Loud Conversations About Sales, Episode No. 5
Real Talk for Sales Professionals
Unapologetically YOU!
As I was driving to work this morning, I was listening to the Elvis Duran Morning Show, like I always do. The discussion was so interesting—and it touched on something I’ve thought about often: BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU! Let me explain.
Personally, this is a mantra I live by, but it doesn’t come without criticism. I have a Chicago accent. I have tattoos. I am loud. I am passionate. I am strong. I have strong ideologies. This isn’t always celebrated by everyone, but it is important to BE WHO YOU ARE!
In today’s world, so much feels the same. People are dressing alike—and not just following trends. Hair is mostly alike—take a look at any group of high school boys. People’s interests are mostly the same. Why is this? It’s because we feel a magnetic pull toward being like everyone else. But why can’t the differences that make us who we are be celebrated?
When I was a child, everyone was different. Everyone had their own sense of style, their own hairstyle (and color), their own taste in music, their own interests. Of course, there were groups of people who enjoyed the same things, but nowadays, everyone seems the same. It’s not that people are identical—it’s that we’re being trained to look, think, and sound alike. I think a few forces drive this:
- Algorithms reward sameness. Social media doesn’t push originality—it pushes what already performs. The result? Same phrases. Same opinions. Same “hot takes” reheated for the 147th time. Standing out is risky; blending in gets likes.
- Trend culture moves faster than identity. People adopt aesthetics, beliefs, and language before they’ve had time to decide if it actually fits them. Personality becomes a rotating wardrobe instead of something built slowly and intentionally.
- Fear of being wrong > desire to be real. Cancel culture—real or perceived—has made people cautious. Many would rather echo what’s “safe” than say something honest and imperfect. Silence or sameness feels safer than originality.
- We’re consuming more than we’re creating. When you’re constantly absorbing other people’s thoughts, there’s less space to hear your own. Over time, personal perspective gets drowned out by borrowed opinions.
So, what is the cost of all this? Conversations feel predictable. Disagreement feels hostile instead of healthy. Authenticity becomes rare—and therefore powerful. When everyone is performing the same version of “acceptable,” we lose nuance, depth, and curiosity.
Sameness isn’t proof that individuality is dead—it’s proof that originality now takes courage. The people who think slowly, speak loudly, disagree respectfully, or stay rooted in their values will always stand out—not because they’re louder, but because they’re real. The future belongs to people who remember how to think for themselves. Sameness is easy.
In a world obsessed with fitting in, BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU!
Until the next loud conversation, let’s keep it real!
❤️ J
