Be the Giraffe: Why Vulnerability Is the New Superpower in Business

Let’s face it—we're all missing something.

For me, success became a prison. I had built a business that worked… but only if I stayed locked inside it. Overworked, overweight, overcooked (if I were a turkey)—I knew something had to change. The problem? I didn’t know how.

That’s when I met Jack Canfield. The guy who helped millions with Chicken Soup for the Soul helped me see that transformation wasn’t about doing more—it was about doing things differently.

In this special two-part interview series, we flipped the mic. First, I sat down with Jack on Be the Giraffe to explore his unconventional approach to business, honesty, and growth. Then, Jack invited me onto his show, Talking About Success, where we dove into my own entrepreneurial journey—how I escaped the trap of my own success, built something sellable, and found a better path forward.

Two interviews. Two friends. One shared message: If you want a better life, you have to see differently and lead with courage.

If You Want Different Results, You Have to See Differently

Jack shared a moment that perfectly captures his approach to business: walking away from a $750,000 contract because the client didn’t know what they actually needed. Most people would have followed the RFP and cashed the check. But Jack stuck his neck out, told the truth, and challenged the client to rethink the entire process.

The result? They gave him the deal—and they got dramatically better outcomes. Dropout rates plummeted. Impact skyrocketed.

The takeaway? Tell the truth faster. Be willing to challenge the norm. That’s how you stop selling and start transforming.

Why Fruit Baskets Don’t Build Loyalty

Let’s talk client appreciation for a minute.

Companies spend thousands on fruit baskets, sweets, and packages no one really wants. Meanwhile, the real opportunity is sitting in front of them: transformation. Connection. Impact.

What if instead of a branded popcorn tin, you gave your clients a speaker who changed their lives? What if you helped their families, their kids, or their teams grow? That’s the kind of gift people remember. That’s how you build a brand people want to stay with.

You Can’t Lead If You’re Not Honest

One of the most powerful stories Jack shared was from his time working with Microsoft. Employees were so siloed and fearful of appearing “less than” that they’d waste hours avoiding each other just to avoid asking questions.

That’s not inefficiency. That’s culture failure.

When leaders create a culture where vulnerability is safe—when they admit they don’t have all the answers—it opens the floodgates for collaboration, creativity, and trust.

You can’t fake that. You have to live it.

Accountability > Motivation

Jack’s approach to real transformation doesn’t stop at the seminar. It starts there.

The real work? Daily 5-minute accountability calls. Biweekly mastermind groups. Breakthrough goals that scare you a little—like doubling your revenue or radically improving team engagement.

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re systems that drive results. Not because they force pressure—but because they build community, consistency, and clarity.

Then It Was My Turn: Talking About Success

After our conversation, Jack invited me onto Talking About Success for part two—where we turned the spotlight around.

I shared how I felt trapped by a business I had built. I was making money, but it was costing me everything else. Walking away would have left my team, investors, and clients hanging. So instead, I restructured. I rebuilt the business to run without me. And in doing so, I found a buyer who took care of my people, paid everyone off—and left me with the freedom I had been craving.

We also explored the hidden struggles of executives and entrepreneurs. So many people look successful on paper—but behind the scenes, they’re overwhelmed, isolated, and unfulfilled.

The truth is, whether you're running a one-person sales business or a multi-billion-dollar company, you're probably facing some of the same challenges: communication breakdowns, culture gaps, and a missing sense of meaning.

Why the Giraffe?

The giraffe is the only prey animal that evolved to become more vulnerable.

It didn’t dig a hole or grow camouflage. It grew a longer neck—exposing its most sensitive area. But in doing so, it gained the ability to see farther and reach higher.

That’s the metaphor. That’s the challenge.

Be the leader who sticks their neck out. Be the one who’s willing to see differently, speak honestly, and do what others won’t.

What You Can Do Today

If you're reading this and wondering how to start—start by asking better questions.

Ask your team: What’s not working here?

Ask your spouse or kids: How am I doing as a parent or partner—really?

Ask yourself: Where am I holding back because I’m afraid of being vulnerable?

Transformation starts with a question. And if you’re brave enough to ask it, the answers will come.

Final Thought: You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re the founder, the executive, the team lead, or the overworked high-performer—you're not alone. You don’t have to keep carrying everything.

There’s a better way.

Be bold. Be curious. But most of all…

Be the Giraffe.

Want to take this further?
Grab your copy of Be the Giraffe: 14 Paths to Reach Higher in Business and Life and check out more insights at thechrisjarvis.com.
Let’s elevate your perspective—together

P.S. If this episode resonated with you, you’ll love my Be the Giraffe book.