The Jedi Mind Trick to Shine Unapologetically in High-Stakes Situations

Speaking at the 2022 MSMU Women’s Leadership Conference

Recently, I had the honor of speaking at the annual Women’s Leadership Conference at Mount St. Mary University. 

Over 250 women showed up in person to sharpen their storytelling skills, make connections, and take in a postcard-perfect view of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. 

In the courtyard, under a line of large purple and gold umbrellas was a breakfast display with some of the flakiest, golden brown croissants ever made. 

But I was too nervous to eat. 

My imposter voice (who I regularly “send to Maui” when I’m doing bold things) hitched a ride back and followed me to this idyllic spot to lend me her “support” which sounded like this: 

Do you REALLY think you can engage an auditorium of badass women leaders? Wait 'til they find out it’s your first time...they’re gonna ask for their money back! 

The imposter knows exactly what to say to push the button that makes you want to quit. But not this time. 

Sure, it was my first time speaking on a live stage.

Sure, my heart started jumping with excitement and some fear.

Sure, they moved my session to the main theater at the last minute to accommodate a larger-than-expected group.

And sure, my brain had started to lose traces of my talk when I imagined my Powerpoint clicker going out (which it had done once during the morning tech check). 

An hour before my session, I hunted down a secluded alcove two floors down to breathe, pray and center myself with all the things I tell my Own Your Message students when they're getting ready to go big and bold.

You’re here to SERVE by sharing my message.

You won't be everyone’s cup of tea, but you are your dream people’s favorite chai latte.

When you shift your mindset from the spotlight to service, it will magnetize your audience.

This mindset shifts things every single time.

The 45 minutes on stage flew by, and it was one of the most fun and fulfilling moments in my work.

There’s nothing more joyful than serving and speaking from the soul of who you are.

Whatever big first you're pursuing right now in your business, know that you CAN achieve it.

Let your story and message be a medium for service and watch what happens. 🪄