In this episode of Fearless Thinking, host Michael Devous dives deep into the transformative power of radical honesty in entrepreneurship and life. He shares personal anecdotes of facing adversity and the importance of staying true to oneself, even when it's uncomfortable. Michael emphasizes that authenticity is not a switch to be turned on and off but a way of being and a commitment to vulnerability. He explores how honesty can be a competitive advantage in business, building trust and fostering deeper connections with your audience. Through practical steps like sharing struggles, owning mistakes, and embracing transparency, Michael guides listeners on how to cultivate radical honesty in their personal and professional lives.

Key Highlights:

• The Leveling Lie: Michael discusses the common phrase "let me be honest with you" and how it often signals a lack of authenticity.
• Authenticity as a Way of Being: He emphasizes the importance of showing up as your true self, even when it's uncomfortable, and the courage it takes to live your truth.
• Honesty as a Competitive Advantage: Michael explores how honesty and transparency can differentiate you in the marketplace and build trust with your audience.
• Three Steps to Building Trust Through Honesty:
  1. Share your struggles: Be vulnerable and open about your challenges to build relatability and connection.
  2. Own your mistakes: Acknowledge your errors, learn from them, and show your team how to do the same.
  3. Be transparent: Share both successes and failures to demonstrate authenticity and a commitment to improvement.
• The Ascend Hub: Michael introduces The Ascend Hub as a community that values authenticity and encourages radical honesty, providing a safe space for entrepreneurs to connect and grow.

Impactful Quotes:

• "Authenticity is not a switch that you can simply turn on and off. It is a way of being, a way of living, a commitment to showing up as your true self, even when it's uncomfortable."
• "I'll be damned if I'm going to live a lie. I'll be damned if I'm going to not live my truth."
• "Honesty and transparency can differentiate you in the marketplace and build trust with your audience."
• "Own your mistakes... show your team how to admit a mistake, explaining and role modeling how to share a trip-up... really opens the door for them to share theirs."

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity is crucial for building trust and strong relationships in business and life.
• Embracing vulnerability and sharing your struggles can make you more relatable and create deeper connections with your audience.
• Owning your mistakes and being transparent about your journey can inspire others and foster a culture of growth.
• The Ascend Hub provides a supportive community where entrepreneurs can practice radical honesty and build authentic connections.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (Reference to "don't take it personally"): https://a.co/d/18Keski
• The Art of Saying No (Book recommendation): https://a.co/d/5Ih2VC1
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/FearlessThinkingYTChannel
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldevousjr/
• My website: https://michaeldevousjr.com/