I witnessed a special moment this week. It occurred during a presentation from Allison Worldwide co-founder Scott Pansky and Special Olympics global communications lead Christy Weir at Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) ICON 2025 in Anaheim.
Presenting on the Art of Storytelling to more than 500 Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) students from around the country, one of Scott’s main points centered on the power of our unique voice and story.
As he worked the room Phil Donahue-style (yes, dating myself), students shared versions of their own story. One student took the microphone and shared that his story was largely defined by struggles with imposter syndrome – and the constant fear of not living up to other’s expectations of him, of letting people down.
The room fell silent. Scott paused. He turned to the audience.
“How many people feel the same way?” he asked.
More than 500 hands slowly rose in unison.
“You’re not alone,” he said to the student.
It was an incredibly powerful moment. Through a single gesture it was a powerful group embrace – a show of understanding and support, for the student, for themselves, for each other. It’s hard to describe how connected a hotel ballroom could feel without a single word being spoken.
But it wouldn’t have happened without the courage of that student to open up and share his story. And it wouldn’t have happened without Scott, a parent himself and a mentor to hundreds if not thousands over the years, recognizing the moment, asking the perfect question and, more importantly, knowing what the response would be.
It was such a great lesson in the power of vulnerability and empathy.
Through vulnerability we can gain strength and support. In all likelihood, whatever we’re feeling, the 500 other people in the room are feeling the same thing. In sharing his story, that student gained not only support in return, but provided strength to everyone else in the room. Scott’s empathy and understanding enabled a collective empathetic response which supported not only the student, but each other.
It was a good reminder that we can always add a bit more vulnerability and empathy into our lives. Thanks to Scott and Christy for a great presentation and for your continued commitment to mentorship. And thanks to that student for your courage to share and the impact you made – I have my hand up for you too. #mentorship #resilience #storytelling
