The power of vulnerability and authenticity

“Vulnerability is not oversharing, it’s sharing with people who have earned the right to hear our stories and our experiences.” ~ Brene Brown

At County Business Clubs Sussex 100, we deeply believe in the transformative power of vulnerability, authenticity and storytelling. This belief lies at the heart of our Top Table Storytelling events, where we go beyond surface-level networking and dive into meaningful conversations that truly matter.

At these events, we use conversation cards to spark what I like to call “real talk”. These aren’t your typical business discussions; they are an invitation to open up and share authentically. Take last month’s lunch at the stunning Tottington Manor – Terra Restaurant & Tasting Room, where one thought-provoking question brought the room to life:

“What did you learn from your greatest failure?”

The answers that followed were nothing short of extraordinary. Guests shared profound insights, vulnerable moments and authentic reflections that resonated with everyone present. What I’ve learned from hosting these events, as well as through my podcast and personal journey, is that failure is not the end — it’s feedback. Feedback becomes knowledge, and knowledge is power.

The stories shared that day were powerful reminders of how vulnerability can unlock connection, learning and growth. They were a testament to the resilience and strength found in authenticity.

These events go beyond networking to create a space for real relationships, built on trust and genuine conversations. They are unlike anything else I’ve hosted, and they continue to inspire and energize me every time.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible partners and guests who made the day unforgettable: Kyriakos Baxevanis, James Mallinson CFP Chartered FCSI, Matt Smith, Lucy Tarrant, Claire Pasquill, Joel Lawton, Norman Mayhew, Rachel Gerg, Alex Jones, and Steve Pomery.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s keep sharing our stories, embracing vulnerability, and building authentic connections through real talk. Because in these moments of openness, we find the strength to learn, grow, and build something truly meaningful together.

Sam Thomas,
Co Founder, County Business Clubs

www.countybusinessclubs.co.uk