138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication | Think Fast, Talk Smart:...

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.
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Episode Reference Links:
Graham Weaver: Website (www.grahamweaver.com/) Last Lecture Series: How to Live an Asymmetric Life ( • Last Lecture Series: “... ) (Link to Graham’s Last Lecture) H. Irving Grousbeck (www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-...) (Stanford profile of Graham’s mentor and communicator he most admires) Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First KZhead ( • 82. It’s Not About You... ) / Website (www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights...) Ep.118 - Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want KZhead ( • 118. Maximizing your P... ) / Website (www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights...)
Connect:
Email Questions & Feedback thinkfast@stanford.edu Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart Website (www.gsb.stanford.edu/business...) Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.io (fastersmarter.io/) Think Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn Page ( / 77761391 ) , Instagram ( / thinkfasttalksmart ) , KZhead ( • Think Fast, Talk Smart... ) Matt Abrahams LinkedIn ( / maabrahams ) Stanford GSB LinkedIn ( / stanford-graduate-scho... ) & Twitter ( / stanfordgsb )
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
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