FROM NERVOUS TO NOTICED HOW WOMEN CAN SHOW

UP, SPEAK UP, AND STEP UP IN ALL BUSINESS AND LIFE’S CONVERSATIONS

by Susan Sheehan

“These are just mere males with more money.”

That one thought helped me hold my ground in a room of $100 million investors—and deliver the pitch of my life.

Not long ago, I found myself presenting a business opportunity to eight men in a boardroom.

I froze. My mind went blank. And as I looked around the table, I didn’t feel seen as a businesswoman—I felt objectified.

That experience stuck with me. I knew I had the knowledge, the results, the drive—but in that moment, my voice disappeared.

Fast forward four years. I’m standing in front of nine angel investors with a combined net worth of over $100 million.

Was I nervous? Absolutely.

But this time, I was ready.

I stood tall, spoke with clarity, and delivered with confidence.

And I did it with one cheeky reminder playing in my mind:

“These are just mere males with more money."

Why So Many Brilliant Women Freeze in Big Moments

Even the most capable women can shrink in rooms that feel intimidating. Why? Because it’s not just about skill—it’s about safety.

When your brain perceives risk—judgment, failure, rejection—it triggers protection. You freeze, overtalk, or downplay your brilliance.

This is not a weakness. It’s your nervous system doing its job.

But here’s the good news: You can train it. You can rewire your brain, body, and beliefs to feel strong and safe in high-stakes conversations.

From Fear to Freedom: The 3 Shifts That Changed Everything

1. Show Up with Certainty

Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being anchored in who you are. Before any high-pressure moment, I ask myself:

“What do I stand for? What value do I bring?” You don’t need to compete—you need to connect. First with yourself, then with others.

2. Speak with Structure

Many women over-explain to prove their worth. But clarity is what commands attention.

Speak in frameworks. Think in headlines. Deliver like a pro.

Try this: Point. Proof. Pause.

“The strategy needs a reset. We’ve seen declining engagement for 3 months. Let’s look at a refreshed approach.”

3. Step Up with Energy

Your energy enters the room before your words. Stand tall. Breathe deeply. Speak from your centre, not your throat. You don’t need to be louder—you need to be grounded.

This Isn’t Just Communication. It’s Identity.

Through our program, Personal Dynamics 360 , we now teach what I had to learn the hard way: To lead powerfully, you must be powerfully you— clear, calm, and congruent.

You must become the woman who:

1. Speaks with strength

2. Sets boundaries without guilt

3. Navigates powerful rooms with ease

4. Leads from identity, not insecurity

You don’t need to perform. You need to own your space.

“Confidence isn’t about proving. It’s about owning.”

Want to Take This Further?

If you’re ready to lead with confidence, communicate with clarity, and grow from the inside out—start here:

Free Resources, Training, and Support: www.meetsusansheehan.com/links

Susan Sheehan is a globally recognized high-performance coach, brain trainer, and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping individuals evolve personally and professionally. She is co-founder of The Coaching Consult with Caroline Barton, 3x best-selling author and creator of Personal Dynamics 360 and Wellness 40+ Workout for Menopause Relief.