Jordyn Elyse’s story is one of courage, vulnerability, and authenticity. From navigating childhood anxiety and peer pressure to finding strength through travel, study, and motherhood, she has learned to embrace her anxiety rather than see it as something to fix. Her journey led her into suicide prevention and wellbeing mahi, guided by her authenticity and care for others. Even through separation and life’s hardest storms, Jordyn continues to walk forward with honesty, grace, and an unwavering flame.

Guest Blog Post by Jennifer Khan-Janif and Naima Ali

Fair and Ugly

Kula Nesting on a Kowhai Tree
Guest Blog Post By Jennifer Khan- Janif

Kevin Harper doesn’t claim leadership through title or certainty. Instead, he shows up with humility, presence, and a quiet belief in others. For him, leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight—it’s about creating space for others to rise, honouring the journey, and leading with emotional availability. It’s not performance, but presence. Not control, but care.

At Authenticity Studio, we are honoured to celebrate Gary. His life is a testament to the fact that kindness, clarity, and authenticity can bring about systemic change, not through shouting, but through walking steadily, with heart and truth, and inviting others to walk alongside.

We want to tell the stories of people who lead with heart. People who’ve turned their heartbreak into hope. People who understand that the human condition is not a problem to fix, but a story to honour.

When Passion Met a Champion: A Teen’s Journey from Impossible to Possible

When I first arrived in Aotearoa, I noticed something subtle yet persistent. What I considered respectful or polite back home was sometimes misinterpreted here — even seen as inappropriate.

Eva leads not by striving, but simply by being — and that, to me, is the essence of authentic leadership.

To us, leadership is about fully embracing who you are — in life, in public, and in your own essence.