The Stage I Almost Didn’t Step Onto, and What It Taught Me About Innovation

I almost didn’t step onto this stage in 2019.

Standing on stage at the New Media Summit, a podcasting conference, I remember feeling everything at once: excited, intimidated, and very much outside my comfort zone.

That moment mattered.

Because innovation doesn’t happen where things feel easy.

It happens when you choose discomfort, especially when you’re not entirely sure what to say or how you’ll be received.

That experience shaped how I show up today:

➡️  Clear, concise, and intentional in conversations

➡️  Prepared, but open to where the dialogue goes

➡️  Focused on listening as much as speaking

This moment taught me something unexpected: the power of being succinct and the value of letting others guide the depth of a conversation.

Looking back, it’s one of those “connect the dots” moments - what started in 2019 came full circle in 2023, when my book opened the door to podcast interviews where I could share my perspective on innovation.

What started as a stretch opportunity turned into a path toward deeper conversations, new perspectives, and ultimately, a new direction in my work.

Funny how the things that feel uncomfortable in the moment often become the most meaningful later.

What opportunity are you hesitating to step into because it feels uncomfortable right now?