Sometimes the smallest chances can help someone go from being a wallflower to a leader. The stories we tell ourselves about leadership can hold us back, but we can write new stories of ourselves, with the help of supportive people around us. By talking openly and honestly, Shari McDaid provides a fresh take on vulnerability and leadership. Shari McDaid was Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health Reform, the Irish national coalition advocating for reform of the mental health system, from 2013-2020. In this role, she advised successive Ministers of State for Mental Health and senior civil servants on solutions to improving mental health and related services. She has been a member of numerous government advisory committees and has regularly appeared in broadcast and print media.