At Northwest Accountancy, we understand that our impact is stronger when we harness the unique strengths of every team member. During our recent retreat in Bali, we had the incredible opportunity to gain insights from Cat Matson’s “Speaking of Awesome” session. This experience encouraged us to reflect on and share our “Brag Bag Stories”—a term Cat introduced to inspire each person to celebrate their achievements, both big and small, with authenticity. Inspired by Cat’s principles, we established a foundation of “Authentic Confidence” and collective growth that continues to shape our team culture.

The Power of Reflection and Self-Awareness

One of the key takeaways from Cat Matson’s framework was the power of self-reflection as a tool to identify and articulate our strengths. Professionals often experience “imposter syndrome” or feel uncertain about sharing their achievements. Cat’s approach reminded us of the importance of reflecting on personal wins, impactful experiences, and skills gained along the way to build a strong foundation of self-awareness.
Cat’s “Earn The Right” method—a concept that emphasises connecting confidence to one’s identity—encouraged each of us to recognise and own our individual paths. This exercise allowed us to define our unique contributions to Northwest Accountancy with both pride and humility, reshaping how we see our roles within the team.

What We Learned from Sharing Our Brag Bag Stories

Each team member at Northwest Accountancy had the chance to share their own Brag Bag Stories, reflecting on everything from personal milestones to professional achievements. Here are some of the key lessons we learned:

• Authentic Confidence: Celebrating our achievements without embellishment or corporate jargon, as Cat Matson suggests, allows us to communicate with clarity and impact. As Cat noted, it’s about “making myself sound impressive, while being accurate, short, and not ‘corporate salad’.”

• Embracing Vulnerability: Sharing our stories required honesty and vulnerability. By openly discussing our journeys, we created stronger bonds, forming an environment where everyone felt valued and understood.

• Strengthening Team Connections: Learning each other’s stories deepened our trust and respect for one another. We gained new insights into the diverse backgrounds, strengths, and motivations within our team, making us more united and adaptable.

Putting “Authentic Confidence” into Practice

Inspired by Cat Matson’s advice to “earn the right” to speak with authority, we’ve incorporated daily practices that reinforce confidence in a way that is true to who we are. For example, during team meetings, we encourage each member to share wins—big or small—aligning with Cat’s reminder that confidence is most impactful when it’s rooted in authenticity and personal experience. Additionally, we’ve started highlighting team and individual successes as part of our internal communications, fostering a positive, strength-based culture.

Conclusion

Thanks to Cat Matson’s guidance and the power of “Brag Bag Stories,” we’ve built a culture at Northwest Accountancy where confidence and connection go hand-in-hand. Our team is now more aware of its collective strengths, and we’ve returned from our retreat inspired, united, and ready to make an even bigger impact. We encourage everyone to explore their own Brag Bag Stories—this powerful exercise may transform your team culture as it has ours.

Looking to Enhance Your Financial Success?

Take a moment to reflect on your own achievements and share them with your team. And if you’re looking for practical insights on how to communicate authentically, check out Cat Matson’s “Speaking of Awesome” for more transformative ideas.