138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

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From the way you communicate, to the way build your life and career, Graham Weaver, MBA ’99, says it’s about “giving yourself permission to fully be yourself. You can never go wrong when you’re saying your truth.”

Weaver is a lecturer in management, a GSB alum, and the founder and a partner of Alpine Investors. He stresses the importance of direct communication, highlighting how avoiding it can lead to wasted time, energy, and even financial losses. Reflecting on his own experiences in private equity, Weaver admits to struggling with being conflict-averse and not speaking his truth directly, which resulted in getting into bad deals and big losses for his company. “People think that by being indirect, they’re being kind, but all they're doing is creating confusion,” he says. “Clarity is compassionate. Even if it's not what they want to hear, the more direct and clear you can be, the more compassionate that is for the other person.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Weaver and host Matt Abrahams explore how being true to oneself not only fosters personal fulfillment but also enables us to show up better for others. Authenticity and self-belief lay the foundation for effective communication, leadership, and ultimately, success.

Episode Reference Links:

• Graham Weaver: Website
• Last Lecture Series: How to Live an Asymmetric Life (Link to Graham’s Last Lecture)
• H. Irving Grousbeck (Stanford profile of Graham’s mentor and communicator he most admires)
• Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First YouTube / Website 
• Ep.118 - Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want YouTube / Website

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• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Graham Weaver, a Stanford alum and lecturer in management at GSB.

(00:0:43) Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills in Business

How skills like understanding personal dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs play a critical role in business success.

(00:04:58) Living an Asymmetrical Life

Living an asymmetrical life, including the importance of doing hard things, pursuing your passions, committing long-term, and writing your own story.

(00:10:10) Lessons from Taylor Swift

Business and personal inspiration from Taylor Swift's response to professional setbacks, highlighting her work ethic and resilience.

(00:13:04) Personal Growth and Enlightenment

Graham’s journey towards enlightenment and the practices he adopts to improve his personal and professional life.

(00:16:08) The Final Three Questions

Graham shares what differentiates an exceptional from average leader, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication.

(00:21:05) Conclusion