Behind the Scenes of My TEDx Talk: The Real Story

"How was it?"

That's the question I've been hearing non-stop since my TEDx talk. And while everyone expects the standard response filled with life-changing moments and overwhelming positivity, I'm here to share the real, unfiltered story that often goes untold.

On Saturday, 4/20, I stood on that iconic red circle and addressed a sold-out Bell Works theatre. 300 people! The audience was not just present; they were engaged, fashionable, and wonderfully generous with their attention. Dana Sanfiorenzo-Cadena and Chris Fitzpatrick were a fantastic duo, and the host, Erin Maguire, was nothing short of phenomenal.

Photo source: Chris Fitzpatrick’s IG

During my TEDx talk, I delved into my personal journey with two labels I've grappled with: "overachiever" and "congestive heart failure." I introduced the concept of "Radical Interrogation," urging us all to look beyond the labels that society imposes on us.

But let's talk about the reality of preparing for and delivering a TEDx talk. It's nerve-wracking, to say the least. The pressure, the anticipation, the fear of not delivering your message as powerfully as you envision... It's all there, lurking beneath the surface.

TEDx talks are often portrayed as these glamorous, life-changing events where speakers take to the stage to share their wisdom with the world. But let me tell you, the reality behind the scenes is often far from glamorous. Here's a breakdown of what really happened during my TEDx talk at the sprawling 200 million square foot space of Bell Works.

7:00 AM: I showed up bright and early, full of nervous energy and excitement. The day was supposed to start with a hearty breakfast to fuel us for the day ahead. However, when I arrived, all they had to offer was cookies and coffee.

Complaints arose, and eventually, they brought in some fruit and donuts, but it wasn't exactly the nutritious breakfast we were hoping for.

Throughout the day, all the speakers were crammed into one green room. There was barely enough space for everyone, and it was challenging to find a quiet corner to gather our thoughts and remain calm before going on stage.

I was scheduled to speak second to last, which meant I didn't go on until 4:30 PM. By that point, my energy was waning, and all I could think about was taking a nap right before I hit the stage. 😂

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, I did my best to stay focused and deliver my talk with passion and conviction. But let me tell you, behind the glamour of the TEDx stage, there’s a lot of chaos and discomfort that often goes unnoticed.

So, the next time you watch a TEDx talk and marvel at the speaker's eloquence and poise, remember that there's a whole lot happening behind the scenes that you don't see.

Me Power Moments

I know four friends who have recently overcome breast cancer, facing it with unwavering courage, strength, and the support of a positive community that had no doubt they would emerge victorious.

These remarkable women embody Me Power in action. Despite facing one of life's greatest challenges, they refused to let cancer define them. Instead, they embraced their inner strength, focused on their journey to recovery, and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Their stories remind us that Me Power is not just a concept; it's a way of life.

As we celebrate these incredible individuals and their journey to beating breast cancer, let their stories serve as a reminder that with Me Power, anything is possible.

Let's continue to activate Me Power in ourselves and in others to face life's challenges with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Together, we can conquer anything that comes our way.

Three⚡️in 31 Seconds

⚡️ Please watch, like, comment, and share the Youtube link! I’m at 14K views in 2 days. Unbelievable!

⚡️ Please check out the other TEDx talks from April 20, 2024 at Bell Works!

⚡️ Join Me for a Six-Week Book Club Journey!

I'm hosting a lovely, intimate online 6-week book club where we'll be diving into ME POWER together, hosted by Nautilus Online Book Clubs and facilitated by yours truly.

What makes this even more exciting is that it will be my first time reading Me Power as a reader, without the need to look for things to fix.

This book club goes beyond just reading; it's an immersive experience designed to inspire action and facilitate personal and collective growth.

Are you ready to unlock your limitless power for positive change?