Omar Zenhom argues that a prison record isn't a liability but a powerful origin story. He draws on Robert Greene and Brené Brown to show how surviving incarceration and reform can become authentic, resonant work when shared openly instead of hidden.
Robert Greene's one of my favorite authors, and he's one of the greatest thinkers and strategists when it comes to human nature. And he says, "If you want to create interesting work, live an interesting life." Now, going to prison is not a joyful experience, and nobody's pretending it is, but it is interesting. It is remarkable. It is something that has tested you at a level that most people will never be tested at. And surviving it and reforming your life and deciding to build something, and deciding to show up and be seen, this is not a liability. It's not something that you should be hiding from. This is one of the most compelling origin stories I've ever heard. Brené Brown says, "Make your mess your message."
