My journey into professional speaking and coaching began in an unlikely setting — a bustling salon on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.
At 18, I worked with experienced stylists from the West End of London, masters of their craft who could whip up hairstyles I had never seen before. However, they thought lunch hours were for eating lunch. Many of our clients were affluent or on vacation and were flexible with their schedules. For me, lunch hours were opportunities to welcome five more clients who worked in the banks and office and did not have other options.
I still remember a pivotal moment when my boss, Mr. Steele, told me, “Patricia, you bring in 30% more income to the salon than the other stylists.”
These colleagues were more seasoned and talented, earning three times my base pay. I asked myself, “Where can tenacity and relentless effort pay off?” The answer seemed clear: the colonies. Every January, I celebrate arriving in America.
When I relocated to San Francisco, I was hired to work at the prestigious beauty salon at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. My new boss, Charles, was astounded by my work ethic. He admitted. “I’ve never seen anyone work like you,” Charles even joked, “Patricia, go back to England and bring over 28 of your friends. I’ll become a multimillionaire.” I let him down gently, “Charles, I’ve never worked with anyone who works as hard as I do. You have me. That’s it.”
This personal story has shaped my philosophy as a hairstylist, speaker, and coach: Success isn’t solely about being the smartest or the most skilled. It’s often about outworking and outlasting, being the most persistent and consistent. It’s not just about what you can do; instead, it’s about how much you’re willing to do it.
This is what might be called part of my ‘origin story.’
As an executive speech coach, one of my popular requests is to help my clients create and perfect their origin stories.
An origin story is a backstory that explains the genesis and development of a character, company, or significant entity. It delves into their roots and important events that shaped their current identity and values. These stories are popular because they make the subject more relatable and understandable to the audience. By revealing struggles, triumphs, and pivotal decisions, origin stories humanize characters and organizations, making it easy for us to connect emotionally.
Origin stories resonate because they connect on a profoundly human level.
They tap into our love for examples that show growth and overcoming adversity—universally appealing and inspiring themes. In business and branding, they help customers feel closer to the company by understanding its ethos and journey.
For individuals, such as superheroes or public figures, these stories provide a rich context that deepens the audience’s investment in their journeys and achievements. In business, origin stories are a powerful way to convey values and build loyalty.
They often highlight the core principles that guide a character or company, serving as a roadmap for their decisions and actions.
This alignment of values can be crucial in attracting and retaining audiences or customers who share or aspire to those ideals. In a world saturated with content and choices, a compelling origin story can be the distinguishing factor that captures and keeps attention.
A compelling origin story can set a brand apart in a market flooded with choices.
If you need help creating your origin, give me a call!
“Your presentation was masterful. Your coaching is world-class.” Tom Ferry, #1 ranked Real Estate Educator
“Patricia Fripp is a miracle worker and an executive’s best resource.” Larraine Segil, Chairman and CEO of the Exceptional Women Awardees Foundation
