[Music] [Music] Away and good evening everyone. Welcome to an unapologetically selfish and guilt-free talk on the power of boundaries. Now, I can almost see a few of you shifting in your seats and cringing at the word selfish, but let's just take a pause for a second and reframe that.One of my favorite quotes comes from the iconic Koko Chanel who once said, "One of the most courageous acts in life is to think for yourself aloud." In a lot of societies, this bold self assertion, especially for women, is very ...

Personal Struggle & Transformation - The speaker, an opera singer, shares her experience with feeling like an impostor and performing a life that didn't feel like her own [1][2][3] - She describes the pressure to conform to the expectations of the opera world, striving for perfection and recognition in prestigious venues [6][7] - The speaker experienced stage fright and self-doubt, even resorting to coping mechanisms like drinking before performances [8] - A pivotal moment on stage led to a realization that she was performing not just on stage, but in all aspects of her life [11][12] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and pushing aside expectations to pursue personal fulfillment [13][14] Career & Entrepreneurship - The speaker founded an online coaching business, "Artist Leadership," to mentor creatives and leaders, reconnecting with her voice and passion [15] - She left a secure university teaching position to pursue coaching more intensively, despite external pressures and expectations [15][16] - After being laid off from the opera, she applied for and obtained a leadership position in the young opera department, forming a female shared leadership team [17][18] - The speaker challenges the notion that one must focus on a single path, advocating for pursuing multiple passions and defying conventional expectations [18][19][28] Self-Discovery & Well-being - The speaker encourages the audience to define what truly makes them feel "deeply, joyfully, and undeniably" themselves [19] - She suggests daily journaling for five minutes to sift through the 36,000 thoughts a day and connect with one's heart [21][22] - The speaker highlights the importance of finding supportive people who encourage one's authentic self and becoming, not just performance [23][24]

Core Message - Public speaking is a superpower that can help individuals in various aspects of life [1][2][24] - Overcoming fear is essential to unlock this superpower [5] Strategies for Managing Fear - Reduce fear by doing the thing that scares you repeatedly [10][11][22] - Reframe nerves as excitement by consciously choosing a better label for the physical sensations [14][15][16][23] - Say yes to opportunities before feeling ready and then prepare thoroughly [19][20][24] Practical Steps - Start early and seek opportunities to speak in low-stakes environments [11][20][21] - Project outwards to the audience and focus on the importance of the message [18] - Acknowledge that perfection is unattainable and embrace the learning process [23]