Feeling the Fear and Just Doing It: My Journey into Public Speaking 

Public speaking has always been a daunting prospect for me. Just the thought of standing in front of an audience, sharing knowledge and experiences, made my heart race and my palms sweaty. But, as they say, growth often lies outside our comfort zone. This blog post is about my first public speaking experience, a journey that took me from fear to accomplishment, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way. 

Embracing the Mentorship of Jacqueline Stockwell and Brene Brown 

One thing I've come to realise is that success rarely happens in isolation. I was fortunate to have two incredible mentors guide me through this journey. Jacqueline (Jaki) Stockwell BA Hons, MSC provided invaluable support, helping me tap into my potential and overcome my fears. And, of course, there's the infamous Brené Brown , whose "Dare to Lead" course was a pivotal moment in my career. Being present at her course was an honour and one of the highlights of my professional life. 

Shifting into a Growth Mindset 

Taking that first step into public speaking required a fundamental shift in my mindset. I had to learn to back myself, encourage myself, and believe that I had something valuable to share. It meant mind mapping, meticulous preparation, and practice, practice, practice. I even enlisted my kids for practice sessions, although they found me both boring and funny, which lightened the atmosphere. 

 The Day of the Speech: Facing Challenges Head-On 

The day of my first public speaking event didn't start smoothly. I was running late and took a wrong turn, adding to my stress and anxiety. In that moment, I recalled one of the leadership traits I had learned – to be calm and take a deep breath. It wasn't a magic solution, but it helped me regain some composure. 

The time had come: Presentation time 

It’s fascinating that we managed to relate the story of Henry VIII and his six wives to Information Management and Leadership. My presentation highlights some important leadership principles and concepts that can be drawn from this historical context. Here's a breakdown of how we related these concepts to the story of Henry VIII and his wives: 

1. Empathy in Leadership: Drawing from Brene Brown's teachings on empathy, leaders should connect with the emotions underlying an experience. Understanding the feelings and experiences of Henry VIII's wives. Empathy in leadership involves starting a conversation, understanding others' feelings, communicating your understanding, and being mindful, which are all essential in managing teams and leading with empathy. 
2. Self-Management: I emphasized the importance of leaders practicing self-management, including taking pauses in decision-making. This relates to the idea that Henry VIII might have benefited from more self-control and reflection in his decisions regarding his wives. 
3. Self-Compassion: Leaders should treat themselves with the same kindness and encouragement they extend to others. This connects with the notion that practicing self-compassion can help leaders maintain emotional balance and effectively handle situations. 
4. Self-Care and Healing: The stress and vulnerability faced by leaders can be overwhelming. Just as Henry VIII experienced personal and political turmoil, leaders should prioritise self-care and healing, avoiding numbing strategies like food or alcohol. Instead, they should engage in self-care activities such as taking walks or getting massages. Leaders should seek healing through therapy, coaching, and mediation to address wounds or challenges, paralleling Henry VIII's tumultuous personal life. 
5. The Power of Storytelling: My point about leaders telling stories is a powerful one. Just as we are sharing the stories of Henry VIII and his wives in the context of information management and leadership, leaders should use storytelling as a means of communication and persuasion. Stories are memorable and can be used to convey important messages, making them a valuable tool in leadership. 
6. Leaders as Learners, Not Knowers: Lastly, my insight that great leaders are learners, not know-it-alls, is a critical leadership lesson. It relates to the idea that leaders should be open to new information and learning from others, much like how history can provide valuable lessons and insights for leaders today. 

Incorporating historical narratives into leadership discussions can make the concepts more relatable and memorable. Our presentation successfully blended the historical and the contemporary, highlighting the enduring principles of leadership and emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-awareness, self-care, and continuous learning for effective leadership. 

The Support of a Co-Buddy Speaker 

My co-buddy speaker, Bruce Berends from AvePoint , played a significant role in my success. He stood by my side, offering guidance, and encouraging banter, which helped ease my nerves. During the presentation, I took a deep breath, paused for a moment, and that moment will forever be etched in my memory. I spoke a bit too fast, and my presentation finished a little earlier than planned. However, the best part was the 15 minutes of Q&A that followed. It opened a meaningful conversation among the audience, and I couldn't have asked for a better outcome.  When ‘stating a conversation’ was a major point in my presentation. 

Ripping Off the Band-Aid and Embracing Vulnerability 

This experience felt like ripping off a band-aid. It was uncomfortable, but it had to be done. I'm not sure I'll ever be entirely comfortable with letting people see my vulnerable side, but that's perfectly okay. What matters is that I, a mum of three kids, stepped into a new sector, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and achieved something I never thought possible.  

A Message to Take Away 

What I want you to take away from my journey is that you, too, can achieve your goals. It's about feeling the fear and just doing it (learnt that from a very knowledge mentor).  I am proud of myself, not just as a professional but as a mum, showing my kids that they can do whatever they set their minds to. The journey might be scary, but it's always worth it in the end. So, whatever it is that you're dreaming of, remember to "feel the fear and just do it." 

I hope my story encourages you to take that step outside your comfort zone and embrace the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. 

Leadership Through Data #growthmindset #publicspeaking #vulnerability #leadership RIMPA Global