Overcoming Insecurities: Building Stronger Connections
Insecurities can hinder personal growth and professional success, but there are effective strategies to overcome them. This article explores practical approaches to building stronger connections across various fields, from fashion to healthcare. Drawing on insights from industry experts, readers will discover how embracing vulnerability and reframing success can lead to more authentic relationships and improved outcomes.
- Embrace Vulnerability to Foster Genuine Connections
- Taking Risks in Fashion Industry Inclusivity
- Overcoming Fear of Openness in Professional Settings
- Admitting Uncertainty Strengthens Leadership and Collaboration
- Reframe Success Metrics as Proof of Capability
- Slow Down to Build Stronger Patient Connections
Embrace Vulnerability to Foster Genuine Connections
Vulnerability was one fear I had to conquer in building stronger connections. Early in my career, expressing my genuine thoughts or feelings could be considered shameful. Hence, conversations were often superficial. This was a barrier to the formation of genuine relationships.
Working through this fear, I set my mind to be open in small settings that I perceived as safe, such as sharing stories about myself or making admissions of uncertainty. Feedback from colleagues I trusted also paved the way for me to understand that acceptance of vulnerability is a path toward trust and empathy.
Gradually, embracing honesty became the core of my interactions, subsequently allowing for deeper and more meaningful connections, which were rewarding for both my personal and professional spheres.
Dhari Alabdulhadi
CTO and Founder, Ubuy Peru
Taking Risks in Fashion Industry Inclusivity
When Terani Couture first started, we were uncertain about whether we should focus on plus-size women’s suits. At the time, the fashion industry predominantly catered to a narrower range of body types, and we weren’t sure if there would be enough demand or if we would be able to make an impact. But we saw a gap in the market and decided to take a chance.
We began by designing suits specifically for plus-size women, with a focus on creating flattering and stylish options that celebrated their curves. Initially, there were doubts, both from within the company and from potential customers, about whether the market was ready for a brand that prioritized inclusivity in this way. However, to our surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Women appreciated that we were designing for their needs and celebrating their bodies with fashion-forward, elegant options.
Following the success of our plus-size suits, we started getting requests for couture dresses for women of all shapes and sizes. That was the natural progression of our business.
This move not only helped Terani Couture build a reputation for inclusivity but also opened doors for major collaborations, such as with the Miss USA pageant. Looking back, that early leap into plus-size fashion was the foundation for our growth and success.
Sas Terani
Owner, Terani Couture
Overcoming Fear of Openness in Professional Settings
One fear I had to overcome in order to build stronger connections was the fear of vulnerability, especially in professional settings. I used to worry that sharing personal stories or being open about challenges would make me seem less competent or professional. However, I realized that vulnerability can actually foster deeper connections and trust.
I started small by opening up more in team meetings, sharing not just successes but also some of the hurdles I was facing in my role. Over time, I noticed that this approach encouraged others to do the same, creating a more collaborative and supportive environment.
I worked through this challenge by focusing on the long-term value of authentic relationships, reminding myself that showing my true self is an asset, not a weakness. This shift in mindset has made me more connected to colleagues and clients alike, and I’ve seen firsthand how it strengthens both personal and professional bonds.
Nikita Sherbina
Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Admitting Uncertainty Strengthens Leadership and Collaboration
One fear I had to overcome was the idea that I needed to have all the answers before speaking up or reaching out. Early on, I thought asking questions or admitting uncertainty made me look weak, especially as a business owner. However, that mindset prevented me from forming genuine connections with my peers and team members.
I overcame it by being honest about what I didn’t know and focusing more on listening. Once I started having open conversations without trying to prove myself, the relationships deepened. People connect with transparency, not perfection. That shift made me a better leader and a better collaborator.
Joel Miller
President, Miller Pest & Termite
Reframe Success Metrics as Proof of Capability
My biggest insecurity wasn’t about failure, but about success. I was genuinely afraid to share the big numbers because I thought it would sound arrogant. I worried it would push people away and make me seem unapproachable rather than someone who could actually help them.
I worked through it by reframing the purpose of my headline success metrics. They aren’t for my ego. They are proof of capability. When you’re asking someone to trust you with their business, hiding your best results is a disservice. Being transparent with data builds a unique kind of connection based on credibility and trust. Don’t be afraid to show your wins. You should frame them not as a brag, but as concrete evidence that you can solve problems and accomplish great results.
Maxwell Finn
Founder, Unicorn Innovations
Slow Down to Build Stronger Patient Connections
A significant challenge I’ve learned to manage is resisting the urge to rush the communication process, especially with patients. In medicine, there’s an inherent pressure to be efficient—to diagnose, find solutions, and fix problems quickly. This can feel like a professional imperative. However, true connection, the kind that forms the bedrock of a strong therapeutic alliance, often requires a deliberate and sometimes uncomfortable slowing down.
This isn’t a fear of personal inadequacy, but rather a professional insecurity about being effective. The underlying fear is that if I don’t move at an expert’s pace, I might not be helping enough. But I’ve learned that imposing my own pace on a conversation can be a major barrier. A patient’s story unfolds at its own speed, dictated by their comfort, their emotional state, and the trust we are building in the moment. Rushing them can inadvertently signal that their feelings are an obstacle, not the focus.
To work through this, I made a conscious shift to prioritize “pacing” as a clinical skill. This means actively embracing silence. I had to train myself to see pauses not as empty space to be filled, but as crucial moments for a patient to process their thoughts and emotions. Whether it’s a child struggling to name a feeling or an adult hesitating before sharing a painful memory, that space is where the real work happens.
By intentionally slowing down, I can listen more deeply—not just to the words, but to the hesitations, the tone, and the non-verbal cues. This patient-centered pacing builds profound trust. It communicates respect for the individual’s experience and empowers them to guide their own narrative. Ultimately, allowing the connection to breathe and develop at a human pace, not a clinical one, leads to more meaningful insights and far more effective healing.
Ishdeep Narang, MD
Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder, ACES Psychiatry
