Professional Relationships: Heart on My Sleeve, Speaking Truth to Power, and Finding My Ikigai

If there’s one constant in my professional journey, it’s that I approach relationships with my heart fully on my sleeve. I care deeply—sometimes too deeply—about the work I do, the people I collaborate with, and the causes I champion. That passion often spills over into oversharing or speaking truth to power with an honesty that doesn’t always land as I intend. Is it my Scorpio nature? Perhaps. My mouth has gotten me into trouble more than once, but my commitment to standing up for what’s right keeps me going.

Through it all, I’ve come to embrace a guiding principle: Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding purpose—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. For me, my ikigai is rooted in advocacy, inclusion, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It’s what drives me to keep going, even when I don’t get it right.

Should You Show Your Feelings in Business?

In the world of professional relationships, emotions can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, showing your passion and authenticity can inspire trust and connection. On the other, oversharing or reacting emotionally can create misunderstandings or unintended consequences.

Here’s what I’ve learned about navigating this balance:

The Upside of Showing Your Heart

1. Authenticity Builds Trust: People are drawn to honesty and vulnerability. When you show up as your true self, it deepens relationships.
2. Passion Sparks Change: Your enthusiasm and emotional investment can inspire others to care as much as you do.
3. Truth Has Power: Speaking up, even when it’s difficult, demonstrates courage and integrity—qualities that are essential in leadership and advocacy.

The Risks of Oversharing

1. Timing is Everything: Vulnerability is powerful, but it has to be shared at the right time and with the right audience.
2. Misunderstandings Happen: Sometimes, what you intend as heartfelt honesty can be perceived as unprofessional or overly personal.
3. Emotions Can Cloud the Message: While feelings are valid, they can sometimes overshadow the point you’re trying to make.

Picking Up and Moving Forward

I’d love to say I always get it right, but I don’t. Sometimes I’ve spoken out of turn, shared too much, or let my emotions get the better of me. But what I’ve learned is that getting it wrong doesn’t define you—what matters is how you pick yourself up afterward.

Resilience is key. Every misstep has taught me something valuable about communication, relationships, and myself. Each stumble has been an opportunity to refine my approach and re-center on my ikigai: the purpose that drives me to advocate, connect, and champion causes that matter deeply to me.

Ikigai as a Compass

The concept of ikigai reminds me that my passion, even when it’s messy, is a gift. It’s what fuels my work and gives me the energy to keep going. Here’s how I use it to guide my professional relationships:

1. Stay Rooted in Purpose: When I face conflict or setbacks, I remind myself why I’m here—to make a difference, not to be perfect.
2. Balance Passion with Reflection: While my emotions are my strength, I’ve learned to pause, reflect, and ensure my delivery aligns with my goals.
3. Embrace Growth: Missteps aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones toward better communication, stronger relationships, and deeper impact.

The Bottom Line

Yes, wearing my heart on my sleeve and speaking truth to power has its risks. But it’s also what makes me effective, authentic, and deeply connected to my work. Professional relationships thrive on balance, but they flourish when rooted in purpose. So if you find yourself oversharing, stumbling, or wondering if you should hold back—remember this: your passion is your power, and your resilience is your strength. When you align them with your ikigai, you can create a meaningful, lasting impact, one relationship at a time.