Ever been so nervous in a meeting that you couldn't even remember your own name? That was Angela. She'd show up to status meetings, say "no updates," and pray no one would notice her.

But here's what makes Angela's story so powerful: she didn't stay stuck there.

In this episode, Angela takes us through her transformation—from the person who was too scared to ask questions in meetings, to someone who confidently walked away from corporate stability to build her own consulting business. And trust me, the journey wasn't pretty. She talks about wanting "the floor to swallow her whole" during her first Toastmasters sessions, and how it took four months before speaking up felt less threatening.

What I love most about this conversation is how real Angela gets about the messy middle. She shares the exact moment a coworker gave her brutally honest feedback that changed everything. She talks about the director who noticed her transformation without her saying a word. And she opens up about why moving to the UK for love meant putting her entire career on the line—and how she became a remote work pioneer before it was even a thing.

But this isn't just a feel-good story about following your dreams. Angela gets honest about what she struggled with when she went out on her own: networking felt unnatural, she spent too much time on accounting instead of hiring help, and she learned the hard way that there's a difference between your "zone of genius" and your "quicksand."

The wisdom that hit me hardest? When Angela talks about getting feedback that she needed to "create her own opportunities" in corporate. At first, she raged against it. But then she realized: staying put and waiting for someone else to create experiences for her—that was the real risk.

This episode is for you if:

• You've ever felt invisible or unheard at work
• You're tired of waiting for permission to take the next step
• You're curious about Toastmasters but terrified to try it
• You're thinking about leaving corporate but scared of the uncertainty
• You want to hear a real, unfiltered story about betting on yourself

What we talk about:

• How silence can actually create bigger problems than speaking up
• Why Toastmasters changed everything (even though she almost quit)
• The surprising perks of being a remote work guinea pig
• What happens when you finally stop filtering everything
• The truth about starting a consulting business (spoiler: hire help sooner)
• Why "shoring up your weak spots" isn't always the answer
• How volunteer leadership prepared her for paid leadership
• The moment she realized the risk was staying, not leaving

Key takeaway: Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build by showing up—especially when it feels uncomfortable. You don't have to transform overnight. You can take a break, come back, and eat the elephant one bite at a time.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs that nudge to bet on themselves. And as always, thank you for being here and choosing connection.

Resources mentioned:

• Toastmasters International
• Jordan Harbinger's 6 Minute Networking
• "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks (Zone of Genius concept)

About Connectedness:This is the space where we explore what it means to grow, connect, trust ourselves, and show up authentically with each other. Hosted by Fernanda, founder of Filled Cups. New episodes weekly about dating, relationships, friendships, and personal growth.

Filled Cups Website📸 Instagram: @filled.cups