I have a secret: I've never felt smart. Despite how things might look from the outside, I wasn't academically bright growing up and school definitely wasn't my friend. My parents' divorce derailed my grades, I repeated year 10 and my grandfather's well-meaning attempts to pay me for A's didn’t result in a lot of money for me!

But you know what? There are other kinds of smarts, and I’ve got them in spades! Today, I’m sharing the story that shaped who I am today and how I’ve come to understand what "being smart" truly means. We’re talking about the tension between being street smart versus book smart, and why our education system doesn't always recognise or reward different types of intelligence.

I share how I've learnt to lean into my strengths—business smarts, relationship building and an entrepreneurial spirit—rather than dwelling on traditional academic measures. If you've ever felt inadequate because you don't fit the conventional definition of intelligence, this episode will help you reconsider that narrative and recognise that your unique version of smart is absolutely worth celebrating.

Emma McQueen:

Website

For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/