22: Owning Your Story: Why Your Past Shapes Your Business Success

In this candid and unfiltered episode, Andrea and Laura dive deep into the power of personal stories in business. They tackle the often-debated topic: Should your past define your brand?

Laura shares a personal story she's rarely talked about—her journey of resilience after leaving a difficult marriage and starting over. Andrea pushes her to explore why sharing these experiences can be a powerful tool for connection and business growth. The conversation unfolds into a discussion on authenticity, storytelling, and why many entrepreneurs resist sharing their “why.”

But that’s not all—Andrea opens up about her own struggles with identity as a mixed-race entrepreneur and how it’s shaped her worldview. The two discuss how personal challenges fuel professional success and why community is at the heart of everything they do.

Oh, and in a wildly unexpected turn, Laura reveals her latest obsession… Dungeons & Dragons! What does role-playing have to do with creative inspiration? You’ll have to tune in to find out.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🔥 Why your past experiences influence your business more than you think
 🎯 How to share your story in a way that feels authentic (without oversharing)
 🚀 The surprising connection between creativity, resilience, and personal growth
 💡 Why community matters—and how to build one that fuels your success
 😂 A hilarious debate on whether Dungeons & Dragons is a creative outlet or a total mystery

Key Takeaways:

✅ Personal stories create powerful brand connections
 ✅ Being intentional about sharing your story isn’t inauthentic—it’s strategic
 ✅ Every entrepreneur faces challenges—embrace them, don’t hide them
 ✅ Find a creative outlet that has nothing to do with business
✅ If Laura can be a deer named Bambi, you can find joy in something unexpected

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Andrea: walkerpublicity.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walkerpr/
🔗 Connect with Laura: lk@bravebydesign.net
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakhalil/

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