The Power of Storytelling: Speaking from the Heart, Making Connections, and Embracing Failure
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at Naidex, one of the UK’s largest events dedicated to accessibility and inclusion. Standing on that stage, sharing my journey, and later pitching my new company MIXD Reality in a competition where I proudly finished as runner-up, reinforced something I’ve always believed: storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have.
Speaking from the Heart
I’ve spoken at many events, but there’s something uniquely special about Naidex. The room is filled with innovators, changemakers, and individuals who deeply understand the challenges of accessibility and inclusion. Rather than delivering a polished, overly rehearsed speech, I spoke from the heart—about my journey, about Just Like Me Books, about why creating inclusive, interactive experiences for children is not just my business but my mission.
People don’t connect with statistics; they connect with stories. They connect with emotion, authenticity, and vulnerability. When I spoke about my autistic son Walter being the inspiration behind my work, I saw nods of understanding, smiles of encouragement, and even a few teary eyes in the audience. That’s when I knew I had made an impact—not because of slides or business jargon, but because I had shared something real.
The Power of Connection
One of the greatest takeaways from events like Naidex is the power of connection. In the fast-paced world of business, it’s easy to get caught up in targets, sales, and strategy. But at the core of every successful business is connection—human connection. Whether it’s the people you serve, the partners you collaborate with, or the fellow entrepreneurs you meet along the way, business is built on relationships. I had conversations with parents who shared their struggles in finding inclusive books for their children, educators excited about the potential of AR in learning, and fellow entrepreneurs who, like me, are determined to break barriers. Every one of those interactions was a reminder that my work matters. Your work matters.
Not Being Afraid to Fail
When I pitched MIXD Reality, I gave it my all. I showcased our vision, the impact we are making, and why AR technology can revolutionize accessibility in education. Finishing as runner-up could have felt like a failure—but it didn’t. Because the true win wasn’t the title; it was the experience.
Too often, we let fear of failure hold us back. We hesitate to put ourselves forward, to take risks, to show up. But here’s the truth: there is no success without setbacks. Every time we step onto a stage, into a pitch, or out of our comfort zone, we grow. And growth is the real prize.
Lessons for Every Entrepreneur
Tell your story. People connect with passion and purpose, not just products.
Speak from the heart. Authenticity resonates far more than perfection.
Build connections. Business is about people first—always.
Embrace failure. Every loss is a lesson, and every setback sets you up for a comeback.
Moving Forward
As I left Naidex, I felt energized, inspired, and more committed than ever to my mission. The work we do at MIXD Reality and Just Like Me Books is bigger than business—it’s about changing lives. And as long as I continue to speak from the heart, build meaningful connections, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity, I know we will make an impact.
So to anyone reading this: go for it. Tell your story. Take the risk. Show up. Because even when you don’t ‘win’ in the traditional sense, you’re still moving forward. And that is what truly matters.
Pamela Aculey