Miles of Books: 'Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing'

In this episode of Miles of Books, host Sarah Bowenshaw and coach Liz Waterstrott dive into 'Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing' by Harvard Business School professor Leslie John. The conversation centers on the transformative potential of thoughtful self-disclosure, challenging the cultural fear of TMI (Too Much Information) by arguing that the real problem is 'TLI'—Too Little Information. Drawing from personal stories and research, they explore how strategic vulnerability strengthens relationships, builds trust, and enhances performance—especially in high-pressure environments like sports and work. Sarah shares her own experience oversharing during a rowing team breakfast after a divorce, which unexpectedly deepened connections. Liz emphasizes that revealing isn't a personality trait but a learnable skill, and small, authentic disclosures—what she calls 'micro-reveals'—can create profound emotional safety and connection. The episode also critiques curated social media personas, suggesting they often mask vulnerability under a 'confidence flex.' Practical takeaways include naming internal emotions, reducing 'performance silence' in training logs, and using honest disclosure to manage emotional load during high-stakes moments.