From Shame to Superpower: The Surprising Truth About What Makes You Unstoppable
The 6P story framework.
The truth that no one wants to hear?
Your experiences, especially the ones you’ve tried to hide, are the most valuable thing you own.
We don’t want to hear it because it means we’ll need to face it.
Ash Rathod, my recent guest is a brand strategist and storyteller. He is also a LinkedIn instructor breaking records with his storytelling course. Ash discovered this a superpower in a way that changed his life. When he developed vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that altered the pigmentation of his skin, it pushed him into isolation. His fingers, his face started to lose its color.
Video calls? Off. Social events? Cancelled. Even his once-thriving business was affected.
(This post from Ash on LinkedIn brought tears to my eyes - I read it to him in our episode.)
But here’s the twist: what Ash thought would be his downfall eventually became his superpower. Sharing his story not only helped him heal but also helped others connect and grow. It created a stronger bond between him and his clients. The opposite of what he thought was going to happen.
And guess what? You have a story just like that. The question is: are you ready to embrace it?
THE LESSON
Your story, your real, messy, unpolished, lived experience can connect, inspire, and transform lives. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours.
Howie Chan
his quote from Ash says it best 👇🏽
"The story you’re telling yourself in your head isn’t always true. Until you share it, you’ll never realize how wrong that story might be."
Ash Rathod
❤️ Heartset: Our fears are giving us a message
Too often, we’re held back by the fear of judgment. What will people think? Will they dismiss me, laugh at me, or worse, ignore me?
But the truth is, people connect with stories that feel real. The more honest and vulnerable you are, the more powerful your story becomes. Because your audience isn’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for humanity.
When we feel like we need to hide something, it’s something we need to explore.
🧠 Mindset: Focus on the people you serve
Instead of asking, “What will people think of me?” ask, “How can my story help someone else?”
🧰 Skillset: The 6P framework
To craft a story that resonates, follow these steps:
Protagonist: Start with the main character—you.
Example: “The color of my skin started to change two years ago…”
Present State: Set the stage. What was your life like before the transformation?
Example: “I began to hide. No camera on video calls, no face-to-face networking anymore.”
Problem State: Introduce the challenge or conflict. What was holding you back?
Example: “The sudden onset of vitiligo exacerbated my mental health. I was already on an emotional edge.”
Pit State: Highlight the lowest emotional point. This is where your audience connects deeply with you.
Example: “I became embarrassed, timid, and inward. My confidence was shattered.”
Progress State: Share the turning point. What or who helped you begin to rise?
Example: “A client gave me the space to talk via email. Her words of encouragement changed everything.”
Power State: End with transformation. What did you gain, and how are you using it to make an impact?
Example: “I realized I didn’t have to hide. Now I help others find strength in their stories, too.”
Lean on Emotion:
As Ash says, “Eliciting emotion makes your story memorable.” This doesn’t mean it has to be a tearjerker. It could evoke excitement, frustration, joy, or triumph. Think about how you want your audience to feel when they hear your story.
Write Hot, Edit Cold:
First, pour your heart out. Don’t overthink structure—just write freely. Then, step away. Come back later with fresh eyes and refine your story to align with the 6P Framework.
Share a Personal Experience:
Start with a story that matters to you. Think about a time when you overcame a challenge, learned a valuable lesson, or experienced transformation. It doesn’t have to be a life-altering event—it just needs to be honest.
For Ash, it was the moment his wife gently told him, “This isn’t you. You were fine just the way you were.” That small, heartfelt moment became the treatment he was searching for all along—and a story that connected with thousands.
Learn more about Ash’s course on Linkedin HERE.
Your Story Can Change Your Life
Your story doesn’t have to be “perfect.” In fact, it shouldn’t be. Start small. Write down one experience that changed you and it’s something that can help your client, your customer, your audience. Use the 6P Framework to structure it.
And then? Share it. Start with a close friend, post it on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear it.
Because here’s the thing: your story has the power to change not just your life, but someone else’s too.
So, what’s stopping you?
Howie Chan
Creator of Influence Anyone
Follow me on LinkedIn
Don’t miss:
The Influence Anyone Podcast
Want to listen to me read a dramatic reading or Ash telling us how his diagnosis led to a true breakthrough?
🎧 Listen to it on Apple, Spotify, the web or wherever you get your podcasts.