Theresa Pidcock Of zant On How Authenticity and Vulnerability Pay Off and Help You Win Personally and Professionally

An Interview With Maria Angelova

Building Trust: Trust is a cornerstone of both personal and professional relationships. Sharing your authenticity and vulnerability with others is a valuable currency. When you choose to share these aspects of yourself, it signifies that you deem the other person worthy of your trust. This builds trust and strengthens connections.

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 Theresa Pidcock.

Theresa Pidcock is an executive coach with multiple certifications and a master’s degree in business dynamics, known for her passion in unlocking individual greatness. Her coaching philosophy centers on recognizing and harnessing the untapped potential within each person, emphasizing the power of emotions to achieve extraordinary results. With a commitment to leading through collaboration and a talent for solving complex problems, Theresa inspires clients to unleash their true potential and cultivate a winning mindset for personal and professional fulfillment.

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?

I spent my upbringing in a quaint coastal town along California’s West Coast. Although my parents were genuinely caring, our family history carried its share of dysfunction. My formative years exposed me to tendencies such as aiming to please others, adopting a Type-A personality, and striving for perfection. As time went on, these inclinations translated into a life characterized by an incessant pursuit of control and order. This stemmed from a desire to prevent surprises, as my longing for a sense of safety and stability remained strong. While I now recognize the inherent unhealthiness in these dynamics, this was the backdrop of my childhood experiences.

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

When it comes to a life lesson quote that has deeply resonated with me, I’m particularly fond of the saying, “Never let your yesterdays define your tomorrow.” While I’ve come across similar versions of this quote, I haven’t been able to attribute it to a specific author. This quote holds great relevance because it reminds us of the tendency many of us have to dwell on our past, whether it’s past mistakes, regrets, or the constant “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” thinking. However, the reality is that we cannot change our past. What we do have the power to influence is our future. This quote serves as a constant reminder that we should focus our energies on creating a better tomorrow. It encourages me to embrace the possibilities of the future and to channel my efforts into making it extraordinary.

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?

Regarding a single book, podcast, or film that significantly influenced me, I can’t pinpoint just one. What I truly value is the concept of cumulative learning, which has been a central theme in my life. I believe in the power of expanding one’s knowledge across various domains. When we do this, our perspective on the world broadens. We begin to perceive less division between “us” and “them” and instead see the world as a cohesive whole. Empathy becomes easier to cultivate when our minds expand and our understanding of the world grows. This expansion of perspective occurs through continuous learning and exploration, whether it’s through reading, podcasts, or travel experiences.

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?

To establish a common understanding, I’d like to clarify the term “authenticity.” I resonate with Brené Brown’s definition, which I find both insightful and compelling. According to Brené, authenticity is “the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.” I deeply admire Brené’s work, and this definition resonates with me because it encourages individuals to embrace their true selves, to show up as they are, and to cast aside any pretenses or masks they may wear. It essentially emphasizes the importance of being genuine and true to oneself.

What does being vulnerable mean? Can you explain?

As defined by Brené Brown once again, vulnerability is “the sensation we experience in moments of uncertainty, risk, or emotional exposure.” This definition has gained prominence relatively recently, and I find it to be a profound encapsulation of what vulnerability truly means.

It’s crucial to have this shared language because it highlights the importance of relinquishing the expectations we impose on ourselves and instead embracing our genuine selves. This marks the initial step on the path to progress. When we shed our masks and allow our true selves to shine through, we no longer need to put on a facade. We don’t have to constantly question whether we are being liked or loved for who we truly are.

I view this as a heart-centered process, often pitting our heart against our head. While it’s possible that some individuals may not like us when we are truly authentic, I believe it’s better to be disliked for our genuine selves than to maintain different personas in various settings. Juggling these facades, whether at social gatherings, in the workplace, or at home, can be mentally exhausting. It’s time to embrace authenticity and let it be the cornerstone of our interactions.

Ultimately, this approach fosters authentic connections, which many of us long for. Authentic connections start with vulnerability and authenticity. By being true to ourselves, we create the foundation for genuine and meaningful connections with others.

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

Certainly, it’s important to acknowledge that there can be drawbacks to authenticity and vulnerability. There will always be individuals who may not be deserving of the depths of our hearts. I firmly believe that we should exercise caution in allowing certain people into our inner world, and it’s sometimes necessary to establish boundaries and protective barriers.

I often use the analogy that even if you make the best peach pie in the world, there will still be people who simply don’t like peach pie. However, rather than choosing to build walls, conceal our true selves, or avoid vulnerability due to the fear of encountering negativity, I advocate for courage. I encourage choosing better people to connect with. It’s true that rejection can be painful, but it also builds resilience. Through these experiences, we learn to value the connections we make with those who truly appreciate and accept us for who we are.

