What’s your story for 2025

Let me hear your story for 2025.

I’m not a fan girl of resolutions so no pressure here.

But I LOVE a sticky story.

So tell me…

What was the moment or time in your life when you were unafraid? Rebellious? Undeterred? Spirited? Plucky? (ooh, I like THAT one!)

That time when you believed ANYTHING was possible. When you didn’t care what your hair looked like. When you took a picture BECAUSE it would last longer …in your photo album.

Back in the day when your “inner” voice WAS your voice. That voice who said, “Heck, Yes! (you were too young to curse) Let’s do it! I’m in! That sounds fun! What’s next?”

When you allowed yourself to imagine the possibilities.

For me back in the day, I was all about just hanging out for hours with a bestie, when we would spend the day imagining the characters we would dress up as, with whatever we had in our closets. That was it. That was the day.

Nah…time to move on from those dreams of who you wanted to be.

But wait...there is a wee bit of insight you might get from that kid in you.

That bolder voice inside you (or perhaps the voice of someone who believes in you) who says: “You can do that. Lead the discussion. Facilitate the panel. Be the guest speaker. Be the keynote.”

You CAN show up with all the gutsy, bold, undaunted, gritty, spunky spirit that is still very much a part of who you are and is waiting for you to say, “Yes, I remember you.”

That “inner” voice that was once YOUR voice. It’s still there. It’s dying to get out there.

Wherever you are in your journey, keep listening to the deepest most authentic part of you. Find those moments to let it bubble out. And connect.

It’s 2025. What will you say? How will you say it? Will you hold back?

Let me hear from the big bold you.

I’m all in and willing to listen.

Podcast announcement

Retelling and sharing painful moments is never easy.

Yet.

When a 2024 People’s Choice Award Podcast asks you to be a guest, you say yes. Especially when this invitation collides with the moment a wise colleague who shares this quote from James Clear with me: “You can't choose your history, but you can choose the story you tell about it.” 

My interview and conversation with Jackie Tantillo offers a reminder for me and others who know, deep in our minds and hearts, that we are more than our past. We are more than the fear that holds us back. We are more than our origin stories. Each of us has within us the courage, presence, authenticity, and clarity to create the work and life that we imagine. 

Have a listen-and when you like, comment, and share with your networks we appreciate the boost!

https://shltmm.simplecast.com/episodes/a-sunny-disposition-in-spite-of-the-lingering-fear-with-guest-founder-of-center-stage-connections-julie-campbell-nB6D11xw

Find Your Tightrope

What does walking a tightrope have to do with telling your business story?

Completing a walk across a tightrope was a requirement before completing my MFA in Acting. 

Required, not because our department head wanted his students to be more marketable as future circus performers. He believed the act of staying on a tightrope, from beginning to end, was analogous to what is required of our mind and body to be on stage. Staying on a tightrope has less to do with athleticism or grace, and more to do with mindset. Being present. Moment by moment. Step by step. Always moving forward.

I learned a valuable lesson over those months of tightrope class. The second I thought of what I was going to have for lunch, recalled an earlier conversation that had left me unsettled, glanced away from the end of the rope, or allowed even a smidge of doubt to enter my mind, I would fall off that rope. Every. Time.

I fell off a lot. A whole lot. But one of the class rules was if you fell off, your turn wasn’t over. You got right back on. Before you could dwell on why you fell off. Just get back on. Find the courage. Be Present. Move forward. Step by step. Moment by moment.

The mind/body experience of walking a tightrope remains with me today in my work at Center Stage Connections, as I support, encourage, and guide others to move their story forward—whether in the form of a high-stakes presentation, a grueling interview process, or team building and messaging. Moving your story forward is not always easy. Internal and external challenges will be there.

If you or your team have fallen off your tightrope, I have many tools and techniques to get you moving forward with focus, presence, courage, intention, and boldness for the business stage.

Lead with curiosity to bring your team together…

Table work.

Table work happens long before the curtain call.

Audiences (clients and customers)never see the table work, but they can feel it...if everyone has done the work.

In the first few days of rehearsal with a new script, writers, actors, directors, designers, and staff come together for “table work.” It’s just that, sitting around a table before we get up on our feet. Each person brings their perspective, thoughts, ideas, and we begin to hash out the story we are going to tell. Together. The room practically vibrates with energy and anticipation. Table work is where the magic starts to happen.

As we continue to navigate change in the workplace, there are likely new people, new roles, or new leadership at the virtual table for those team meetings aka table work. Many colleagues and clients are carrying heaps of differing thoughts, feelings, and perspectives into a new environment. Lots of changes. Lots of opportunities for the magic to happen.

When you choose curiosity about another person’s point of view, you bring presence and empathy into the room and give permission for others to bring authenticity to the table. Curiosity, Presence, Authenticity, and Empathy build Connection. Connection builds teams. Connected teams are a magical formidable force in the business world.

What are you bringing to the table to create Connection?