Entrepreneur Sara Davies has reflected on how her participation in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing helped her embrace vulnerability and confront long-standing emotional challenges. Davies, 41, who stepped down from the BBC business program Dragons’ Den last year after six years as a panelist, described the impact of the dance competition as a turning point in her personal growth.

Davies, known for founding Crafter’s Companion, revealed the difficulties she faced balancing her public roles and private life. She and her husband Simon, with whom she has two sons, chose to buy back the company, a decision that influenced her departure from Dragons’ Den. “Simon pointed out that adding more responsibilities couldn’t happen without something giving,” she explained, noting the priority of protecting time with her family.

Her experience on Strictly, where she was partnered with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, challenged her long-held perceptions of emotional expression in business. Davies said she initially maintained a guarded demeanor, but gradually allowed herself to be vulnerable during rehearsals and live performances. This shift not only transformed her approach to emotions but also helped her overcome imposter syndrome—a struggle she described as especially intense in her early years on Dragons’ Den. “At first, I questioned why entrepreneurs would pick me over the other four Dragons,” she admitted. However, by the end of her tenure, she had grown more self-assured.

Despite this progress in embracing vulnerability publicly and professionally, Davies said she continues to keep certain emotions private, particularly around her husband. She recounted a recent moment when, after a stressful day, she waited until Simon was asleep to allow herself to cry, explaining that she prefers to manage her emotional responses alone to avoid adding stress to him.

Davies also spoke about managing health challenges, including a pre-diabetes diagnosis. She emphasized maintaining physical resilience through regular running and gym workouts as part of her overall approach to wellbeing. Her candid reflections illustrate the evolving nature of emotional strength and the balance required to navigate both public life and personal priorities.