The power of a Personal Story: Crafting Connections through Self-presentation
Each of us carries a unique narrative—a personal story woven from our experiences, emotions, and lessons. These stories aren’t just a reflection of who we are; they are a bridge to understanding and connection. Our personal stories have the power to captivate, inspire, and foster meaningful relationships.
Self-presentation matters. It’s not just about sharing your name and title—it’s about creating a first impression that reflects your personal brand and builds connections. And yet, many of us freeze, ramble, or struggle to find the balance between sharing too much and not enough.
Sharing a piece of our story makes us more relatable, more memorable, and more authentic. Research shows that human connection thrives on relatability, Whether it’s an online ad featuring real people or a viral campaign that resonates because of its heartfelt narrative. The same principle applies to the way we present ourselves.
A well-told personal story has the power to do more than just break the ice; it can leave a lasting impression. It reveals not only what we do but why we do it, offering insight into our passions and values. They’re an opportunity to show up authentically, connect with others, and shape how people see you. By understanding the importance of self-presentation and preparing thoughtfully, you can introduce yourself in a way that feels confident, natural, and memorable. This authenticity fosters trust and encourages others to share their stories too, creating a space for mutual understanding and collaboration.
We're leading from the front by starting our introductions to inspire you to write yours. Sound daunting? We've got you covered, keep an eye on our blog this week for support in crafting your introduction.
Susanne de Schepper’s career journey is an inspiring testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and leadership. From a young age, Susanne's love for sports set the stage for a dynamic path that would lead her across countries and industries, ultimately shaping her into the seasoned leader she is today.
It all began with team sports. As a five-year-old, Susanne found her passion in volleyball, drawn by the group dynamics and the collective pursuit of excellence. This early experience sparked a lifelong interest in working with people and being part of a team that drives growth and success. Though her athletic skills in other sports didn’t match her skills in volleyball, she discovered that her true strengths lay in understanding the dynamics of teams and harnessing their potential.
With this insight, Susanne pursued a degree in Sports Economics, blending her love for sport with an understanding of the business aspects. Her studies covered marketing, communication, and event management—skills that would prove invaluable in her future roles. Before starting her university education, Susanne broadened her perspective as an exchange student in the United States. Immersed in a new culture, she observed firsthand the significant role sports play in American education and community, an experience that enriched her worldview and strengthened her commitment to the industry.
After completing her studies in Tilburg and conducting research for PSV, one of the top Dutch football clubs, Susanne ventured into the world of fitness. She landed her first major role at HealthCity, a fitness chain in the Netherlands, despite not having set foot in a gym prior to her interview. The job offer came after an engaging conversation where Susanne's passion and team-oriented mindset stood out more than her technical knowledge of fitness. This marked the beginning of a career that would see her grow from a sales consultant to club manager and then regional manager.
Health City evolved and merged into Basic Fit, where Susanne took on increasingly complex projects, including managing mergers and integrating teams. One of her key contributions was establishing the first customer care department, ensuring that member engagement extended beyond sales to meaningful connections that fostered loyalty. In 2017, Susanne faced her biggest professional challenge yet when Rene Moos, the CEO, asked her to lead Basic Fit’s operations in France. With her supportive husband and two young children in tow, she relocated in 2018 and led the expansion from 200 clubs to 800, transforming the company into the largest operator in the region with over 3,000 employees.
Susanne’s move to France highlighted not only her commitment to professional growth but also her adaptability and drive. She embraced the cultural and operational challenges, using her outsider’s perspective as a tool for innovation. This period cemented her belief that recognising and respecting differences in people and cultures can drive impactful success.
After stepping back from Basic Fit at the start of 2024, Susanne reconnected with Jennifer Halsall, whom she had maintained ties with since Jennifer’s departure from Basic Fit. Jennifer saw in Susanne the ideal partner for a new venture. With her extensive experience and proven leadership, Susanne joined Jennifer to co-found The Collective, a consultancy aimed at revolutionising leadership, growth, and impact in the fitness and wellness sectors.
For Susanne, The Collective was an opportunity to channel her years of experience into something new and invigorating. “It was quite a leap of faith, but it was also exciting to be part of something from the ground up again,” she shared. The consultancy’s vision was to combine deep operational expertise with a people-first approach, ensuring that organisations not only survive but thrive.
As The Collective continues to grow, Susanne remains dedicated to fostering environments where teams feel supported and empowered. “Sustainable change only comes when the people driving it are developed and valued,” she says. It’s this belief that underpins The Collective’s mission: to create impactful, lasting change that extends beyond boardrooms to everyday operations and customer experiences.
Susanne de Schepper’s journey, from a five-year-old volleyball enthusiast to a leader shaping the future of consultancy, is a reminder that embracing challenges and nurturing your passion can lead to a career filled with purpose and meaningful impact.