From Spam Folder to TEDx Stage: 5 Lessons Every Leader Needs Before Their Next Big Moment

HOLA my friend..

This is not your typical “how I made it to TEDx” story… This one starts with me not even knowing I made the cut. 😅 jajaja

I applied months ago. Heard nothing. Then boom ! An email landed in SPAM saying, “You’ve been selected. Submit your 2-minute video in the next 2 hours.” 😳

No prep. Wet hair. ZERO chill. 

But I did it anyway showered, blow-dried, hit record... and kept it real. No perfection, just heart. And guess what? That version of me… made it YAY!

So today, I’m sharing 5 real-talk lessons that came out of that moment and my TEDx experience ones I know YOU can use anytime you have to speak up, show up, or shine your AUTHENTIC light.

#1 AUTHENTICITY WINS.

The “perfect” version of me didn’t win this spot the honest, passionate, slightly frazzled but on fire version did.

→Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Be real. Be clear. Be YOU.

 #2 LESS IS WAY MORE.

I went from a 60-minute keynote to 9 minutes (yup that was our limit) Hard? Yes. But it forced me to laser in on the ONE message that mattered AND it elevated it! → Don’t try to say everything. Say what sticks and matters.

#3 PREP IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

Not memorizing. Not robotic. Just knowing your flow, your transitions, your anchors. When I hit that stage, I wasn’t scared I was soooo ready and excited. → When you prep with intention, you get to play in the moment.

 #4 SPEAK TO THE ONE WHO NEEDS IT.

I stopped worrying about messing up… and focused on that one person who needed the message. And wow…they laughed, cried, and even sang with me (yup, that happened 😄). → You don’t need to impress everyone. Just connect deeply with one.

#5 STUFF WILL GO WRONG. BE READY ANYWAY.

Lighting glitches? Mic issues? Awkward moments? Yep. But when you’re prepared, none of that matters. You ride the wave and stay grounded in purpose.

 Whether you’re giving a TEDx talk, pitching your business, or finally sharing your dream out loud…

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present, prepared, and in purpose.

 If you’ve been waiting for everything to align before you take your shot Maybe the message is: Go for it now. Hair wet and all lol

Cheering you on always....

JENNIE

ps. I will share the final video when it is ready and published at the official TEDX Site.