Be there, be prepared and...

This week, I had the honour of attending the Harvard School of Business as a Leadership Board Foundation Observer. Immediately, I was transported back to my life as a student; walking around campus, attending lectures and sleeping in a modest single residence room… and I loved it. I was surrounded by the world’s best and brightest of leaders, including Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy, author of novel ‘Presence’.
 
The moment Amy confidently took the stage in front of a captive lecture hall; it was hard to believe that she ever had insecurities or doubts about being present.  
 
Then I realized, haven’t we all been faced with those insecurities?
 
As entrepreneurs, we are pressured to be the exact opposite of insecure. Whether in an interview, a sales-pitch or a networking event… We’ve all faced those high-pressure moments to be self-assured, captivating and enthusiastic.
 
Why is that more often than not, we walk away from those moments with regret?
 

Why did I say that? Why didn’t I say…?

For weeks, months, years even - we have those questions forever looping in our brains. Those tiny moments of weakness that keep us up at night. We waste our precious time wishing and praying for a do-over.
 
There is something you can do. And no, it doesn’t involve time travel.
 
Amy tells us to “focus less on the impression you’re making on others and more on the impression you’re making yourself”.
 
Instead of facing those high-pressure moments with dread, Amy encourages us to look at them with excitement and confidence.  Imagine feeling comfortable in a room full of peers rather than a mob of judges. Imagine taking your shoes off at the end of the day without the weight of regret on your shoulders.
 
So be there, be prepared and, I know this is cliché, but: be yourself. Only then can you fully be present.

See you soon in #Niceland,

Janice 

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