame their unhappiness on externals when really they have a dysfunctional belief that is causing them to be unhappy. I have an article about this: Doctor, My Belief Hurts

Doctoring Unpacked

Doctor, My Belief Hurts

John,* my ten o’clock patient, loves his paycheck, but hates his boss. More specifically, John feels that his boss treats him disrespectfully. In order to keep working at his job he must face the question “Am I willing to let people treat me disrespectfully for money…

Read more

a year ago · 18 likes · 4 comments · Mary Braun Bates, MD

Is there something else they think they’d like to do? If so, if the problem is money, maybe give some thought to downsizing their life so that they can switch careers. Can they retire? If so, maybe do that. If they don’t know what else they’d like to do, but just know they’re unhappy, maybe read some books and reflect, or see a therapist or a life coach to figure out what gives their life meaning.

Q: If you could go back and tell your pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, what would it be?

Nothing. I am more than satisfied with the journey and doubt that any tweaking on my part would improve anything.

Q: What’s the one thing that stressed you out the most as a writer, creator, and thought leader? And what are some of the tools you use to deal with your stress?

That I will make a mistake or be unclear, and this will contribute to a cascade of events that ultimately results in someone being harmed. The same stuff that everyone else uses: meditation, good self-care, all kinds of self-talk, breathing, yoga, exercise, time in nature, talking with friends, etc.

The serenity prayer is helpful to contemplate, but I do best to turn it around. “Grant me the wisdom to tell when it is most helpful for me to act with courage and when, serenity. Grant me the wisdom to understand to what end I am being useful.”

If you enjoyed this interview, and resonate with way of being, subscribe and reach out! She would love to hear from you.

Doctoring Unpacked

Primary care doctor helping myself puzzle out what it means to be human. Anecdotal answers to the big questions of life.

By Mary Braun Bates, MD

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This is one of the best pieces of advice that I’ve heard, read, or seen to date.

This advice from says it! You don’t want to miss his incredibly insightful take on strategy and ways to be successful in life and on Substack.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background

I started my career as a sales rep in the mid-90s. I was quickly promoted, and in 2004 I became CEO of a mid-sized company. I worked as CEO for a few mid-sized and large companies, but in 2016 I made a pivot and founded a strategy consulting boutique. Since then, I’ve been working as a strategy consultant, advisor, and board member for companies from different countries. I also started blogging in 2016 and launched my Strategic Seeing newsletter on Substack in 2022. I’ve written a few books in my native language. My first book in English, Red and Yellow Strategies: Flip Your Strategic Thinking and Overcome Short-termism, was published last year.

Q: Beyond the act of hitting "publish," what's the most courageous thing you've done as a writer on Substack?

I’m a contrarian strategist, which means I constantly challenge both my own views and traditional theories of strategy. We all know that most strategies fail — even when executives follow the playbook. I doubt it’s just because they don’t work hard. Something’s wrong with the theory, and I believe I have some alternative ideas.

In each issue of my newsletter, I invite subscribers to think along with me about business strategy and its core principles. And it’s not an easy journey — I ask tough questions and challenge familiar axioms. But I hope that’s exactly what makes the newsletter interesting for over 4,000 subscribers.

Q: Many people dream of writing but fear judgment or failure. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to share their voice on Substack?

Every single course, book, or article on blogging or storytelling teaches that a writer must ‘create value’ for readers. I fully agree — but in practice, ‘creating value’ almost always means ‘teaching the reader something.’ That’s why the internet is full of headlines like ‘5 Ways to Lose Weight’ or ‘10 Strategies to Build a 6-Figure Income by Writing Online.’

It’s a useful playbook — but so many authors have followed it, and AI tools have only made it worse. Blog platforms are now overflowing with almost identical articles full of clichés.

I follow a simple rule: readers may forget facts and ideas, but they remember emotions. And the strongest emotions come when readers come across something new and unexpected — a fresh idea, a different angle, an unanticipated concept.

So I try to bring a new idea to each issue of my newsletter, keep it as short as possible, and add a touch of humor — that’s my recipe.

Q: In your opinion, what's the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with your work?

I hope my readers challenge their assumptions and deeply held beliefs about business strategy — and take time to reflect on their approach to management.

There are plenty of books on business strategy, but we shouldn't treat them as playbooks or textbooks. We should take them with a grain of salt — and think for ourselves.

I hope that after reading my posts, my readers ask themselves:

Q: Vulnerability is often a key component of courage. How do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining healthy boundaries as a writer in such a public space?

Every now and then, I tell my readers about mistakes I made during my time as a CEO — and there were plenty of them.

