How Story Helps You Step Into Your Vulnerability

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This Week’s Episode:

I’m backstage at a TEDx event and everyone’s nervously preparing themselves. As I’m getting ready to announce a 16-year-old speaking for the first time, I see her do something that makes my jaw drop. She’s taking off her shoes, about to go on stage barefoot.

Now anyone, much less a teenager, would be nervous giving a high stakes talk at a TEDx yet Chloe Howard was no ordinary teenager. Her going on stage barefoot was a huge deal because she was born with a foot deformity and got bullied as a result. Bare feet and all, she ended up delivering the talk of a lifetime, and I’m proud to have her as my guest today on the Storytelling School Podcast!

In this episode, Chloe talks about living with her deformity and using her story to promote healing within herself and others. Listen as we talk about why she made the choice to walk on that stage barefoot, what internal stories need changing, and the impact of taking on empowering labels like resilience.

What you will learn in this episode:

  • Why stories have the power to heal yourself and others
  • Why storytelling is inherent to all people
  • How the labels you choose to give yourself shape your story

Who is Chloe Howard?

Chloe Howard is an author and speaker. Born with a severe foot deformity, she has endured bullying, several operations, and other daunting challenges but has met them all with grace and determination. The turning point in her life came when she met and spoke with Bono (yes, of U2 fame) who offered her powerful words about fighting against injustice.

Since then, Chloe has lifted herself and others from past shame and guilt with her TEDx talks and books where she reveals the truth we all need to hear: only you determine your labels, not society. After she suffered a hate crime, she ditched the “victim” label ascribed to her and replaced it with resilience. Now she challenges people worldwide to “stand beautiful” and embrace that we all were made for more.

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Links & Resources

Stand Beautiful
Stand Beautiful books by Chloe Howard
@itschloehoward on Instagram
@storytellingschool on Instagram
@storytellingSchool on Facebook

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"Storytelling is an art form - and Kymberlee Weil is the master! I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented creatives in the world, and Kymberlee is close to the top of that list. She has an uncanny ability to uncover nuance and layers in a story - details often overlooked by the author - and has a deep understanding and connection with the value of well-executed presentation. Working with Kymberlee is more than a journey, it’s a transformative experience."
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JULIAN REEVE

SPEAKER, AUTHOR, FORMER MUSIC DIRECTOR OF HAMILTON
"Kymberlee helped me tremendously in the weeks leading up to my TED talk and afterwards. I have given hundreds of talks to audiences big and small. But the TED stage is a different beast -- every word matters.Kymberlee kept me on point, focused, and she took the time to figure out what my objectives really were and how to get me there. She is a true master of her trade and I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from her."
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JUNA KOLLMEIER

ASTROPHYSICIST, TED SPEAKER
"I thought I had public speaking down pat. I've addressed audiences all over the world ranging from 62 to 1000 people. But going into that red circle at TEDx, and connecting with a vastly diverse audience is like moving to another planet. Kymberlee made that move effortless and exciting. As a former Green Beret, I have followed a lot of quality leaders and coaches, and I would follow Kymberlee anywhere… Especially into the red circle."
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LTC (RET.) SCOTT MANN

GREEN BERET, ENTREPRENEUR, STORYTELLER, TRAINER, COACH, AUTHOR