The Power of Vulnerability & Authenticity in Forming Impact

Our Nashville gathering hosted in Elizabeth's home.

Finding Ourselves in Each Others Stories

At the heart of Forming Impact lies my belief in deep connection—where authenticity and vulnerability create space for meaningful engagement. It is not just about bringing people together; it is about fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to reflect, share their journeys, and explore what truly matters.

This past month, as I travelled across the US—from the mountains of Park City to the lively streets of Nashville and the timeless energy of New York—I saw firsthand the magic that happens when people come together with openness and purpose.

Creating Space for Authentic Connection

Our gatherings are never just about networking; they are about building real relationships. Whether in Nashville, where we collaborated with Ken’s company Premier Travel to share in an immersive experience from the Virgin Hotel to the heart of Broadway, or at an intimate dinner hosted by our dear friend Elizabeth, the intention remained the same: to cultivate a space where people can share stories, reflect on their journeys, and have fun while engaging at a deeper level.

Similarly, our New York dinner brought together local and global friends, some flying in just for the evening, creating a shared experience that was as much about deep conversation as it was about celebration. It’s these moments—of being truly present, listening, and understanding one another’s opportunities, challenges, and aspirations—that make our work so meaningful.

The Warmth of Real Connection

Relevance is everything. Ensuring the Forming Impact events and content remain timely and deeply connected to the community is a priority. One theme that has been coming up again and again is replenishment—why we come together, what we need to sustain our work, and how we can create environments that nourish rather than deplete.

A common hesitation I often see is fear of sharing, and this is something I have deeply resonated with. For a long time, I wasn’t sure this space was the right one to share about myself or to be vulnerable. In person, my favourite way to connect has always been to go deep, share openly, and create safe spaces for real connection. But gradually, as I started bringing more of that into this newsletter, I found it both scary and liberating.

What I realised, is that when I allowed myself to be open and vulnerable—not just in person but through my writing—I saw more people resonating. More people feeling connected, even through the written word. More people realising they weren’t alone in what they were experiencing—the search for balance, the challenge of slowing down while still powering up, the difficulty of switching off, the struggles of creation, and the beauty of impactful hard work. The more I shared, the more I saw others feeling seen, and that, for me, is what real connection is all about. The best gatherings happen when people feel safe to show up as their most authentic self, heard and understood, and inspired to take their next step.

Purpose-Focused Travel: More Than Just a Journey

Travel, for me, has always been about something greater than simply moving from one place to another. It is about understanding the human experience and building on the impact that we make—what people are working towards, what they need, and how I can play a role in their next chapter. It is about asking the right questions, making the right introductions, and facilitating opportunities that might not have existed otherwise.

As I look ahead, I remain committed to creating experiences that allow for this depth of engagement—wherever I go. Whether it is through the conversations I have, the spaces I create, or the stories I share, my goal is always the same: to build meaningful human connections that lead to real impact.

With gratitude for the journey ahead,

Fiona