EP 7: My First Love: What I Lost, and What I Gained

In this solo episode, Josh Fisher dives headfirst into why presence—not polish—is the ultimate leadership flex. He shares a raw, personal story of his first love and how it robbed him of presence, leaving him disconnected from life’s most meaningful moments.

Josh unpacks his journey from hiding behind the haze of alcohol and the mask of perfection to discovering the power of showing up authentically. You’ll learn the difference between leading from the outside in (perfection) versus the inside out (presence), and why being fully present is the greatest gift you can give your team. Key Takeaways

• Embracing presence over perfection as a new leadership currency
• Vulnerability and authentic connection in leadership
• Navigating personal struggles and growth
• Moving from performance to being

In This Episode 0:00 Introduction & Presence 1:33 Podcast Launch Thoughts 3:14 Presence Over Perfection 5:17 Love & Presence 9:42 First Love & Feeling Safe 12:21 Cost of Escapism 15:52 High-Functioning Hollow 18:40 Chasing the Truest Version 20:38 Presence in Leadership 23:09 Presence in Real Life 25:50 Off Script Challenge 26:53 Journal Prompt 27:38 Closing & Call to Action

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Want to share your Off Script story? Email: [e-mail] SUBJ: [NAME] Stories from the Stage – (Share or Do Not Share) Your voice might be featured in a future episode.

Journals: 

• The Off Script Journal – Companion journal for deeper reflection
• The Unfolding – 12-Phase Guided Journal for healing