What happens when you stop conforming and start embracing your true identity?

I've been reflecting on a quote I wrote when launching Simply Ashley Graham: "Your human-centric story starts with the courage to break free from conformity and embrace your true identity." This has been on my mind lately as I lay metaphorical bouquets at the feet of my past selves and step into the transformative journey of motherhood. After two pregnancy losses last year, I'm now expecting a baby girl in August, and this transition has me seeing thought leadership through new eyes. I'm not the same person I was when I started in this space 14 years ago—none of us are static beings. We evolve, our stories shift, and that's the beauty of a human-centric approach. In this episode, I open up about how pregnancy has sparked clarity about my passion for helping others tell their non-conforming stories, and I share a simple practice to help you uncover the truth only you can tell.

Key Talking Points:

In this episode, I discuss…

• The power of recognizing and honoring past versions of yourself during major life transitions
• How pregnancy and the journey to motherhood has unlocked new perspectives and depths of reflection for myself personally
• Why thought leadership is a space that allows our message, story, and narrative to evolve as we evolve
• The intuitive interview approach I use to create transformative conversations with guests on the podcast
• How the discomfort of censoring yourself is actually a compass pointing toward authentic expression
• The difference between creating content that's "palatable to the masses" versus sharing your genuine truth
• A simple five-minute practice to begin exploring your own human-centric story

Time Stamps:

[01:15] My personal journey into motherhood
[02:30] Reflecting on 14 years in the thought leadership space
[04:15] How thought leadership allows for authentic expression without conformity
[05:45] The importance of recognizing we are not static human beings
[07:20] My intuitive approach to guest conversations
[08:40] How to own your human-centric story in a world of algorithms and comparison
[10:10] Recognition as the first step toward authentic expression
[11:30] The power of speaking your truth to attract the right audience
[12:45] A simple practice for exploring your own human-centric story
[13:30] Closing thoughts on transformation through storytelling

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