Why Getting Out of My Own Way Was the Key to Building a Global Brand

Most people assume the greatest leap I ever made was launching Powerful Steps.

But the real leap came before the business. It came the day I realised:

I was the only thing standing in my way.

For 20 years, I built powerhouse campaigns for Zara, Shopbop, Victoria’s Secret, Neiman Marcus, and Mulberry, curating runway shows, celebrity partnerships, and media moments that lit up the world stage. I knew how to position a brand and launch a story.

But I didn’t know how to own mine.

Because for all the brands I helped rise… I stayed hidden behind the scenes. Quiet. Capable. In control - but not in command of my own voice.

That was my safe zone. But it was also my comfort zone.

My Breaking Point Became the Turning Point

Chapter 3 of my audiobook Self-Belief is Your Superpower is about the choice I made to be seen professionally and personally.

The hardest thing for me wasn’t launching a new business. It was filming a 30-second intro video about myself.

I’d told the stories of global icons. But when the camera turned on me, I froze.

My mouth went dry. My heart raced. But here’s what I realised: You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. You just need to be present.

So I pressed record. That single decision, shaky high-pitched voice, created my personal brand journey.

Once I got out of my own way, everything shifted.

I applied the same frameworks I’d used to build billion-dollar campaigns for others, this time to my own story.

1. Brand clarity. I defined my values and my voice, not based on trends, but on truth.

2. Coffee dates. I reached out with purpose, not a pitch. Real relationships built real traction.

3. Consistent content. I showed up on LinkedIn, podcasts, and panels - not to prove anything but to share my impact.

4. Global community. I hosted masterminds in LA, Sydney, Singapore, and soon Riyadh - anchored in real, human connection.

5. Aligned offers. I launched programs and mentoring designed around lived experience, not just credentials.

People often ask how I went from a behind-the-scenes PR girl to leading global women in business. The answer is simple:

I got out of my head and into my purpose.

Book Excerpt: Chapter 3 — “When You Own It, You Lead It”

“I didn’t need another credential. I didn’t need more time. I didn’t need someone’s permission. I needed to stop hiding and start honouring the voice I already had. And once I made that choice, my world expanded. Not because someone gave me a seat at the table. But because I built the table and invited others to rise with me.”

What made the biggest difference? I showed up even when it felt raw, awkward, and unfiltered.

I stopped outsourcing my worth. I stopped shrinking to fit in. I started speaking my truth, even when my voice shook.

And that’s when I began building something real.

Here’s My Invitation to You...

If you’re holding back - waiting for the right time, words, and platform - stop.

The only thing you need is your story. And the courage to share it.

Because someone out there is waiting to hear exactly what you have to say.

📣 Want to Build a Brand That Feels Like Home?

Join me inside Powerfully Aligned™ my global mentoring experience for women ready to lead with truth and visibility.

You’ll get:

• Personal brand strategy using my 5-Point Story Framework

• Access to a community of top-tier women across 3 continents

• Confidence coaching that gets you out of your own way—and into your impact

🎥 DM me if you're ready to be seen - I want to meet YOU!

And yes, this photo shoot with CEO Magazine was different, and I had to step out of my comfort zone to be seen unexpectedly, and I liked it!

Much love,

TORY xox