Finding Confidence Early
Looking back on my childhood, I didn’t realize I was laying the foundation for my career every time I stepped on stage at a school play or sat at the piano during a recital. At the time, those experiences felt like simple hobbies—things I enjoyed doing that gave me a sense of fun and freedom. But today, as a professional working in sales and leadership, I see how those early moments helped shape one of the most important skills in business: communication.
The link between performing as a kid and thriving in a business setting isn’t always obvious. But the more I reflect, the more I see it—how stage presence became meeting presence, how storytelling became client engagement, and how learning to perform under pressure became one of my greatest assets.
Practice Makes Present
One of the biggest lessons I learned through childhood performance was how to be present—in the moment, focused, and connected with whoever was watching. Whether it was a band concert or a small speaking part in a play, I had to learn how to tune out distractions and zero in on the task at hand.
That ability is a game-changer in business. Whether I’m pitching a product, leading a sales team, or presenting to executives, I rely on that same sense of calm focus. When nerves start to creep in—and they still do sometimes—I fall back on what I learned in those early days: take a breath, stay grounded, and trust the preparation.
It’s a loop that repeats itself. The more you put yourself out there, the more confident you become. And that confidence makes you more effective and more willing to step up again. That’s the confidence loop.
Learning to Handle Pressure
Performance as a kid teaches you how to manage pressure in a way that few other activities can. Whether it’s memorizing lines, hitting the right notes, or speaking in front of a crowd, you learn how to prepare, perform, and recover when things don’t go perfectly.
I remember one moment in particular—playing trumpet at a school concert and missing a key note I had nailed during every practice session. It felt like the end of the world in the moment, but I kept going. That experience taught me that mistakes happen, and what matters is how you respond.
In business, things don’t always go as planned. A presentation might have tech issues. A pitch might fall flat. A deal might slip through your fingers. But the ability to stay composed, keep going, and maintain your presence under pressure—that’s a skill that takes you far.
Communication Is Performance (In the Best Way)
Some people think of business communication as stiff and formal. But in reality, the most effective communication is clear, engaging, and authentic—just like a good performance.
When I’m talking to clients or leading a team, I’m not acting, but I am using many of the same techniques I learned as a performer. I think about tone, pacing, and eye contact. I pay attention to the audience. I adjust based on feedback. And above all, I aim to connect.
Those are all things I started learning as a kid who liked the spotlight—not because I wanted attention, but because I loved expressing ideas and bringing something to life for others. That ability to connect emotionally has helped me build stronger relationships in business.
Storytelling Is a Superpower
When you grow up involved in music, acting, or writing, you quickly learn the power of storytelling. You understand that people connect with stories more than with facts. You see how emotion drives engagement and how a well-told moment can stay with someone forever.
That’s something I use daily in my work. Whether I’m explaining a solution to a client or motivating my team, I try to tell a story—something that resonates, paints a picture, and helps others see the bigger vision.
Storytelling breaks down barriers. It builds trust. It takes a pitch from transactional to personal. And it’s a skill that often starts not in the boardroom, but in a childhood filled with imagination and expression.
From Stage Fright to Stage Presence
Let’s be honest: most people don’t love public speaking. And I get it—it can be intimidating. But facing that fear early on through childhood performances helped me build the courage to step up in front of others.
I wasn’t always confident. I had stage fright just like anyone else. But I had chances to work through it in low-stakes environments, surrounded by supportive people. That practice gave me the reps I needed to get comfortable being seen and heard.
Today, that comfort allows me to communicate more clearly, handle unexpected questions, and be fully myself in meetings and presentations. The nervous energy is still there sometimes—but now it fuels me instead of stopping me.
The Confidence Loop Keeps Going
The confidence loop doesn’t stop when you grow up. In fact, it’s something I still live by. The more I challenge myself, the more I grow. The more I grow, the more confident I become. And that confidence encourages me to take on the next challenge.
Childhood performance gave me the tools to start that loop early. Now, as a professional, I keep it going by staying curious, taking risks, and leaning into the moments that stretch me.
If you’re a parent, mentor, or coach, I encourage you to support kids in their creative pursuits—not just because they’re fun, but because they’re building life skills that will carry them far. And if you’re someone who didn’t have those experiences, it’s never too late. Join a group, pick up a hobby, or find ways to share your voice. Your confidence loop can start today.
Confidence Is Built, Not Born
We often think of confident communicators as “naturals,” but most of them aren’t. They’ve just had practice. They’ve taken small steps, stumbled a few times, and gotten back up. That’s how confidence is built.
For me, the roots of that confidence go back to childhood—learning to perform, to speak, to share. And while the setting may have changed, the lessons are the same. Show up. Prepare. Connect. And trust that your voice matters.
Because whether you’re on stage, in a meeting, or just having a one-on-one conversation, confidence—and connection—can make all the difference.