How Vulnerability Creates Real Connection with Connection Coach, Shari Leid - Episode 334
Feb 24, 2026
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In this episode of the Dominate Your Day podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with author, speaker, and connection coach Shari Leid, whose journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Shari shares how she went from living a perfectly “checked-the-box” life as a litigator to stepping into a deeply aligned second career after age 50—one shaped by cancer survival, identity shifts, and a bold decision to follow what felt true rather than what looked right. Her story is a masterclass in authenticity and trusting yourself when life invites you to pivot.
We also explore Shari’s transformative project that took her to all 50 states to share a meal with 50 women—an experience that became the foundation for her book Table for 51 and the Flip the Box movement. What began as a personal mission to challenge her own beliefs about belonging evolved into a powerful commentary on connection, vulnerability, and loneliness in our culture. Through these conversations, Shari uncovered how much of our identity is shaped by stories that aren’t even ours—and how true connection begins when we’re willing to let go of those stories, open ourselves up, and see one another as both teacher and student.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- The stories you tell yourself shape your identity. Chiseling away stories that aren’t yours is the key to living authentically.
- Connection requires vulnerability. Real friendships and belonging are built when we’re willing to open up and be seen.
- Belonging can be created anywhere. When we “flip the box,” places of isolation can become tables of connection and community.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 5:00 — Pivotal Moments and Career Shift
- Minute 12:00 — Traveling Across America
- Minute 20:00 — Flip the Box Movement
- Minute 30:00 — Lessons on Connection and Belonging
Links + Resources from This Episode:
- Learn more about Shari’s work at animperfectlyperfectlife.com
- Learn more about Shari’s books
- Connect with Shari Leid on LinkedIn
- Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment
- Get a copy of Dana’s book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within
- Learn more about The Strengths Journal
About Shari Leid
A former litigator turned connection coach, friendship expert, bestselling author, and national speaker, Shari Leid is the dynamic force behind An Imperfectly Perfect Life®, LLC. Through her keynotes, retreats, and workshops, she helps individuals and organizations break free from outdated boxes— whether in identity, career, or community—blending heart with strategy at every step.
Her expertise has been featured on NBC’s TODAY show, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CTV, and in TIME, HuffPost, Real Simple, PureWow, AARP, Woman’s World, Toronto Sun, and Shondaland. The author of Table for 51 (2025) and The Friendship Series, Leid brings her signature insights to audiences nationwide. She has spoken at TEDxEustis, the Superstar Summit in Miami, and emceed Plymouth Housing’s Key to Hope Luncheon, which raised over $1.5 million. Connect with her online at animperfectlyperfectlife.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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