We often measure people by their success. Yet, as an old Chinese saying reminds us, true character is not shaped in moments of triumph; it is revealed in times of hardship. It is in the lowest moments, when everything seems lost, that character shows itself in how we rise, how we keep going, and how we choose to show up.

What do you do when your dreams are shattered, when all the hope and the future you once believed in suddenly slip away? How do you piece a broken heart back together and find the courage to move forward?

In my conversation with Jordyn Elyse, she spoke with honesty and vulnerability about separation, showing that even in pain, there can be courage, beauty, and inspiration. I told her that it's grace.

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The long-awaited grand ball finally arrives, stirring excitement throughout the kingdom. Though originally intended only for eligible young women to meet the prince, Ivo finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the event. Still healing from heartbreak, Ivo has been isolating for weeks, but the energy of the ball sparks a faint desire to reconnect with the world. When his childhood friend Tom, a musician performing at the event, stops by, Ivo seizes the chance to attend. Despite initial hesitation, Tom agrees to bring him along — marking a subtle yet powerful turning point. The chapter captures the slow reawakening of Ivo’s spirit as he dares to step into a world of magic and possibility once more, even as he carries his pain quietly. This night may be the beginning of something he never expected.

In this poignant chapter, the kingdom buzzes with the news that the mysterious younger prince is searching for a bride. Meanwhile, Ivo and George spend more time together in quiet companionship, deepening their bond through shared conversations and long walks. Although Ivo harbours unspoken feelings, he dares not hope for more. His heart breaks when George reveals that he is being pressured by his father to marry, not out of desire, but out of duty. Ivo masks his pain, pretending to be supportive, while quietly falling apart. That night, comforted by his mother’s gentle love, Ivo confronts the crushing reality of unrequited love and societal rejection. With a heavy heart, he vows to protect himself by abandoning love altogether. The chapter ends with Ivo deciding to change, to harden, so that he will never feel this kind of pain again.

Seemingly simple questions can require immense courage, bravery, and dignity. It takes a strong person to put their own agenda aside and genuinely address a child's needs, no matter how difficult the questions may be. This kind of strength deserves to be celebrated. We should honour the moments when a mother, despite her heartbreak, continues to try her best to meet her children's needs with dignity and integrity. Whether these moments are perceived as small or significant, they contribute to building character and embracing love in our society. Authentic Leadership Podcast conversation with Jordyn Elyse.

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How prepared is our society to openly discuss difficult topics and to pay more attention to the grief that individuals experience? Instead of expecting people to just move on from their heartbreak, we should acknowledge and recognize one another's pain. Authentic Leadership Podcast Conversation with Jordyn Elyse

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Authenticity Studio presents the Authentic Leadership Podcast—a place where truth is spoken without filtering, and where we celebrate individuals who dare to live and lead as their true selves. Each episode dives into powerful conversations about living authentically, leading with vulnerability, and embracing the courage it takes to be unapologetically you.

From navigating personal identity and mental health to challenging societal expectations and leadership norms, this podcast explores what it really means to lead from the heart. We talk about the messy, unpolished realities of growth, the resilience it takes to show up as yourself, and the transformative power of empathy and human connection.

Whether you’re a leader, a dreamer, or someone on a journey of self-discovery, the Authentic Leadership Podcast will inspire you to live more fully, love more openly, and lead with courage.

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In a world where institutions are shaped by capitalism—often valuing productivity over recognising people as emotional beings with complex life journeys—how easy is it to live authentically and stay true to yourself, inside and out? In this episode of the Authentic Leadership Podcast, I speak with Jordyn Elyse about the courage it takes to lead with vulnerability, drawing on Brené Brown’s message to dare to lead. We explore what it means to embrace grief as part of healing, challenge societal pressures, and create space for authenticity in leadership, mental health, and human connection.

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In this video, I share the deeply personal reason why I wrote The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Cinderella. Growing up, I never saw a fairytale about a boy who loved another boy. There were no stories that reflected my dreams, my heart, or my reality. This book is my way of filling that gap—telling a love story that faces societal prejudice and celebrates the courage to be true to yourself.

In The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Cinderella, love must rise above social expectations and family obligations. The first step in this journey is owning your love, even in the face of intense pressure. For those living under higher social expectations, the choice is often between authenticity and obligation—a choice I explore through this story.

This is Part One of my author’s journey. Watch Chapters One to Three from The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Cinderella on my YouTube channel and join me as I share the heart behind this LGBTQ+ fairytale.

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Chapter One:

Chapter Two:

Chapter Three:

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Jordyn Elyse shared her journey from childhood to motherhood, navigating identity through separation, grief, and vulnerability. She lives with authenticity, showing up truthfully—with love and passion. It was a conversation I’ll never forget: a soul-to-soul exchange that many will deeply relate to, touching on heartache, kindness, beauty, and grace. Through her honesty, we unpacked the unspoken expectations around grief—how it’s often treated as something to be fixed or resolved within a set timeline, which rarely aligns with our human experience. Instead of rushing through it, Jordyn chose the harder path: to walk with her grief and vulnerability, allowing it to shape who she is today. This was a meaningful podcast that gently calls us back to our shared humanity.

In this heartfelt reflection, I explore what it means to love someone without expecting anything in return. Unconditional love is about presence, acceptance, and showing up for someone—even when it's hard, even when you're not sure how they'll receive it.

It’s the kind of love we often long for, yet fear to offer. Vulnerability, courage, and patience are at the heart of it. Sometimes it feels like an ocean—beautiful, vast, and a little overwhelming.

I’ve come to see that loving someone unconditionally doesn’t make you weak—it means you’re anchored in strength. You hold space not to fix or change someone, but to honour their truth while staying rooted in your own.

💬 What does unconditional love mean to you?