A Banker Pops into My Inbox

A few questions I regularly get asked:

A. “What am I supposed to do with my hands❓”

B. “How can I stop feeling so anxious ❓”

C. “How did you end up being a public speaking coach❓”

Today, I’m going to answer C. 

I’ll start with a question. 

Did you ever say yes to something and later realize that simple “yes” changed the whole trajectory of your life?

I did.

Here’s what happened.⬇️

About fifteen years ago, I was acting, coaching acting, and teaching acting at Boston University and via my own studio. I was fascinated by performances that were authentic, powerful, and captivated audiences.

I loved creating these kind of performances.  

I also loved teaching acting students how to create them – through tapping into the aspects of themselves they needed to play particular characters, be present, have clear objectives, and develop the ability to manage their nerves.

Then one day, an email popped into my inbox from a woman who worked in banking. (I’ll call her Jacqueline.) She knew I was an acting coach and asked if I could help her get ready for an important presentation that was really stressing her out.

I was game and said “yes!”

✨This was the life-changing yes.✨

After working with Jacqueline – digging into who her audience was, crafting a crystal clear message that could reach them, and teaching her how she could manage her nerves – I realized something.

I saw that all that I had learned about performing could be a huge benefit for people who were terrified of public speaking. 

And I knew I could teach clients a repeatable creative process that would take them from brainstorm to performance. 

💡Lightbulb!!💡

Plus, I had worked in a variety of work environments to support my creative life, so I understood the cultures and pressures of the corporate, start-up, and non-profit worlds.

I began offering public speaking coaching through my acting studio that my husband (Art) and I ran. Requests for coaching came in from executives💻, scientists🧪, designers, dog trainers🐕, T.V. chefs🍅, and bridesmaids👰🏽. Companies and non-profits emailed to see if I could help their teams with confidence, presence, and speaking.

I found so much satisfaction in helping clients build their confidence and create presentations that weren’t boring! I loved helping them discover how to let go of self-consciousness and “umms” and use their voices powerfully. 

Empowering my clients to make a positive impact in their fields? So. Gratifying.

As momentum grew, I launched Boston Public Speaking. Fast forward, 5 years later, I wrote a book and launched San Diego Public Speaking. 

And…to date I’ve worked with over 1000 individuals – from banker to baker, designer to dog trainer. I’ve also led workshops in over 60 different companies, empowering their teams with public speaking strategies.

This all happened because I said yes to that one person who asked for help.

Because I took a risk and tried something new.

Why am I sharing this?

If an unexpected opportunity comes your way that instinctually feels good – why not say yes? 

You really never know where it may lead you. Click here to boost your confidence so you’re ready to say YES when the right opportunity comes along.