In this bonus episode of Rock the Damn Boat (RTDB), Christy shares a behind-the-scenes reflection on her spontaneous decision to attend the Create & Cultivate conference in Austin, Texas—alone. What started as a last-minute leap turned into a powerful reminder that growth often begins with simply showing up.

Surrounded by ambitious founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs, Christy listened to inspiring speakers including Jonathan Van Ness and Emily McDonald, founder of Mindcraft, and walked away with a renewed belief in her ability to step into rooms that once felt intimidating.

This episode explores what it means to take brave steps—even as an introvert or self-described “quiet woman”—and why courage doesn’t always look loud or confident. Sometimes it just looks like booking the ticket, walking through the door, and trusting that you belong there.

Christy also reflects on how experiences like this shape her mission to help other thoughtful, capable women find their voice through the Rock the Damn Boat podcast and her upcoming women’s retreats.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to take a leap, attend an event alone, or step into a new community, this conversation is for you.

Discussion Highlights:

• Why Christy made a spontaneous decision to attend Create & Cultivate Austin
• What it felt like to walk into a networking event alone
• Insights from speakers including Jonathan Van Ness and Emily McDonald of Mindcraft
• The quiet courage it takes to show up in unfamiliar spaces
• How stepping outside your comfort zone builds confidence over time
• Why Christy believes more introverted and thoughtful women deserve spaces to grow their voice
• How retreats, storytelling, and community can empower women to take brave steps forward

  
  Create & Cultivate Austin, women’s networking events, Jonathan Van Ness speaking event, Emily McDonald Mindcraft, women entrepreneurs conference, overcoming introversion in networking, confidence building for women, solo travel for conferences, women empowering women, Rock the Damn Boat podcast

  
  If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend who’s ready to take a brave step of her own. And don’t forget to follow Rock the Damn Boat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube for more conversations that inspire people-pleasers and quiet leaders to use their voice—even when it makes waves.