Sep 1, 2021
I’m backstage at a TEDx event one day, and everyone’s nervously preparing themselves. I’m getting ready to announce a 16-year-old speaking for the first time when I see her do something that makes my jaw drop. She’s taking off her shoes, about to go on stage barefoot.
Now anyone, much less a teenager, would be nervous in a situation like that, but Chloe Howard was no ordinary teenager. Her going on stage barefoot was such a big deal because she was born with a foot deformity and got bullied as a result. She nor I needed to worry about her speech, though. She ended up delivering the talk of a lifetime, and I’m so honored to have her as my guest today!
In this episode, Chloe talks about living with her deformity and using her story to promote healing within herself and others. Listen as she describes why she made the choice to walk on that stage barefoot, what internal stories need changing, and the impact of taking on empowering labels like resilience.
What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Chloe?
Chloe Howard is an author and speaker. Born with a severe foot deformity, she has endured bullying, several operations, and other daunting challenges but has met them all with grace and determination. The turning point in her life came when she met and spoke with Bono (yes, of U2 fame) who offered her powerful words about fighting against injustice.
Since then, Chloe has lifted herself and others from past shame and guilt with her TEDx talks and books where she reveals the truth we all need to hear: only you determine your labels, not society. After she suffered a hate crime, she ditched the “victim” label ascribed to her and replaced it with resilience. Now she challenges people worldwide to “stand beautiful” and embrace that we all were made for more.
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