Last week, I had the opportunity to film and interview Tony Robbins as part of a health and wellness project I’m working on, capturing his personal health journey. While filming, I kept thinking about how much I wanted to share Tony’s wellness story with friends and family—something I could gift them to help on their health journeys.

That’s why, in this issue, I’m jonesing to share:

• Why founders should treat their story as a gift

• 3 lessons on how to better “wrap” your story as a gift

• One of my favorite videos that I’d love to share with you

 Enjoy this special “Your Story Is a Gift” issue, and may you cherish all the gifts in your life this holiday season.

– LG

Founder Story Tip: Give Your Story Away

Sharing your founder's story is one of the most generous acts you can do. This is why you need to give it to everyone willing to lend you an ear.  

Your story might be EXACTLY what someone else needs to hear today—to help them solve a challenge they’re facing, to understand that they’re not alone in their struggles, or to trigger an idea that could change how people build companies.     

Looking back on the thousands of successful founders I’ve filmed over the years, I’m captivated by the inspiration they gave me—not just to buy their product or tell someone about their service, but to share their stories because I was so moved by what they had gone through.  

These stories don’t just sell products or services. They create an emotional resonance that no marketing budget can buy. 

Let me share 3 examples of founders who turned their personal stories into narrative gifts that helped build their brands: 

SARA’S ‘BUTT VS. TOES’ DILEMMA

Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX, started out selling fax machines door-to-door in southern Florida. One sweltering summer day, she faced a fashion dilemma: she wanted to wear white pants with open-toed shoes but needed pantyhose to make sure her butt looked good. Not wanting the pantyhose to show, she grabbed scissors, cut off the feet, and wore them—sparking the idea for SPANX.

Sara poured her savings into developing her product, filed a patent herself, and faced repeated rejections from male-run manufacturers. Finally, a factory owner—convinced by his daughters—agreed to produce it. Her persistence paid off when she boldly pitched a Neiman Marcus buyer, stepping into a dressing room to demonstrate the product. That meeting secured her first major order.

Today, SPANX is a global phenomenon generating over $300 million annually.  

Sara’s journey—from cutting up pantyhose to believing in her idea when no one else did—resonates deeply with women who relate to her practical fashion struggle and breaking into a male-dominated industry. Her story of determination and resilience continues to inspire audiences everywhere.  

SCOTT’S SOULLESS NIGHTS

Scott Harrison spent a decade promoting New York City nightclubs, living what seemed like a glamorous life. But he felt empty. Recognizing the need for change, he sold his possessions and joined Mercy Ships, a humanitarian organization providing medical care in impoverished regions.  

In West Africa, Scott witnessed the devastating effects of the global water crisis. This became his turning point. Back in New York, he leveraged his party-throwing expertise to launch Charity: Water, built on transparency to show donors exactly where their money went. His first fundraiser, a $20-for-entry birthday party, raised $15,000, funding wells in Uganda.  

Since then, Charity: Water has raised over $700 million and provided clean water to millions. Scott’s transformation from a soulless lifestyle to a purposeful mission shows how even dark chapters can lead to extraordinary change.

HOWARD’S BROKEN FATHER

Howard Schultz grew up in the projects of Brooklyn, watching his father struggle in low-paying jobs with no benefits. When an injury left his father unable to work, Howard witnessed the humiliation of poverty firsthand as his father felt helpless. Determined to create a better future, he resolved to one day build a company that treated employees with dignity and respect.

At Starbucks, Howard made a groundbreaking move by offering comprehensive health insurance to part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. This commitment created a culture where valued employees led to happy customers, helping Starbucks grow to 40,000 stores and become one of the world’s most admired brands.

Howard’s story reminds us that past struggles can inspire a vision for a better future. By helping people take care of themselves, they will, in turn, take care of the brand. And it is why Starbucks’ values-based approach continues to inspire companies worldwide.

Storytelling Lessons:  Give Your Story Away

Remember that your founder's story is a gift—a bridge that connects you to your audience and impacts your community and the world. Here are 3 key lessons to guide you so you can share this 'story gift' authentically and effectively:

1. Take Us With You
   Take your audience with you on your journey. Like Sara Blakely, who shared her struggles—from cutting up pantyhose in her apartment to facing rejection from manufacturers—your story becomes relatable when you show the steps, challenges, and triumphs that shaped you.
   
   By inviting others into the messy, human side of your journey, you create a connection that inspires and motivates, turning your journey into a story they won’t forget. 
   

2. Be Vulnerable
   Vulnerability builds connection. Sharing the human side of your journey—your challenges and struggles—creates trust. As Scott Harrison transformed from a soulless lifestyle to a life of purpose, he didn’t shy away from exposing his past mistakes. Instead, he used them to build a bridge of trust with donors, inspiring them to join his mission for clean water. 
   
   Sharing struggles makes your story relatable and invites others to connect with your story and your vision.
   

3. Share Your Why
   Howard Schultz’s story shows the power of sharing your “why.” Witnessing his father’s struggles with low-paying jobs inspired him to create Starbucks, a company that prioritized employee dignity by offering healthcare to part-time workers. 
   
   Sharing your purpose connects you emotionally with your audience, building trust and loyalty. Your “why” isn’t just a backstory—it’s the foundation of your success and the bridge to meaningful impact.
   

Your story doesn’t end with you. It’s a gift that keeps giving, inspiring others to believe, connect, and create change. Start sharing your story today—it’s the most generous act you.

Video to Watch: Choose the Beautiful State

The mindset you choose every day has the power to transform your life. This 50-second video from Tony Robbins, “Choosing to Live in a Beautiful State,” is one of the simplest, most impactful reminders of that truth. It’s a message I often share with friends and family—a daily choice that can change not only your perspective but also the lives of those around you. I hope this gift of inspiration brings light to your holidays and beyond.

@tonyrobbins

Choosing to live in a beautiful state, regardless of what's happening around us, is the KEY 🗝️ to living an EXTRAORDINARY LIFE. 

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SOFE Issue #011 - Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving: Your Story

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