Imagine this: FNCE 2023 has just commenced in Denver, USA, and Stedman Graham, the man who needs no introduction, steps up to the stage. Yes, we’re talking about Oprah’s partner and a force to be reckoned with in his own right. But this wasn’t about basking in his own glory – it was about challenging us, right from the start, with a question that would echo in our minds long after the event: “Do you know who you are?”

Who are we, really? It’s a question that’s deceptively simple yet profoundly complex, and Stedman made sure we understood just how crucial it is. After all, he said, it’s almost impossible to lead others when you don’t have a firm grasp on your own identity.

Stedman’s journey to becoming a leading authority on identity leadership is nothing short of inspirational. As a young man, he faced a chorus of doubt, with many, including someone he deeply admired, telling him he’d never make it to college. But instead of succumbing to those naysayers, he transformed their scepticism into a burning motivation to prove them wrong.

Life then led him into the radiant shadow of Oprah, where he spent a significant part of his existence peeling back the layers of his own identity. It’s through this introspective journey that he discovered his true calling – teaching others about identity leadership. As he passionately declared, “You are not your circumstances but your possibilities”.

In his captivating talk, Stedman reminded us that every one of us has the same 24 hours each day. It’s the ultimate equaliser. What sets us apart is what we choose to do with that time. What kind of impact can you make? What can you create, develop or produce in those precious hours?

The heart of his message lay the idea that the only thing that truly matters is how you define yourself. Your perception of yourself is the cornerstone of your potential. He emphasised the importance of cultivating an identity mindset – a way of life that involves being a lifelong learner and a deep thinker. These principles align with the core values of Dietitian Connection, where we encourage ourselves and others to “be a better person today than yesterday” – in the words of Oprah.

Stedman then posed a question: “What is your energy like?” Have you ever paused to reflect on that? Do you possess a positive attitude and what is your capacity to handle change? These musings were in harmony with another core value of Dietitian Connection – collaboration. Stedman’s wisdom was crystal clear: “You can’t make it by yourself” and “a strong person will attract a strong team”. The essence of relationships, he explained, lies in how you make others feel about themselves.

Stedman also shared his transformative 9-Step Identity Leadership Success Process, which you can explore further in detail here. It’s a roadmap to reinventing not just yourself but the world around you through the power of identity leadership.

In conclusion, Stedman left us with a powerful declaration: “The best way to predict your future is to create it”. As a fellow lifelong learner, I left the event with my mind buzzing, eager to dive into the next book on my never-ending reading list.