🎙 Episode Overview

Today’s episode is a little different—I’m recording straight from my bed, under the covers, because inspiration struck and I had to get this out of my brain.

I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at preparing for and delivering my first big keynote—to an audience of 2,000 at a national nurse practitioner conference. From pre-speech jitters to the moment I walked off stage, I’m unpacking what worked, what surprised me, and the mental strategies I used to keep my nerves in check.

If you’ve ever had to speak in front of a group, pitch an idea, or step into a high-pressure leadership role, this episode is for you.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How I managed my nerves leading up to my biggest keynote yet
• The "it’s not a big deal" mindset hack I use to keep calm under pressure
• My dad’s genius storytelling trick for instantly connecting with an audience
• Why making friends with your audience in advance is a game-changer for confidence

🧠 Key Ideas to Take With You

• Confidence isn’t about eliminating nerves—it’s about managing them.
• Your audience wants you to succeed. Humanize them, and you’ll feel less pressure.
• Stories create connection. A well-placed personal story makes your talk instantly more engaging.
• Growth often feels uncomfortable. The nerves mean you're stepping into something bigger.

🎧 How to Get the Most Out of This Episode

If you’ve got a presentation, pitch, or public speaking moment coming up, listen to this episode with that in mind. Think about how you can apply these strategies to show up with more confidence and own the room.

🛠️ Practical Actions You Can Take

1. Test the “it’s not a big deal” mindset—see if downplaying the pressure helps calm your nerves.
2. Start with a story. Next time you speak, open with something relatable to set the tone.
3. Make audience connections before you speak—introduce yourself, chat with people, and anchor yourself to familiar faces.
4. Reframe nerves as proof of growth. If something makes you nervous, it’s probably pushing you to a new level.

⁉️ Want me to answer your question or scenario on the podcast?

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• A leadership or systems challenge you’re facing
• A scenario you want me to walk through
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📲 Call to Action

• DM me on Instagram (@nursing.the.system) with your biggest public speaking challenge!
• Share this episode with a friend who needs a confidence boost before their next big talk.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes!
• Join my System Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.