Embracing the Gold in Our Story
I have always loved the Japanese concept of Kintsugi. It is the art of repairing broken pottery using gold, not to hide the cracks but to highlight them. The repaired pottery becomes even more beautiful, valuable, and unique piece because of its imperfections. Each line of gold tells a story — a story of resilience, repair, and renewal.
All too often, we try to hide the parts of our story that feel broken. We bury our mistakes, losses, and painful moments, hoping others will only see the polished surface, not the cracks. But what if, instead, we chose to repair those broken pieces with gold — to honor them as part of what makes us whole?
Gold is a precious metal. It’s not glue or plaster — it’s a deliberate, valuable repair. Using gold in the mending reminds us that our cracks are not flaws to conceal but parts of our story that deserve recognition.
Finding my Gold
Almost 15 years ago, life was going well. I had gone back to grad school to pursue my MBA, managed a thriving medical practice, volunteered in my church and at my alma mater, and had a strong circle of friends. Our game nights were the best!
Then everything changed.
My health began to decline, and no one could pinpoint why. What followed were years of doctor visits, research hospitals, and a slow unraveling of the life I had built. I had to step back, move closer to family, and face a new reality.
When the diagnosis finally came, the relief was mixed with grief — grief for the life I once had and the person I used to be. I had to find a new normal. It took years of reflection, prayer, and leaning into the process, but over time, I began to see that my medical journey wasn’t just a painful chapter. It was part of my Kintsugi — part of the story that shaped me.
That “broken” season of my life became the gold in my story. It gave me a depth of compassion and empathy I never would have known otherwise. It shaped my calling — to help others succeed while embracing their own stories, not in spite of the cracks, but because of them.
If you had asked me years ago, I would have said I would never want to relive those difficult years. And yet now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It made me who I am today.
Leading with Gold
Being an effective leader isn’t about being perfect. It’s not about having all the answers or a spotless past. True leadership is about being human, about recognizing the value of story — both our own and others’.
When I embrace my own story, when I allow the cracks to be filled with gold instead of embarrassment or shame, I show up differently as a leader. I can model that life isn’t always perfect, but when we choose to piece ourselves back together, we become stronger, more authentic, and more beautiful works of art.
Your Turn
What parts of your story have you kept hidden — afraid that people might lose respect for you if they knew? Being laid off or fired? Being removed from a position of leadership? Making a mistake that resulted in lost revenue for your employer? Carrying the weight of personal battles while still trying to be an effective leader?
What cracks could be repaired with gold rather than covered up?
If you’re leading others, it’s especially powerful to recognize how your own challenges can shape the way you show up. The lessons within your “cracks” often become the very qualities that make you uniquely skilled, authentic and trusted as leader
Here are a few ways to start discovering the gold in your own story as a leader:
- Reflect on a Defining Leadership Challenge
Think of a time when you faced a professional setback, made a tough decision, or experienced failure in your leadership role. What did that experience reveal about your values, your resilience, or your blind spots? - Reframe the Lesson
For each challenge, identify what new strength or awareness it brought you. Did it deepen your empathy? Improve your communication? Sharpen your priorities? Recognizing these “gold-filled” lessons transforms past difficulties into leadership assets. - Model Vulnerability with Intention
Share a meaningful story of growth or failure with your team — something appropriate and relevant that can help them learn, connect, or feel seen. The goal isn’t to overshare, but to model authenticity and show that strength and imperfection can coexist beautifully.
Ready to Begin Your Kintsugi Journey?
If you’re ready to explore your own story, to find the gold in the cracks and lead from a place of authenticity and growth, coaching can help you get there.
Together, we’ll uncover the internal blocks that have told you to keep your cracks hidden, discover the lessons within your journey, build confidence in your strengths, and create a path forward that honors your unique story.
You can schedule a complimentary discovery session to learn more about how coaching can help you grow as a leader and as a person who embraces the gold that is part of your story.
https://calendly.com/allison-mindset/coaching-discovery-call
Make sure to subscribe so you can get my blogs directly to your inbox. When you subscribe, you can also listen to the audio version of the blog – for those of you who prefer the audio format or like to multitask.
