In this episode of the INSPIRE podcast, Drew Lawson turns to the innermost circle of identity: the True Self. Building on earlier conversations about False Selves and Unwanted Selves, this episode invites listeners to step beyond performance, approval, and shame, and discover the essence of who they are beneath the noise—the part of us that is whole, beloved, and anchored in God.

 

With wisdom from voices like Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr, Drew explores the difference between the False Self (driven by control and striving), the Unwanted Selves (voices of shame and sabotage), and the True Self (the light and gold within that cannot be tarnished). He highlights why this matters for leadership and life: authenticity sustains influence, resilience grows from identity not activity, and belovedness fuels courage, creativity, and connection.

 

The conversation then turns practical, offering first practices for uncovering and living from the True Self:

 

• Values Clarification and purpose statement creation.

• Anthem writing as a way to ground identity.

• Drawing from Positive Intelligence, the Sage Powers of empathy, curiosity, innovation, navigation, and action as expressions of the True Self—integrated with the MetaSkills Wheel of Intention.

• Using strengths frameworks (Gallup, Strengths Profile, LCP competencies) to celebrate gifts instead of obsessing over deficits.

• Learning self-compassion, befriending saboteurs, and embracing our common humanity.

 

 

Drew closes with a reflective invitation: “What is one moment you’ve felt most alive, most yourself? What was present in you?”

 

This episode is both a gentle uncovering and a bold calling—to live from the True Self and to lead with presence, peace, and purpose.