I recently read the forward of an unusual book, The bushman winter has come, and was struck by the force of the words of the author who expressed his belief in an unusually open and authentic manner.

The book tells his personal, seven-year journey with a remote family of Gwikwe Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert, surviving in the harshest environment. What struck me was how he exposed his beliefs in the spirit world, in the power of dreaming and the connectedness of the soul.

It takes huge courage to publish a book and to expose oneself in this way, so it’s rare to read words that contain such openness. It made me think how seldom we really speak from the heart.

Speaking our truth is a practice we can develop through self-reflection and self-understanding. Public examples of leaders who seem to do this well – the Dalai Lama, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela – have all been through their personal journey of fire and come out confident in themselves and the value of their voice.

This weekly message is my opportunity to share what is important to me and my hope that in some small way it encourages you to find and express yourself – whether it’s in business, as a leader or in your personal life.

If you wish to be heard, my advice is to learn how to speak your truth.