In eighteen years of working her way to Senior Vice President of a bank, Stacy avoided invitations for public speaking. Comfortable leading board meetings, committees and speaking to clients, Stacy stayed in her safe zone. Stand and speak in front of 500 people? No thanks. An invitation to speak at a large community event landed on her desk. Terrified and …
How To Command A Room
“Space is in fact, a living event. Space is potential” ~ Bruce A. Bergner, Set Designer Jackie is a lead engineer who also happens to be 5’2” and petite. I watch as she gives a presentation to her colleagues. Her goal: negotiate a procedural change between departments. She is doing a great job: engages her audience and listens to their ideas …
Be A Jerk? Or Be Human.
Today, after 6 decades of living in a home with a landline, I said good-bye to 828 658-1217. My Spectrum’s Customer Service experience was a blast – friendly conversation and laughter. Say, “customer service,” and you’ll see eyes rolling for good reason. You know these lines: “please hold,” and “let me connect you with the next customer service agent.” So, why …
I Made a Mistake!
While moving at lightning speed, from one detail to the next to organize and stage TEDx Asheville 2022, I made a big mistake. If it was a detail on the website – easy fix. If I forgot to arrange a projector, a call would right that wrong. This mistake required I apologize. Even with that creepy-crawly feeling of shame and embarrassment in …
It Takes Chutzpah!
“Find Your Voice”… …is an overused message especially for folks like me who help people find their voice for a living. However, I admit…I’ve used it. Last year, I stepped into roles I didn’t know I was capable of. A year later, I realize now – I found MY voice. I haven’t become a keynote speaker or a podcast star. …