Break Free and Rise Above: Healing, Forgiveness and Thriving Beyond Survival
Everybody’s chasing something. More clients. More recognition. More revenue. But what if the real transformation doesn’t start with a new strategy—but with a new perspective?
In this week’s Be the Giraffe, I sat down with Gary Doherty, a fellow traveler in the world of reinvention. Together, we peeled back the layers of survival instincts, family baggage, and the raw truth that most of us aren’t just building businesses—we’re trying to build ourselves.
And here’s what we learned.
The Jungle Mentality is Keeping You Small
We humans love animals. We dress like them, celebrate them, even cheer for them as mascots. But the very instincts that help them survive in the wild? They might be killing your growth.
Survival instinct #1: Safety in numbers.
Ever wonder why so many people follow the crowd, even when they’re miserable? Because in the animal kingdom, being part of the herd means not being eaten. But in business—and in life—it can mean spinning your wheels, stuck in mediocrity.
Giraffes don’t follow the herd. They feed from treetops, wandering where others can’t go. That’s why we need to stop grazing where it’s “safe” and start reaching where only the bold dare to climb.
Instinct #2: Self-Preservation is Overrated
Fear and pain may keep you alive, but they won’t help you thrive. Today’s jungle isn’t filled with predators—it’s filled with scrollable opinions, social media shame, and the fear of being “canceled.”
So we conform. We silence ourselves. We play small.
But the giraffe? It doesn’t hide its vulnerability. With a six-foot neck exposed to the world, it still lifts its head high—and with the largest heart of any land mammal, it powers that vision forward.
Want to rise? Stick your neck out. Embrace the discomfort. That’s where your real strength lives.
The Final Trap: Only the Strong Survive
We’re taught that to win, we have to dominate. Outwork. Out-hustle. Out-everything.
But take it from Gary—a man who built, lost, and rebuilt. You can carry that chip on your shoulder for years. You can let anger fuel your fire.
Until one day… you burn out.
Gary’s breakthrough wasn’t in another business venture. It was in forgiveness. Forgiving a father who didn’t know how to love. Forgiving himself for carrying that weight. And then—transmuting it into a superpower.
Because real strength isn’t in being ruthless. It’s in having a big heart. A heart that lifts others. A heart that turns survival into significance.
Four Questions That Will Set You Free
If you’re ready to go wild and break free from the survival cycle, ask yourself:
Where do you want to go?
Not just geographically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Professionally. What’s your “tree,” and are you done chewing grass?
Who can help you get there?
Forget the critics. Surround yourself with fellow giraffes—those who see farther and dream bigger.
What do you need?
Resources? Skills? Encouragement? Clarity? Ask for it. Build it. Share the vision.
When will you start?
The best time? Yesterday. The second-best? Today. Take that first step—send the message, make the call, speak the dream.
Be the Giraffe
When you stop surviving and start thriving, everything changes. You’ll rise above the noise. You’ll see what others miss. And you’ll build not just a life, but a legacy.
So go wild. Stand tall. Lead with your heart.
And if you’re looking for someone to help you get on stage, land your TEDx talk, or turn your message into a movement—Gary Doherty is that guy. He helped me craft one of the most meaningful moments of my career, and he can help you do the same.
It’s time to evolve and elevate.
P.S. If this episode resonated with you, you’ll love my Be the Giraffe book.