EP180: The Magic of a Quote: The Door to the Leader You Haven’t Met Yet
THERE IS SOMETHING ON THE OTHER SIDE.
Are you willing to open the door and find out what it is?
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
I’m a quote junkie. Truly. I love them. I find them everywhere—on Pinterest, in books, on sticky notes around my office, in the lines of shows and movies. Words that someone once said get turned into something that can move us, guide us, challenge us, or comfort us. Quotes speak to me, and I use them all the time—in life and in leadership.
This episode is the first of three where I’m sharing a few of my all-time favorite quotes—the ones that are framed and hanging on my office wall, the ones I see every day. Today, I’m starting with this one from the Broadway version of Mary Poppins:
“Open different doors. You may find a you that you never knew was yours.”
As you may know, I’m a big Mary Poppins fan—not just because of the character, but also because of the story behind how Walt Disney secured the rights and the inspiration behind it all. Mary Poppins has even become a part of my brand, symbolized by the umbrella in my logo.
This particular quote is from the song “Anything Can Happen” in the Broadway version—not the original movie—but it’s one that has stuck with me. Let’s break it down.
Open Different Doors
To me, this part is about going beneath the surface—of yourself. We all have layers: the version we show the world, and the version that lives underneath—our thoughts, beliefs, experiences, and sometimes our fears. True transformation happens when we open the doors to those inner layers, even the ones that make us uncomfortable.
It’s also about trying something new, stepping into unfamiliar territory, and being willing to shift our perspective. It’s about doing the thing that scares us, even if everything in us wants to play it safe.
You May Find a You That You Never Knew Was Yours
This is the discovery part. The magical part. When we open those doors, we start to uncover strengths, passions, and even limiting beliefs that have been holding us back. It’s not always easy or fun—but it’s how we grow.
This line gives us permission to surprise ourselves. To become more than we thought we could be. To evolve beyond our current identity and to see that there’s more waiting for us—if we’re willing to look.
My Own Door-Opening Moment
This quote is the story of my life these days, but it hasn’t always been that way. I spent years in corporate America, doing what I thought I was supposed to do—go to college, get a good job, climb the ladder. And I liked it! But eventually, I started to feel the pull of something more.
The idea of owning my own business started showing up. At first, I shut that door hard. But it kept showing up. Eventually, I peeked in. And then, I walked through it—terrified. I had a panic attack the first time I really considered it seriously. But I opened the door anyway.
Seven years later, here I am. It’s been bumpy and amazing all at once. And I never would’ve gotten here if I hadn’t opened that door.
What This Means for Leadership
As leaders, we know that self-awareness is the pixie dust. It’s the foundation of impactful leadership. And it requires us to get curious, to take risks, and to open doors we might rather avoid.
It might mean saying yes to a new opportunity. It might mean changing how you lead your team. It might mean speaking up when you usually stay quiet. These are all ways of opening new doors—and discovering a new version of yourself as a leader.
Your Turn
So let me ask you:
Are there doors you haven’t even seen yet that are waiting to be explored? Pick one small door—maybe it’s a habit shift, a mindset change, or a bold conversation. Crack it open. Get curious. Be willing to get uncomfortable.
Because that future version of you—the one you haven’t met yet—might just be waiting on the other side.
What Do You Think?
What door are afraid to open right now? What might happen if you were to crack it open?
Links
Episode 140: [REPLAY] Lessons from Mary Poppins
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