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...