Odette Peralta Of The Social Savvy On How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally

An Interview With Maria Angelova

Building Trust and Connection: Authenticity and vulnerability create a deeper, more genuine connection with your audience. Sharing your true self, whether as an individual or a brand, fosters trust and rapport, making your audience more likely to engage with and support you.

Being vulnerable and authentic are some of today’s popular buzzwords. It may seem counterintuitive to be vulnerable, as many of us have been taught to project an air of confidence, be a boss, and act like we know everything. In Brene Brown’s words, “vulnerability takes courage.” So is vulnerability a strength or a weakness? Can someone be authentic without being vulnerable? How can being authentic and vulnerable help someone grow both personally and professionally? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, mental health professionals and business and life coaches who can share stories and examples of “How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally.” As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Odette Peralta.

Odette Peralta, a seasoned marketing expert and founder of The Social Savvy, is known for her unwavering commitment to authenticity and vulnerability in the world of digital marketing. With over seven years of industry experience, she has harnessed the power of these qualities to create compelling and relatable marketing campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences. Odette’s expertise exemplifies how authenticity and vulnerability are not just buzzwords but transformative tools for personal and professional growth.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

Thank you for having me! My childhood was a time of discovery and imagination, driven by a passion for creating and storytelling. I was fortunate to be surrounded by an environment that nurtured creativity and encouraged me to explore my interests. This formative period in my life laid the foundation for my journey in marketing, where I’ve harnessed the art of storytelling and creative expression to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

One of my favorite life lesson quotes is by Maya Angelou: ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ This quote resonates deeply with me because it underscores the profound impact of genuine connections and authenticity. In both my personal and professional life, I’ve found that the way we make others feel, the empathy we express, and the authenticity we bring to our interactions leave an indelible mark. It’s a reminder that in the digital age, where authenticity can sometimes be overlooked, genuine connections and making people feel valued remain timeless and invaluable.

Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

There have been several resources that have left a significant impact on my journey in marketing, and they often revolve around the power of storytelling and human connection. While I can’t pinpoint a specific one, what resonates with me the most are narratives that highlight the transformative potential of authenticity and vulnerability in marketing strategies. These resources, be they books, podcasts, or films, have consistently reinforced my belief that genuine human connections and relatable storytelling are at the core of effective marketing campaigns, and they continue to inspire me in my work.

Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s begin with a definition of terms so that each of us and our readers are on the same page. What exactly does being authentic mean?

In the realm of digital marketing, authenticity refers to the genuine and honest expression of a brand’s identity, values, and purpose. It means staying true to who you are and what you represent, both in content and interactions with your audience. Authenticity involves creating a transparent and relatable digital presence that resonates with your target audience and fosters trust. It’s about being real and unapologetically yourself in a way that genuinely connects with people in the digital landscape and the same applies for real life.

What does being vulnerable mean? Can you explain?

Vulnerability means being open and honest about the challenges, failures, and imperfections that a brand or individual may face. It’s about having the courage to share moments of authenticity, even when they might make you appear less than perfect. Vulnerability in marketing can take the form of openly addressing mistakes, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, or discussing personal stories. It’s a powerful tool for creating genuine connections with your audience, as it allows them to see the human side of your brand and fosters empathy and relatability.

What are the positive aspects of being authentic and vulnerable? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?

The positive aspects of being authentic and vulnerable in digital marketing are manifold. By sharing authentic stories and embracing vulnerability, brands can humanize themselves, making them relatable and trustworthy in the eyes of their audience. An excellent example of this is when a well-known fashion brand candidly shares its sustainability journey, including both successes and challenges. By admitting to their past environmental impact and openly discussing their commitment to change, they not only foster trust but also inspire their audience to join them on their sustainability mission. This transparency can lead to increased brand loyalty and support from an engaged and empathetic customer base.

Are there negative aspects to authenticity and vulnerability? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?

While authenticity and vulnerability can be powerful tools in digital marketing, there are potential pitfalls to navigate. For instance, sharing too much personal information or being excessively vulnerable can sometimes backfire, making an audience uncomfortable or undermining a brand’s professionalism. An illustrative example might be a software company sharing a personal, emotional story about one of its employees facing adversity. While the intention may be genuine, it could lead to confusion among the audience, who may wonder how this personal story relates to the company’s software products.

From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that hold someone back from being authentic and vulnerable?

From my experience, common barriers that can hold someone back from being authentic and vulnerable in digital marketing include concerns about perceived professionalism, fear of judgment, and the desire to maintain a flawless image. Many individuals and brands hesitate to share personal stories or admit vulnerabilities due to worries about how it might impact their reputation or credibility. They might fear that being authentic could be seen as a sign of weakness. Overcoming these barriers often involves a shift in mindset, recognizing that author.

Here is the central question of our discussion. What are five ways that being authentic and vulnerable pay off, and help you win, both personally and professionally?

• Building Trust and Connection: Authenticity and vulnerability create a deeper, more genuine connection with your audience. Sharing your true self, whether as an individual or a brand, fosters trust and rapport, making your audience more likely to engage with and support you.
• Standing Out in the Noise: In a digital landscape saturated with polished content, authenticity and vulnerability set you apart. It’s a breath of fresh air that captures attention and makes you memorable amidst the noise, ultimately enhancing your visibility.
• Fostering Empathy and Relatability: Sharing relatable stories of struggle or challenge allows your audience to empathize with you. This empathy builds a sense of community and belonging, which can lead to stronger customer loyalty or a more engaged following.
• Cultivating Innovation and Growth: Being open about your journey, including the mistakes and setbacks, encourages a culture of learning and growth. It promotes a mindset that welcomes change and innovation, both essential in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Personal Fulfillment: On a personal level, embracing authenticity and vulnerability can lead to increased self-awareness and fulfillment. It allows you to express your true self, pursue meaningful connections, and find purpose in your work, ultimately contributing to a more rewarding personal and professional life.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

If I could inspire a movement, it would center around ‘Digital Kindness.’ In today’s interconnected world, where digital interactions are ubiquitous, fostering empathy, respect, and support in online spaces is essential. This movement would promote a culture of kindness, both in personal and professional digital communications. It would encourage people to lift each other up, embrace diverse perspectives, and use their influence to create a more compassionate online environment. By spreading ‘Digital Kindness,’ we could collectively bring positivity and support to the lives of countless individuals in the digital realm, making the internet a better place for everyone.

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!

If I had the opportunity to have lunch with someone, it would be a person who has made significant contributions to the fields of authenticity and vulnerability. Their insights and experiences would provide valuable perspectives on these themes and how they impact personal and professional growth.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can visit our website at www.thesocial-savvy.com

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.