So I have a theory- The Psychology of Originality

This is the first time I’ve ever introduced myself as a theorist.

Which feels… like a big deal.

But after spending years watching, studying and peeling back layer after layer of human behaviour and self-expression, wondering the exact thing that’s been choking women’s voices online for years, something in me clicked this week.

There was a breakthrough that connected every question I’ve ever had and the inner workings of my brain finally fell into place.
The moment I knew exactly what I was here to study, name, build and reveal.

So here I am- a not so confident writer but a firm belief this is going to change how online brands think about marketing and selling.

I need to write this so I see it for myself…..I’m Audrey 👋
A theorist of originality, identity expression and what happens to women’s brilliance the moment visibility turns the spotlight on who they really are.

And this is Entry One of my Diary to My TED Talk.

Where it began…

Like most theories, this one didn’t start with a polished whiteboard, a research paper, or an epiphany under perfect lighting.

It started in the least glamorous way possible:

By analysing myself!

My own behaviours
My own patterns
My own voice
My own shrinkage
My own brilliance collapsing the moment I stepped into visibility
My own deep need to feel like I belonged.

It didn’t make sense to me…

Because I’ve spent two decades choreographing entire worlds.
Directing full-scale productions.
Winning awards for originality and creativity.
Building concepts, universes and brand worlds for established entrepreneurs with absolute ease.

Yet the moment I had to “be Audrey” online?

My originality collapsed.

Not my skills.
Not my ideas.
Not my talent.

My originality.

The very thing people celebrated me for.

Then I realised an ever bigger breakthrough…It wasn’t just me.

Working with hundreds of brilliant women in the online space…

I kept seeing the same pattern over and over again.

Women with depth, intelligence, mastery and insane expertise were collapsing in the exact same way the moment visibility required them to show more of themselves.

And even though I could help them find it again-
I kept asking myself the same question:

Why is this happening?

Not theoretically
Not metaphorically
But psychologically

What was the mechanism behind this collapse?

What was the pattern beneath the pattern?

What was the invisible force making brilliant women feel muted, even when they had everything it takes to stand out?

The questions kept pouring in

Why does their genius feel clearer in private than in public?

Why does their voice feel louder offline than online?

Why does creativity flow everywhere except through their own content?

Why does self-expression collapse the second the spotlight turns inward?

These were the questions no one was asking.

…and now I have the answers.

This is the work I was born to do.
This is the field I’m here to build.
This is the beginning of my body of research:

The Psychology of Originality.

This Substack is where I’ll document it all-
raw, honest, in motion, as it unfolds.

Welcome to the beginning, this is going to help so many people…..

-Audrey Elizabeth