What Leaders Can Learn from Kanye About Oversharing

Let’s face it: we’re living in the golden age of overshare overload. Anyone with a device can just hit 'post' and share whatever they want, often without much thought or planning.

One minute you’re scrolling LinkedIn for a leadership insight, and the next? You’re deep in someone’s raw emotional outpouring. There’s ugly crying, unresolved pain, and captions that sound like therapy notes.

It’s raw. It’s real. But sometimes… it’s just too much.

So where’s the line? As a leader or entrepreneur, how can you tell stories while being true to yourself and at the same time, adding value to your audience? In a world where content holds value and being open is the new way to market, we need to consider these questions.

Every minute here’s what’s happening on social platforms:

120,000 new pieces of content hit LinkedIn
4 million posts are liked on Facebook
136,000 photos are uploaded

That’s a lot of content and people often ask “Why do I bother?” and “How am I going to be seen amongst all of that?” So, how do you cut through that noise? With storytelling. But not just any storytelling, though. Strategic and emotionally intelligent storytelling.

Because here’s the kicker: Stories are remembered 22x more than facts alone. That’s not fluff. That’s science.

Storytelling gives you what feels like an unfair advantage… but only if you do it well. Storytelling incorporating vulnerability is a powerful tool when it’s done with intentionality. Our brains crave stories. But there’s a catch. Used well, vulnerability is a superpower. It builds connection. It inspires trust. It humanises leadership. Used poorly? It backfires.

Take Kanye West. Over the years, he’s shared his trauma, unfiltered thoughts, and personal chaos with the world. And while some of it felt brave at first, much of it spiralled into what looked like public meltdowns.

People tuned out. Fans left. The trust broke.

It’s a reminder: vulnerability without intention is just emotional chaos. And when we overshare without boundaries or a point, we don’t build credibility. We erode it.

If you’re a leader trying to build trust and impact, you need to walk the tightrope between real and too much.

That’s where the S.H.A.R.E. Framework™ comes in.

Read: Is Personalised Storytelling the Key to Captivating Internet Advertising Campaigns?

The 5 Questions Every Leader Should Ask Before Sharing a Story

S – Stable “Am I in a stable frame of mind to tell this story?”

If you’re still in the messy middle, it might not be time. You don’t need to be fully healed, but you do need clarity and perspective. Otherwise, it’s not storytelling—it’s a spill.

H – Helpful “Is this story helpful to my audience?”

Not every experience needs to be shared. Ask yourself: Will this help someone feel seen, inspired, or take action? If not, save it for your journal.

A – Aligned “Is this story aligned with who I am and what I stand for?”

Every piece of content you share builds your brand. Don’t post something just to prove you’re “relatable.” Make sure it supports your message—not distracts from it.

R – Respectful “Am I telling this story in a way that respects everyone involved?”

Most stories involve others—family, clients, colleagues. Even vague details can make people feel exposed. Before you share, ask: Would they feel safe reading this? If not, rethink your approach.

E – Empowered “Does this story empower my audience?”

Your stories should do one (or more) of these things:

Inspire – Show what’s possible.
Educate – Offer insight or a roadmap.
Motivate – Spark someone to take action.

If it’s just a rant with no takeaway? It’s indulgent, not impactful. That doesn’t mean you can’t tell the hard stuff. You can. You should—but wrap it with intention.

Vulnerability is a leadership skill when it’s done right. There’s a fine line between being real and being raw. One builds connection. The other creates discomfort. When done well, your stories will boost your message, increase your presence, and create lasting trust.

So before you post, speak, or press record ask yourself: Am I S.H.A.R.E. ready? Because in a world screaming for attention, the most magnetic voices aren’t the loudest. They’re the most purposeful.

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