The push I didn't know I needed

Nearly 20 years ago, I was in a digital marketing role working for a CMO I affectionately call my GOAT boss.

I pulled together a presentation showcasing the new company website – a project I was leading – so that she could share it with the CEO.

Her response to the website and the deck, “Great work! The meeting is at 3 and you’re going to present.”

I froze.

I hadn’t done the days of preparation for this meeting I would typically do for anything I would consider “high stakes.”

All the excuses rose to meet my fear. And even though I had been asking for more opportunities to lead my own projects and for more visibility with senior leaders – when my big shot was right in front of me – I wanted NOTHING to do with seizing the day.

I told her I wasn’t ready and I asked her to present the work.

She smiled and calmly spoke with a direct line to my gripping perfectionism.

She deployed what I now think of as - The Compassionate Nudge.

“This is your great work that needs to be recognized. You should be the one to share it and get the credit for it. I know you haven’t prepared, but you know your stuff, you can do this and I will be right there if you need me to jump in.”

Gulp.

When someone you respect and admire swaddles you in a blanket of belief, the only option is to expand and begin to believe it yourself.

And so I did.

The presentation was both imperfect and well received. I moved through my fear and was a little bit more confident and even ready for the next opportunity to present itself.

I wish I could say this fear and the residual perfectionism completely goes away.

Yet, when I shared this story with nearly 800 people in my last corporate keynote, I was reminded how far I’ve come and that I need to continue to surround myself with people who will practice The Compassionate Nudge with me.

So my fear can be met with love and self belief and proof to others that expansion is possible.

I’m worthy of sharing my work, my gifts and my voice.

And I’m here to Compassionately Nudge you to be and do the same.