I Love You More with Flaws

Perfect people? Snooze.

That’s why Hollywood gives its heroes flaws and sometimes a dog. It’s a shortcut to making them instantly likeable. Will Smith in I Am Legend? We fall for him the moment he whispers to his puppy. Even before the chaos, he’s vulnerable.

It’s not kindness that makes characters compelling. It’s contradictions. Ted Lasso is endlessly optimistic, but he still struggles with anxiety. Fleabag masks pain with humour. Their imperfections make us root for them.

And the same goes for business storytelling. The most magnetic storytellers aren’t the polished ones who’ve figured it all out. They’re the ones who are real about the mess, the stumbles, the “I had no clue what I was doing” moments.

So, how do you tell a story that embraces flaws without losing credibility? Start here:

Embrace Your Contradictions

People are drawn to contradictions. They make you interesting. Sara Blakely (Spanx) built a billion-dollar empire—but started out selling fax machines door to door.

What’s a contradiction in your story? Maybe you’re a confident CEO who once dreaded public speaking. A marketing pro who once bombed a campaign.

Make Your Weakness Cost You Something

Weakness isn’t just about quirks—it’s about stakes. Bridget Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary) lets her insecurity lead her into disastrous relationships. Walter White (Breaking Bad) lets his ego ruin his life.

Don’t just say, “I had a challenge.” Show how it nearly knocked you down. Did self-doubt stop you from pitching an idea? Did perfectionism delay your success?

 Show, Don’t Just Tell

Saying, “I struggled” is forgettable. Showing the moment? Unforgettable. Brené Brown doesn’t just talk about vulnerability—she shares how she almost quit after her TED Talk went viral.

Instead of “I used to struggle with confidence,” try: “My hands were shaking so badly during my first presentation, I dropped my notes.” Let your audience see the moment.

Make Your Flaws Likable

In business, the right flaw makes you more human, not less credible. Gary Vaynerchuk (love him or hate him) swears too much, but it’s part of his charm. Phoebe Buffay (Friends) is chaotic but lovable.

What’s a trait you once saw as a weakness? Maybe you were too introverted, too impatient, or too much of a perfectionist. Instead of hiding it, share how it shaped your success.

Let the Struggle Continue

You don’t need to be a finished product. Some of the best storytellers are still figuring things out. Marie Kondo, queen of tidying up, recently admitted that after having kids, her house isn’t always perfectly organised—and she’s okay with that. Even the decluttering icon has clutter.

End with growth, not perfection. Maybe you’re still learning to trust your gut or figuring out leadership. Let your audience see the mess behind the magic.