By doing so, I just want to show that nobody’s perfect — and that life doesn’t come with a user manual.

I’m totally fine with that.

Q: Courage often involves taking risks. What's the biggest risk you've taken in sharing your writing or building your Substack community?

Being contrarian is the biggest risk. Some people read articles to learn something new, while others look for confirmation of what they already believe. When a writer questions their basic assumptions, it can feel uncomfortable — even painful.

That’s why so many online articles are overwhelmingly positive — their authors try to please everyone.

But if you hold a strong opinion, someone will always disagree. And that leads to another risk: being less appealing to subscribers who aren’t ready to challenge their own views.

That’s why my newsletter is unlikely to attract millions of subscribers — and that’s totally fine with me.

Q: What advice would you give to other thought leaders who feel stuck or unfulfilled but are hesitant to take the leap and reinvent themselves?

Building a newsletter is a long-term game. If you’re not a celebrity, it will take you months, or even years, to gain many subscribers, let alone monetize your Substack. All the social media and newsletter experts say that consistency is key. And I agree — to a point. But quality matters even more. If you’re struggling to find an idea or your inspiration is gone, it’s better to take a break. Read more than you write for a while. Rest. Sooner or later, inspiration always comes back.

Q: If you could go back and tell your pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, what would it be?

If I could go back in time, I’d tell my past self: “Work. On. The. Quality. Of. Your. Writing. Got that? I’ll say it again: Work. On. The. Quality. Of. Your. Writing.”

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Strategic Seeing

Want to escape competition? I help startups, mid-sized, and large companies scale fast by creating their own markets and niches. I’ve already helped 100+ businesses find their unique path. I share my experience in this newsletter.

By Svyatoslav Biryulin

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In a bold departure from traditional healthcare, —disillusioned with a system that offers pills over holistic support; she devotes herself to championing integrative medicine for readers hungry for meaningful change.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background

My name is Sara Redondo, and I’m from Spain. I have an older brother and come from a big, loving family full of uncles, aunts, and cousins whom I absolutely adore.

During my first year of medical school, my mother was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. It came as a complete shock — she had never smoked. She underwent chemotherapy, but unfortunately, it had no effect, and she passed away the following year. That experience marked a turning point in my life.

I fell into a deep depression. I shut down emotionally and couldn’t bear to see other people happy — it was too painful. Throughout her illness, my mother was never offered any form of complementary care — no psychological support, no nutritional advice, no exercise recommendations… nothing beyond chemotherapy. Later, I came across the story of a doctor with a similar diagnosis who had recovered thanks to integrative oncology. I found it both fascinating and heartbreaking. The thought that my mother might have survived if she'd had access to those tools was unbearable.

That grief and frustration led me to a very dark place, one I barely came out of. Eventually, at my family’s insistence, I asked my doctor for help. The only thing I was offered was an antidepressant — no therapy, no support groups, no follow-up. Just a pill.

This only deepened my frustration. Now the system had failed me not just as a daughter, but as a patient. I felt unseen, unheard, and completely let down by the very structure that was supposed to help me heal.

So I decided to transform all that pain into purpose. I realized my path was in integrative and preventive medicine — an approach that considers the whole person, because everything affects our health. That’s why I’m here today, to help give my community the tools they need so that, hopefully, neither they nor their loved ones have to go through what my family went through.

Q: Beyond the act of hitting "publish," what's the most courageous thing you've done as a writer on Substack (and/or any other platforms)?

I’d say the most courageous thing I’ve done as a writer was making the decision to leave clinical practice and dedicate myself fully to writing through my newsletter and books.

As a doctor, a patient’s relative, and a patient myself, I’ve felt deeply let down by the healthcare system on every level. I live in a country with one of the world’s most highly regarded healthcare systems, and yet, Magdalena, I can tell you I’m profoundly disillusioned by it. That’s why I chose to help people in a different way.

No one saw it coming — not even me! It was a shock, even for my own family. “After all those years of studying, now you want to be a writer?” they asked. But their reaction came from a place of love and concern. Once I explained that this path allows me to help more people, in a deeper and more meaningful way — and in a way I truly believe in — they understood without hesitation. Today, they’re my biggest supporters.

Q: Many people dream of writing but fear judgment or failure. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to share their voice on Substack (and/or any other platforms)?

Don’t let fear stop you. We all experience those doubts, but we can’t allow our emotions to control our actions. I would encourage anyone who feels hesitant to be brave and take that first step. Once you do, approach the experience with respect and an open mind toward other perspectives.

I see differing opinions as something positive — as long as they’re expressed respectfully, they challenge us and help us grow. Personally, I’ve found that being open to dialogue and welcoming other points of view has led me to connect with people I would have never met otherwise.

