Hello beautiful soul
Where are you still leaving parts of yourself outside the room?
Which whispers of your soul are you still overriding to fit the story?
I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately—especially as I found a copy of my first ever logo in a forgotten Dropbox account.
It was made for me by my friend Louis Masai, an incredible artist I was managing at the time, because from 2012 to 2014, I was deep in the art world—curating shows, building community, living creatively in my spare time.
But because I had a “real” job too and I was terrified people would think I wasn’t all in... I hid it.
I even hid the beautiful LinkedIn recommendation Louis wrote me—because I was scared I wouldn’t be who everyone needed me to be [side note: it is now there now I am happy to say!].
I told myself:
It isn't safe to let my employer see this side of me.
Keep the lines clean.
I might lose my job because of it.
But a deep part of me felt disingenious because of it.
After a while my path evolved and I stepped away from the art world.
I moved into tech, I climbed the ladder and eventually—I stepped into teaching yoga.
But this time? I did it differently. I had realised the power in being all of who I really am.
So I didn’t hide.
I shared it.
I brought yoga into the office.
I led movement sessions.
I even taught yoga to the executive team at Onfido.
And guess what?
The more of me I brought to the table, the more trust I built, the more impact I had, the more alive I felt.
It taught me something I’ve never forgotten:
When we fragment ourselves, we dilute our power.
When we integrate ourselves, we become unstoppable.
So if you're reading this and thinking of the thing you hide—the art, the movement, the magic, the part of you that doesn’t “fit the mould”—this is for you.
That thing isn’t a distraction. It’s your humanity. And your humanity is what makes you magnetic.
The thing you’re afraid will make you less professional might just be the thing that makes you unforgettable.
So bring it. Be it. All of it.
The world doesn’t need the version of you you think they want.
We need you.
If you’re unsure where to start, try this gentle 5-day check-in.
Just a few minutes each day. No performance, just presence.
Day 1 – What do I really want to do?
Not what sounds impressive. Not what others expect. What do I long for?
Day 2 – What lit me up as a child?
What made time disappear? What brought me joy before I worried about doing it well?
Day 3 – What keeps knocking at my door?
The hobby I keep pushing aside. The class I keep bookmarking. What’s still calling?
Day 4 – What am I quietly envious of?
What do I see in others that makes me ache a little? That might be a breadcrumb.
Day 5 – What’s one small part of that I can say yes to this week?
No reinvention. Just one small return.
Because your soul hasn’t gone anywhere.
She’s just been waiting for you to ask.
If you'd like a little help in stepping into the most powerful season of your life and career yet, then I have great news for you...
Women Who Lead is landing AGAIN this September and the waitlist opens THIS THURSDAY.
Don't worry, I'll make sure you know as soon as it goes live.
Finally, your turn...
What’s one part of yourself you’re ready to bring back into the light?
Reply and tell me. I read and reply to every message.
Rooting for you always
Ruth x
Ps. Did you listen to the episode where I sat down with the brilliant Leila Thomas, founder of Urban Synergy and a powerhouse advocate for women’s leadership? We dive into the complexities of leading with resilience, courage, and the importance of setting boundaries as a leader.
What's even better is that you can WATCH or LISTEN, depending on your vibe.
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