Reflections inspired by Kirsten Bombdiggity
This week has already been so incredibly full - impactful, filled with meaning, purpose, fatigue, and inspiration.
And last month—that is now behind us—was a complete whirlwind!
As I near the completion of an incredible certification course in Applied Narrative Intelligence, I find myself even more mesmerized by the narratives that shape our lives:
The stories we tell ourselves about who we are.The stories others—those near and dear—tell us about who we are, or who we ought to be. The environments that shape us into who we become. And the narratives that are forced upon us by the constant messaging from the media—“social” or otherwise.
In the midst of all this, I found myself editing and releasing the incredible conversation I had with the vibrant and soul-stirring Kirsten Bombdiggity—an innovator, a radiant thinker, a rebel. Someone who sparkles on the outside and absolutely shines on the inside.
There’s a quiet magic in sitting with someone who feels comfortable being truly seen. Not for the roles we play, the titles we carry, or the curated moments we share—but for the raw, evolving truth of who we are.
And while her joy is infectious and her personality radiates in every direction (yes, even through a Muppet lunchbox purse!), what moved me most wasn’t just her humor—it was her depth. Her willingness to show up fully. Her stories of challenge, growth, and resilience. Her truth—and the courage to tell it.
It got me reflecting deeply on the world we live in and the spaces we’re often asked to navigate. So much of our culture rewards performance over presence, perfection over process, and rarely acknowledges the failures and messes that come with growth.
But what if real transformation—personally and professionally—lies in breaking through that surface?
In finding light in the places that seem like complete darkness... the abyss?
Here are a few takeaways from our conversation—and beyond—about the power of authentic connection and the sacred act of turning pain into purpose:
Authentic Connection
True connection—to ourselves first—doesn’t come from having it all together. It comes from the courage to be vulnerable. From acknowledging that no, we don’t have it all together.
When we allow ourselves to be seen—truly seen—we give others permission to do the same. That’s where trust blooms. That’s where meaningful relationships, collaborations, and communities grow.
Purpose from Pain
So many of us carry stories tucked away in the corners of our hearts. Some carry grief. Others, shame or fear. But within those stories is wisdom.
When we stop running from our pain and begin to explore it, honor it, and speak from it, we often find our deepest purpose.
Kirsten reminded me of this in such a beautiful way:
Our mess can become our message—not through bypassing it, but by working through it.
By reflecting.
By sitting with it.
By transforming it.
Creativity Through Realness
When we show up as our full selves—quirks and all—something powerful happens: creativity expands. Realness sparks new ideas. It opens up different ways of thinking, connecting, and imagining.
The more we let go of who we think we should be, the more space we create for innovation and joyful expression.
Leading with Empathy
As a leader, a mother, and a mentor, I’ve learned that empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s an essential one.
When we understand our own struggles, we create space for others to feel safe in theirs.
And from that place, real transformation—within teams, families, and communities—can begin.
A Gentle Invitation
I believe deeply in the ripple effect of meaningful conversations.
So here’s a simple invitation:
Start one deeper conversation this week.
Ask a real question.
Share a tender truth.
Listen with your whole heart.
You might just uncover something meaningful you didn’t know was waiting for you.
Let’s continue to build a world where authenticity is celebrated, where our past doesn’t define us—but shapes us—and where leading with heart is not only welcome, but necessary.
With warmth and Aloha,
Olga
P.S. Do listen to the episode with Kirsten Bombdiggity—and then watch it! It’ll expand your universe for 38 minutes… and then ripple out far beyond. 🧚🏻♂️