Be open to constructive criticism, and as for the destructive kind — most people agree that the best approach is to simply not give it weight. Focus your energy on what truly matters, the people who support you and value your voice.

And when it comes to failure — what greater failure is there than not even trying? If you don’t try, you’ll never know what could have been. I couldn’t live with that kind of doubt! We’ll make mistakes along the way — I’ve certainly made mine — but I don’t regret them. They’ve been some of my greatest teachers.

Q: In your opinion, what's the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with your work?

I provide readers with tools to help them take charge of their health, and the health of their loved ones, through an integrative and preventive approach they truly deserve. But the real difference lies in those who actually use those tools.

It’s like having top-of-the-line kitchen equipment: the best pan, the best pot, the sharpest knife, the finest cutting board — none of it matters if you end up ordering fast food. The ones who put those tools to use are the ones who will truly benefit.

Q: Vulnerability is often a key component of courage. How do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining healthy boundaries as a writer in such a public space?

This is a great question, because I’ve never been a fan of social media. Substack was actually my first experience sharing in a public space. I deeply value my privacy and prefer to stay under the radar, so launching this project was something I had to think through carefully.

For me, the key lies in being honest without going into too much detail. For example, I recently went through a difficult few weeks and wasn’t as active on Substack as I would have liked. I posted a short note apologizing, and I was genuinely surprised by the amount of support and kind feedback I received. I was honest about what I was going through, but I didn’t share specifics.

Finding that balance is something I’m still learning and refining as I go. I believe vulnerability is essential — it’s how we connect, grow, and support one another. In my case, the balance lies in how much detail I choose to share behind that vulnerability.

Q: Courage often involves taking risks. What's the biggest risk you've taken in sharing your writing or building your Substack community?

It’s hard to choose just one, but I’d say the biggest risk has been stepping away from clinical practice. I’m still working in the field because it’s what allows me to pay the bills — but with a bit of luck, I’ll soon be able to leave it behind and dedicate myself fully to my own projects.

Building a business comes with a lot of risk, and I wish we talked about that side of entrepreneurship more often. I love that more and more voices are encouraging people to create their own path, but I also believe it’s important to show the other side of the coin.

There’s a constant sense of uncertainty. If everything falls apart, there’s no safety net — no one to catch me if I fall — and that’s a huge risk.

So if readers are thinking about starting something of their own, my advice would be: if it’s what makes you happy, absolutely go for it. But make sure you really understand the structure you’ll need to build. If Plan A fails, have a Plan B. And if B fails, have a Plan C.

Q: What advice would you give to other thought leaders who feel stuck or unfulfilled but are hesitant to take the leap and reinvent themselves?

As someone who’s been there, my advice would be: listen to your body. If something feels off, and the idea of reinventing yourself brings a sense of peace or excitement — that’s the path worth exploring.

I knew that the traditional medical route wasn’t fulfilling me, but it took time to fully understand what my true path was. Now that I’ve found it, I feel deeply grateful. Of course, there have been mistakes, setbacks, and challenges along the way — but every step has been worth it.

Q: If you could go back and tell your pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, what would it be?

My newsletter has grown beautifully and been received with incredible warmth — something I’m truly grateful for. But there have also been less-than-brilliant moments, and I’d be lying if I said they didn’t affect me. The truth is, I was putting too much pressure on myself.

I’ve always held myself to very high standards, which has helped me grow, but it’s also backfired more than once. I’m learning to be kinder to myself and to embrace every twist and turn in the journey. There will be highs and lows — and every single one of them is better than the alternative of never having started at all.

If you enjoyed this interview and resonate with ’s way of being, subscribe and reach out! She would love to hear from you.

Zenith Within | Sara Redondo, MD

Integrative and practical health strategies from a Medical Doctor. Cut through information overload with evidence-based insights and misconception-shattering advice to achieve the well-being you've always desired. Join +3K like-minded-people.

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This writer didn't just learn Swedish; she plunged into genocide studies, then emerged to weave social psychology into stories that demand we look inward.

She challenges us, with a quiet strength, to face our own vulnerabilities and find courage in change

Meet

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background

I was born and raised in Portugal. I obtained my BA in International Relations but have always worked in sales. I moved to Sweden 10 years ago with my husband and three sons. My husband is Swedish, and my sons already knew the language. When I arrived, I enrolled in official courses to learn the language, and afterward, I pursued an MA in Genocide Studies, followed by a year in Peace and Conflict Studies. Thus, my first five years were solely dedicated to studies.

