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What if the way you introduce yourself is actually holding you back?

In this episode of The Empowered and Embodied Show, Kim Romain and Louise Neil start with a simple question: "How do you introduce yourself?" and uncover something much deeper... the difference between putting on a mask and performing who you think you should be and embodying who you actually are.

They explore the hidden needs that drive how we show up in the world, why understanding those needs unlocks authentic leadership, and how to stop shrinking yourself to fit into rooms that weren't built for you.

In This Episode:

• Why "Tell me about yourself" may trigger anxiety and what to do instead
• The truth about needs vs. being "needy" (and why this matters for confidence)
• How Human Design reveals patterns that keep you stuck in doubt
• Moving from role-based identity to soul-based expression
• What authentic leadership actually looks like when you stop performing

Perfect for you if you've ever felt the gap between who you are and how the world sees you, struggled with introducing yourself authentically, or wondered why networking feels so draining.

This conversation gets deep, fast and will change how you think about identity, authenticity, and what you truly need to thrive.

Key Moments:

00:00 — Intros and Welcome

04:47 — Identity Starts with How We Introduce Ourselves

05:00 — Human Design: Open Centers and the Spiral of Doubt

08:34 — The Difference Between Wants and Needs

12:34 — Why Needs Are About Fulfillment, Not Lack

15:32 — Unlearning "Too Needy": Reclaiming Our Right to Need

18:07 — Finding the Courage to Name What Fills You

20:34 — Redefining Leadership: Guiding vs. Commanding

27:50 — Holding Space: What It Really Means to Lead Energetically

31:13 — When Someone Else Introduces You (And Gets It Right)

32:48 — The Struggle to Be Seen in Rooms That Aren't Like-Minded

35:23 — Noticing the Word "Need" and What It Reveals

37:24 — Final Reflections: Still in the Messy Middle, Still Growing

38:44 — Embodying Your Identity

Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program.

Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program.

If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com