Your Story Is Your Superpower: From Playing It Safe to Owning Your Narrative

If you don’t tell your story, it will be told for you. Here’s how I learned to show up fully and why you should, too.

For years, I thought success meant becoming a mini version of the people I saw above me. I wore black, white, and navy blue business clothes. I straightened my hair. I never mentioned my Latinidad in professional spaces.

All I knew was that I needed to “make it” and I thought the only way to do that was to blend in. Assimilation was my armor. I didn’t want to draw attention to my background, my identity, or the parts of me that made others uncomfortable. I believed that if I just worked hard enough, I’d earn my seat at the table.

But it wasn’t until someone asked me, "Tell me your story" instead of “Tell me about yourself,” that everything shifted.

I paused. That invitation cracked something open in me. I began to reflect on how my story—the full version, not the polished resume one had shaped my values, my grit, and my purpose. I started showing up more fully. And to my surprise, that’s when doors started opening that felt right, not just available.

From Assimilation to Authenticity

I grew up being told to work hard, stay grateful, and never rock the boat. Like many first-generation professionals, I internalized the idea that success meant blending in. In the early stages of my career, I tried to do just that: assimilate, fit in, and check the boxes.

But I also felt like I was leaving parts of myself behind.

I was cautious about what I shared. I was painfully aware of the fact that I didn’t look or sound like most people in the room. I led with what felt “safe”, things like I’m a woman or I’m Latina but left out the harder parts of my journey.

I didn’t want to scare anyone off. The opportunities felt too few, the stakes too high. When you are like me you don't often get second chances and don't have anything to fall back on.

But over time, I began to lean in. I started connecting the dots between my lived experience and the value I bring to the table:

• My resilience under pressure.
• My ability to build trust across cultures and generations.
• My deep understanding of financial systems from both sides of the wealth gap.

The more I brought my whole self into the conversation, the more clarity I had about where I truly belonged and what kind of impact I wanted to make. I stopped trying to fit into rooms that didn’t value me. Instead, I found (and built) rooms where my presence was celebrated, not just tolerated.

So now, How Do You Decide What Parts of Your Story to Share?

It’s a real question and can be hard, especially for early professionals. The truth is: you can be intentional and still be authentic.

You don’t have to tell your whole life story in every setting. You get to decide what’s relevant to the moment, the audience, and your goals.

In interviews, I often share parts of my story that directly connect to why I care so deeply about the work I do. In rooms with young professionals, first-gen students, or foster youth, I go deeper because I know visibility matters.

You can shape different versions of your story without compromising your truth. The key is to never be ashamed of it. What feels “too much” to one person may be exactly what inspires someone else.

And yes, sadly there will be some people won’t get it. Some won’t value it. That’s okay. If your story turns the wrong people away, it’s probably guiding you toward the right ones.

You might feel “But My Story Isn’t That Impressive…”

Let me be blunt: Comparison is a trap. There’s no prize for having the most hardship or the most privilege. What matters is how you frame your journey.

Everyone has something to share! I promise you that you have strength, resilience, curiosity, grit, and perspective. No one else has lived your exact path. That already makes your voice powerful and unique.

When you stop comparing and start owning your story, that’s when things start to click. You speak with more clarity. You attract the right people. You stop shrinking in rooms that were never meant for you in the first place.

And let’s be honest, if you don’t share your story, others will make assumptions for you. I know the moment I walk into a room, people are already forming opinions. That’s why I speak up. I tell my story, not just to correct those assumptions, but to set the tone for how I want to be seen, heard, and respected.

Now, How do I Keep it “Professional” and Staying True to Myself?

There’s a very real pressure to look, act, and speak a certain way in many industries and in corporate America at large. “Professionalism” often has unspoken norms that weren’t created with people like us in mind.

I can't say I'm a master and I’ve learned to pick and choose my battles strategically. I speak up more when the room is receptive. Sometimes I test the waters with a personal story or a cultural reference and watch how it lands.

I can’t change every space I walk into, but I can plant seeds. I can be the presence that makes it easier for someone else to show up as themselves tomorrow.

Sometimes, just showing up as you are is the most radical thing you can do.

Some Closing Thoughts If you Made it This Far

I hope this reminds you that your story isn’t a liability, it’s your leverage and your secret sauce as a friend of mine would say. It’s what sets you apart in a sea of sameness.

So whether you’re writing a cover letter, networking, speaking on a panel, or simply introducing yourself share from the heart. Lead with purpose, not perfection. Because when you own your story, you don’t just open doors for yourself you hold them open for others, too.

I realized I’m not successful in spite of my story. I’m successful because of it.