The first time I saw a woman truly command a room, I was captivated. She wasn’t the loudest person in the room, but there was a quiet power in the way she spoke. Every word she said carried weight. Her voice seemed to cut through the noise, and in that moment, I realized that leadership isn’t about volume; it’s about conviction. It’s about speaking up for what matters, even when your voice shakes.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Malala Yousafzai: “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” That idea has stayed with me, reminding me that we don’t need permission to speak—we just need the courage to open our mouth. 

Every woman has something to say, a unique perspective that the world needs to hear. Yet so many of us hesitate, held back by doubts or fears of being judged. What if I’m not good enough? What if no one listens? These questions run through our minds, but the truth is, the only way to...

Perfection is an alluring (yet, completely unattainable) goal. The idea of delivering a flawless speech, where every word lands perfectly and every gesture is just right, can feel like the ultimate achievement. But the pursuit of perfection often creates more anxiety than confidence, and it can distance you from the very people you’re trying to reach: your audience.

In my own journey, I’ve found that audiences don’t connect with perfection; they connect with authenticity. They’re not looking for a perfect performance—they’re looking for someone who feels real, relatable, and human. Let’s explore why authenticity matters so much in public speaking and how letting go of perfection can transform your speaking experience.

When we strive too hard for perfection, we set ourselves up for frustration. Don’t get me wrong, you should certainly strive for excellence but know the difference between it and perfection. When you focus only on...

Have you ever hesitated to share your voice, worrying it wasn’t good enough, strong enough, or impactful enough? You’re not alone. Many of us carry self-doubt when it comes to speaking—whether it’s in a meeting, on stage, or even in everyday conversations. But here’s the truth: your voice matters, and embracing it is the first step toward building confidence and making an impact.

Self-love is at the heart of confident storytelling and speaking. When you learn to love your voice—both literally and figuratively—you unlock a power within you that can inspire, influence, and connect with others. Let’s explore three simple, actionable ways to build confidence in your speaking skills by starting focused on self-love.

1. Celebrate Your Unique Voice

Your voice is as unique as your fingerprint, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Stop comparing yourself to others or trying to emulate their style. Instead, focus on what makes your voice...

The first time I stepped onto a stage, (and if I’m being honest, sometimes even now…) I felt like an imposter. As an introvert, the spotlight felt unnatural and as a perfectionist (now in recovery if you know what I mean), I always had that nagging voice saying, “you’re not good enough…the others are better.” 

As far back as I can remember, I preferred quiet moments of reflection to boisterous gatherings, and yet, I would get the biggest rush when given the chance to speak, sing, or play my instruments in front of a crowd. Looking back, I have discovered that from that first chance to speak in the 6th grade (D.A.R.E. graduation circa 1995) and in the years since, is that introverts like me have a unique edge when it comes to public speaking. What we think of as a negative trait (introversion) is really a superpower when it comes to doing things outside of our comfort zone, like speaking!

I know, you are currently thinking, “Um, what?...

I remember the first time, and even the most recent time, I stood on a stage to share my story. My hands were trembling, my heart raced, and that pesky voice inside my head questioned if anyone in the audience would care about what I had to say. But as I told that voice to hush and go sit in the corner and I began to speak, something magical happened. I saw nods of understanding, felt the energy of connection, and again realized the profound power of personal storytelling.

Stories are the threads that weave us together. They have been for centuries, carrying lessons, emotions, history, and humanity from one generation to the next. Today, as speakers and storytellers, we continue this tradition. When we step onto a stage, whether literal or metaphorical, we invite others into our lives, offering them a glimpse of who we are and what we stand for. We also offer them hope and the chance to see a new perspective on their own experiences.

I meet women all the time who are hesitant to...

The butterflies in your stomach, the racing heart, the sweaty palms—pre-speech anxiety is a challenge nearly every speaker faces, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth. But here’s the truth: nervousness is not your enemy. It’s a sign that you care deeply about your message and your performance. By learning to navigate these feelings, you can turn them into powerful tools for delivering an impactful and memorable presentation.

Here are eight practical tips to help you manage nerves and step onto the stage with confidence:

1.  Accept and Reframe Your Nervous Energy
   

Nervousness is your body’s way of gearing up for a challenge, and it’s a signal that you care about your performance. Instead of fighting it, reframe it. Think of it as excitement and enthusiasm—a boost of energy ready to propel you forward. After all, your body doesn’t distinguish between nervous and excited energy; it just feels the intensity! Embracing this...

When it comes to crafting a speech that leaves a lasting impact, personal experiences are your secret weapon. Stories rooted in your own life are authentic, relatable, and will resonate with your audiences. Here are three simple tips to help you turn your experiences into an unforgettable speech.

1. Start with a Thought-Provoking Statement or Question Your opening sets the stage for everything that follows. Dive right in with a bold statement or question that grabs your audience’s attention. For example, a client once began their speech with, "They told me I was stupid." This stark, emotional statement immediately captivated the room and made people curious about what came next.

Think about a moment in your story that is shocking, inspiring, or challenges expectations, and use it to spark curiosity from the very first sentence. 

2. Start with the End in Mind What is the one thing you want your audience to take away? Is it a lesson, an idea, or a call to action? Build your...

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on where you’ve been and chart a bold course for where you want to go. For those of us who dream of stepping onto the stage and sharing our stories, 2025 holds unlimited potential. But how do you turn that dream into reality?

The answer lies in setting clear, purposeful goals.

If the idea of public speaking excites you but also feels daunting, you’re not alone. Many people hesitate because of nerves, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing where to begin. The good news is that by setting thoughtful goals, you can break through these barriers and step into the spotlight with confidence and clarity.

Building your speaking skills and your confidence has benefits in every aspect of your life. Even if you don’t dream of inspiring the masses from the stage, you can still make an impact in your own life and the lives of those around you by learning how to verbalize your stories, present information with confidence,...

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on this year with immense gratitude and a heart full of pride. This has been a year of transformation, of stepping out of comfort zones, and of embracing opportunities that once seemed like distant dreams. For me, it has been a year of saying yes to the things that bring me joy and taking bold leaps into the unknown—and I am overwhelmed by the beauty of what has unfolded as a result.

At the start of this year, I carried a vision in my heart: to fully embrace my calling to empower women to share their stories, step onto stages with confidence, and make an impact in the world. Today, as I look back, I am in awe of how far I have come—not just professionally, but personally, as a woman who dared to chase her dreams.

Here are five milestones that made 2024 a year I will never forget:

1. Taking the Leap to Full-Time Entrepreneurship

In one of the scariest yet most exhilarating decisions of my life, I left my corporate job to...

In today’s competitive business world, standing out can feel like an uphill battle. Yet, there is one tool that is uniquely yours, deeply compelling, and absolutely free: your personal story. Your journey—complete with its challenges, triumphs, and lessons—is a powerful way to build connections, establish trust, and make your business unforgettable. 

Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your impact, sharing your story could be the key to unlocking authentic relationships and lasting success. Let’s explore why your story matters and how you can start using it to grow your business today.

Reason #1: Stories Create Connection

In our fast-paced world, people crave genuine connection. When you share your story, you invite others into your world. When you courageously share your emotions, experiences, and values, these shared moments can form the backbone of authentic relationships.

Practical Tip: Think about a pivotal moment or challenge...