It is time to take the mic…

Are you passing the mic out of fear?

Several years ago, I directed a show I was incredibly proud of. It was bold, edgy, and the kind of work that really sparked conversation.

After the performance, there was a panel discussion planned to go deeper with the audience and explore the themes that had just played out onstage.

And when I was asked to lead it?

I passed the mic.

Literally. I handed the opportunity over to the artistic director of the company.

And, sadly, this wasn’t the first time I’d done it.

It wasn’t even the second.

There were other panels. Talkbacks. Invitations to lead conversations I was more than qualified to guide. But I kept handing them off. Not because I didn’t have something to say, but because some part of me still questioned whether I belonged up there.

And this was after I’d already found my voice (or at least thought I had).

After years of speaking, coaching, performing.

After doing “the work.”

Confidence, it turns out, isn’t a one-time arrival. It’s a practice.

It is a decision you make, sometimes over and over.

So here’s what I do now:

If I’m asked to lead, I say “YES!”

Even if it scares the hell out of me, I say, “YES!”

Even if I’m not sure I have the perfect thing to say. I say, “YES!”

Because every time I say yes, I get better.

Every time I show up, I learn something.

And every time I don’t say yes? Someone else will.

So if there’s one thing I’d encourage you to do before you worry about perfecting your pacing, your

pause, or your polished open, it is this:

Start stepping into the moments that make you uncomfortable.

Not someday. Not when you feel “ready.”

Now.

Say yes to the opportunity.

Yes to the panel.

Yes to leading the conversation, especially when it feels easier to pass the mic.

Because your voice matters.

And the room needs to hear it.

And remember, I’m right here, cheering you on. ✨