What happens when the identity I hold most proudly becomes the very thing that limits connection?
In this solo episode of Becoming Unshakable, I share a moment of reflection that surfaced for me during a retreat I attended in Canada at the end of the year. I went there to speak, but also to listen, learn, and be present as a participant. In the middle of all the meaningful conversations and connections, one simple question from another attendee stopped me cold and stayed with me long after the retreat ended.
I have always been comfortable giving, serving, and pouring into others. That part of my leadership feels natural to me. But when I was asked whether I was truly open to receiving what others wanted to give in return, it forced me to look more closely at how often I move past praise, support, and presence without fully allowing it in. I realized that even with the best intentions, refusing to receive can quietly block trust and shared humanity.
In this episode, I reflect on why receiving matters just as much as giving, whether we are leading teams, families, or communities. I explore how not allowing others to show up for us can limit their sense of purpose, their contribution, and even the growth of the relationship itself. When we deny others the opportunity to give, we may unintentionally slow progress, connection, and innovation.
As I step into a new year, I invite you to reflect alongside me. If you identify as a giver, what would it look like to become a better receiver as well? And how might opening yourself to receive create deeper relationships, stronger teams, and a fuller expression of who we are meant to be?
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About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP
Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.
Visit heatheryounger.com or https://www.cmispeakers.com/heather-r-younger for more details.
