We live in a world where polished perfection is often celebrated and low-key expected. Social media feeds are specifically curated, speeches are rehearsed to the millisecond, and leaders are expected to have all the answers. But here’s the truth I’ve learned both on stage and in real life: perfection doesn’t exist. But truth, relatability, and vulnerability do.

Vulnerability is one of those buzzwords we hear so much about but tend to misunderstand. Some people view it as weakness, others view it as a way to gain pity or even as a way to get things they feel they’re entitled to. But in storytelling vulnerability is one of the greatest tools you can bring to the stage. When you share not only your victories, but also your struggles, failures, and lessons learned along the way, your audience can see themselves in your story and they will listen.

Think about it. How often do we learn more from someone’s challenges than from their specially curated highlight reel? Vulnerability invites, e...