My husband often says, “Four quarters versus a hundred pennies,” a saying I greatly appreciate. I’d rather have four genuine, solid connections than a hundred shallow ones because these individuals are your steadfast companions. I emphasize this concept to my children regularly, as I believe the dynamics of our interconnected world today differ significantly from my own upbringing. In this highly connected society, it remains crucial to remember that while we may have numerous acquaintances, it’s essential to dig deep and seek those four quarters — the relationships that truly matter.

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

From my vantage point and based on my experiences, I’ve noticed several common barriers that often hinder individuals from embracing authenticity and vulnerability. Primarily, building trust and the fear of past rejection play significant roles.

In my work with clients, I frequently encourage them to place themselves in situations where they might face rejection. It’s not because I have any ill will towards them, but rather because I believe it’s essential to build that emotional resilience. Just like any other skill, such as sales, for instance, regularly subjecting oneself to potential rejection can desensitize a person to its sting. It helps them detach from taking it personally, as it’s important to remember that rejection is often more about the other person than it is about you.

When we consider vulnerability, authenticity, and trust-building, these are indeed some of the more prominent barriers. Trust is a critical component in reaching a point where we can reveal our true selves without the constant fear of it being used against us. The fear that someone might betray our vulnerability, either by sharing it with others or weaponizing it in the future, can be a substantial obstacle.

However, it’s crucial to note that vulnerability requires courage not only from the person sharing but also from the receiver. The recipient needs to honor and hold a safe space for the person who is being vulnerable because it truly is an act of bravery. When someone opens up to us in this manner, it’s a significant gesture that deserves respect and care.

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?

1. Genuine Connections: Authenticity allows people to truly get to know the real you. For instance, I work closely with a fellow entrepreneur named Amy who possesses a delightful and multi-talented personality. Her authenticity shines through when she spontaneously performs the Napoleon Dynamite dance during training sessions. People are drawn to her because of her genuine nature, and this authenticity builds loyalty among her clients. When people get to know the true you, it creates a fanbase of dedicated supporters.
2. Enhanced Approachability: Being authentic and vulnerable signals to others that you are a real person. It gives them the assurance that they can approach you and be their authentic selves as well. This mutual authenticity grants permission for genuine interactions and fosters approachability.
3. Building Trust: Trust is a cornerstone of both personal and professional relationships. Sharing your authenticity and vulnerability with others is a valuable currency. When you choose to share these aspects of yourself, it signifies that you deem the other person worthy of your trust. This builds trust and strengthens connections.
4. Momentum: When authenticity is established, you eliminate the need for pretense and facades. This not only saves time but also allows you to cut through the noise and start from a more advanced position, especially in professional settings. It’s akin to starting halfway down the field, gaining momentum quickly.
5. Deeper Connection: Authenticity and vulnerability pave the way for genuine connections. When you interact with someone who is authentic, it becomes evident that they are the real deal, devoid of pretentiousness. This enables you to bypass superficiality and engage in meaningful conversations, forging connections that are based on truth and sincerity.

In essence, authenticity and vulnerability are not only personally enriching but also powerful tools in the professional realm, fostering trust, connection, and success.

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 had the opportunity to inspire a movement that could bring immense goodness to a vast number of people, it would unquestionably be a movement of kindness. While kindness does exist in our world, I believe there’s a pressing need for even more of it. I envision a world where kindness flows naturally and abundantly, where people heed the subtle nudges of compassion and empathy that I refer to as “whispers.” These whispers could be as simple as pausing to hold a door open for someone or assisting an individual who appears to be struggling or lost. If we all embraced these whispers of kindness and turned them into actions, our world would undergo a remarkable transformation.

Though I don’t claim to be the epitome of kindness at all times, I wholeheartedly endorse the concept and constantly strive to lend a helping hand and consider the needs of others. By cultivating a consistent practice of kindness, I genuinely believe that our world could experience a profound shift, leading to positive change that ripples through communities and societies.

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!

Without a doubt, if I could share a private breakfast or lunch with someone, it would be Oprah Winfrey. She holds a special place in my heart for profoundly influencing my life. As a GenX latchkey kid, I often tuned into her book clubs, which were a source of inspiration and transformation during a time when most talk shows revolved around drama and gossip.

Oprah’s impact on my life has been so significant that I’ve been telling people for years that I would meet her one day and express my gratitude for the positive change she brought into my life, even though countless others have likely done the same. I fondly recall receiving her magazine for the first time while raising my five children amid the constant chaos of family life. During those precious moments when my kids were napping, I would sit on my porch with a glass of iced tea and immerse myself in every article and publication within Oprah’s magazine.

To this day, I firmly believe that Oprah made a meaningful difference in the life of a young twenty-something mother and wife, and that kind of impact truly matters. She not only possesses wisdom and brilliance but also stands as a remarkable businesswoman with a compassionate heart. Plus, her sense of humor adds an extra layer of charm.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can stay updated with my work online through my website, which is https://theresapidcock.com/. Additionally, you can connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresahampsonpidcock, and you’ll find me on Instagram under the username @theresapidcock. I’m always eager to connect with readers, learn about your experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions, so please feel free to reach out and let’s enjoy the journey together.

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.