Michelle Poler, the founder of the social movement Hello Fears, spoke to hundreds of Central Massachusetts women at the Worcester Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual Women’s Leadership Conference as the final keynote speaker of the day-long event, focusing on how women can become empowered by tapping into their full potential.

 

Originally from Venezuela, Poler worked as an art director at Young & Rubicam for brands such as Hershey’s, Wendy’s, AT&T, and Revlon. She holds a masters in branding from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

 

She told the Women’s Leadership Conference audience that as part of her master’s program, she was tasked with doing something for 100 days. Some people in her class chose meditation or self care. Others focused on habits or activities they’d like to do.

 

Poler, though, went big. 

 

Poler’s master’s project gave rise to 100 Days Without Fear. Poler said that her whole life, she feared many things — from big dogs to driving alone at night and many more. She decided, however, to break from her existing lifestyle and experience the world without fear. Each day, Poler took on a new challenge.

 

“I wanted to become a braver person, not only for myself but for my family,” Poler said. “I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me to go after my fears, break my family’s fear chain, and become a real person.”

 

Over the 100 days, Poler accepted a wide range of challenges. She rollerbladed in Central Park, spent a whole day without her cell phone, got a Brazilian wax, rode a mechanical bull, traveled alone, ate insects, went skydiving, crashed a wedding, and even swam with sharks.

 

“If you couldn’t tell anybody if you accomplished this, would you still be happy?” Poler asked the audience. “If the answer is yes, you’re doing it for you.”

 

On October 18, 2015, Poler faced her one hundredth fear: speaking at TEDxHouston. She faced her biggest fear, public speaking, but also empowered millions to step out of their own comfort zones while at it.

 

And so Poler dedicated her life to encouraging more people to start living more fulfilled lives by going beyond their fear and embracing the unknown.

 

Looking back at her project, Poler recognized the difference between being fearless and brave.. She said that her 100 day project was able to inspire many on the internet because she was not being fearless. Instead, people saw a brave woman who kept showing up.

 

Poler told the women at the conference that the best way to be a leader was not to be fearless but rather to be vulnerable and to show that “we don’t have everything figured out.” This is what can be relatable and empowering to other people.

 

“A brave leader is someone who dares to be clear, vulnerable, and transparent but is also willing to fight for valuable ideas and change,” Poler said. “That’s inspiring. It’s a very valuable leadership lesson.”