With an extensive academic background, I decided to focus on nonprofits. It was a fantastic feeling and experience. I interned at the Swedish Red Cross. Today, I provide freelance consulting services to nonprofits.

However, my MA emphasized social psychology, and one of my teachers said I had a ‘scientific mind’ - and that I was the best student he ever had. This had a significant impact on me.

Consequently, I dedicated my thesis to victims' agency, using social psychology as my theoretical framework.

While working with other nonprofits in South Africa, someone introduced me to Medium, suggesting I build my brand there. I jumped into Medium, and my writing journey began. I quickly started writing about self-belief, and I became captivated by the self-improvement niche.

I haven't stopped since then. I enrolled with a coach who taught me how to write copy on the internet. (I was too academic.. urgh!). But my writing improved with time to the point that I have Tim Denning saying how great it is or Michael Thomson. So, it was a necessary step.

When my articles began to receive weekly boosts from one of the publications, Better Humans, I was thrilled. But suddenly, they closed down. Then, Substack emerged. Yesterday, I conducted my first interview, and it’s an ongoing journey.

Q: Beyond the act of hitting "publish," what's the most courageous thing you've done as a writer on Substack (and/or any other platforms)?

1. When I started my writing journey, I never thought I'd write about myself, even for a second. It was a big step for me to expose myself out there.

2. Be persistent when no one is reading my material.

Q: Many people dream of writing but fear judgment or failure. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to share their voice on Substack (and/or any other platforms)?

Watch what others are doing and jump in. You’ll learn in the process. Learn how to tell a good story and put your heart in it. Write with someone in mind. But write for yourself and don’t have expectations at all. Someone will read it, and you might help one person, and that’s worth the effort.

Q: In your opinion, what's the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with your work?

To change. I invite change. I tell a story, then I explain why people behave a certain way based on social psychology (which means how we perform in our world), and then I invite them to do some personal reflection and take action.

Q: Vulnerability is often a key component of courage. How do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining healthy boundaries as a writer in such a public space?

I share what’s necessary. People don’t need to know every detail. I write what I understand is helpful for the reader.

Q: Courage often involves taking risks. What's the biggest risk you've taken in sharing your writing or building your Substack community?

Having some of my family members sign up for my Substack. I don’t love it. But I’ve learned not to bother much about it. But occasionally I still think, ‘what will they think?’

Additionally, I sometimes mention individuals who have experienced extreme violence - specifically, state-sponsored violence - because it’s my field of study: Genocide Studies. At times, I worry that sharing certain stories might deter people. Therefore, I strive to approach psychology-related topics with care, involving the individuals I interviewed for my master's degree.

I’ve dealt with people who have gone through mass violence, I studied the Holocaust in depth, and I learned Swedish in a room full of refugees from Muslim countries. So, I very carefully refer to all of them as simply people who suffer mass violence to avoid triggering any susceptibility (or even racism). Just human suffering is what I want to emphasize. But I know today I must be cautious. I don't mention the Jew or the Muslim - just people. We all know who those suffering through the events are.

I’m a very religious person (Catholic), but I don’t share it with the world. It’s an intimate spot where my soul feels safe and doesn’t want to be bothered by the crowd’s stupidity because, in this regard, you hear a lot of it (though you do hear great things, too). So, I admire those who advocate or express it. But my place is with people's stories and learning human behavior.

Substack demands much of my time, and I’m still trying to balance that - time management is my daily challenge. It might be a risk that I can’t reach as many people as I want, which could lead to wasting my time. However, writing has become a habit. When I have an idea, it won’t leave my mind until I write it down and share it. It’s a great feeling that I've almost become addicted to. But Substack is a long-term project where I will learn while creating, without stress or hurry.

Q: What advice would you give to other thought leaders who feel stuck or unfulfilled but are hesitant to take the leap and reinvent themselves?

Set goals (realistic, but might surprise you).

Spend only the necessary time on the platform.

Learn to write on the internet.

Be patient at the start.

Persist.

Take it easy; Substack is becoming increasingly crowded. Just write about what you've learned in your offline world. That's one front. The other front to work on is Notes - have some fun with it. See how others do it and post short-form content. Finally, connect with others by reading their posts and commenting. Join a community; it’s impossible to go solo.

Q: If you could go back and tell your pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, what would it be?

Connect with others more. Don’t be afraid of anything; everyone is still learning. Just join the crowd and have fun.

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The Inner Lens – Psychology & Change

Welcome to The Inner Lens - a resource for readers seeking to boost self-belief grounded in social psychology and personal narratives. Join me as I share stories, expert insights, and practical tips for overcoming fears and boosting confidence.

By Diana G.Pinto

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