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One day in the middle of May 2011, a young woman by the name of Jessica Libbey walked into my office. I had met Jessica two weeks prior at an event where I had been a guest speaker.
Jessica called me on the phone after the event and shared that - more than anything in the world – she wanted to get out there and speak to women about loving their bodies and themselves, and to tell her story.
But more than anything in the world, she was terrified of speaking publicly.
“Can you help?” she asked.
I was moved by the passion and conviction I felt in her, and found myself seated across from her in my office two weeks later.
After connecting for a bit, I had her stand at the front of the room. I asked her to simply introduce herself and to share her story about becoming a nutritional consultant.
Standing there in front of me, she crumpled. Face red. Tears streaming. Body shaking.
It was so intense for her to be seen and heard like this.
But the calling she felt inside to give of her voice and wisdom to this world, and to truly serve on great, far reaching levels, was so much larger than the powerful embarrassment and fear that had been holding her back for so long.
She enrolled in my School for The Well-Spoken Woman LIVE! program, where she wrote the speech her voice has been longing to give and worked alongside 8 other women to prepare, refine and deliver her talk to a live audience of women this last September.
I am delighted – actually, thrilled is more like it – to share with you the truly remarkable speech that she gave that night. (Below)
Jessica is a natural.
She learned how to reframe the fear and the intensity of feeling and sensation inside and see it for what it really is: pure power. This lady has found the freedom to share her voice with the world, and with such grace and eloquence.
Since that night, she’s landed multiple speaking gigs, is in talks with Whole Foods to be a part of their speaker and trainer program, and is building her business as a result.
And most of all, she’s having fun on stage. It’s a far cry from that day in May…
With pleasure and such pride, I present to you one of my star students: Jessica Libbey.
Catch the video of her epic talk below.
Like it. Share it. Comment.
To you and your voice,
KC
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KC Baker has a unique passion and approach for helping women find their voice, and step into a larger playing field. She is a generous spirit with an unforgettable presence. If you have a chance in your life to work with her, take it!
Executive Presence and Speaking Coach and Professor at UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business
I have to say, I am so impressed with this young woman, and her story. Thank you for sharing this. I re-posted this on my fb page as motivation for all of us who have a fear of public speaking…so, jessica, you have already made an impression and are doing what you were divinely sent here to do: inspire women/people to believe in themselves. Congratulations on all your self-growth, and on your courage to share your gifts with the world. (PS I’ve never met Jessica, or KC, I just had to comment here because I know what she has gone through – and it takes enormous courage!)
oh, and ps, I sent this to my 18 year old daughter…! thank you…
Beautiful talk, something I can really relate to – wanting to be seen for more than just making a good spreadsheet! Bravo Jessica
Phenomenal! Great job Jessica!
I love Jessica´s courage, her authenticity and tenderness. True: we need to learn to love our Self wholly and warmly. It is the only way we can share who we really are with the world, inspire others and speak up to make a difference. Mistakes and vulnerability made us what we are: gracious women growing and evolving. Congratulations Jessica! Thank you for sharing this video. Best,
She is so genuine and a truly ‘well spoken’ woman!!
Jessica, I love hearing your story and your message. You are so loved – ALL of you! <3 Keep shining your light and inspiring us all.
Such an awesome speech Jessica!! I love it and you. xoxo Mica
Bravo!!! “Share your light and your darkness, let your whole being shine through even if it terrifies you, because when you do you will experience your freedom.” Thank you for that beautiful wisdom
This is awesome! I say Jessica for Ted Talk! ( To me, Ted is the creme of the creme of public speakers) And..Jessica for President!
Beauty, Power, Wisdom, and Grace..Love you JBird!! Fly Free.. You are Loved! Seen! Heard!! xoxo
Beautiful, thanks for both your story of support and her video of her journey.
Wow!!! My heart flutters with a liberated feeling! I really commend Jessica for her authenticity and wisdom. They are both so important for us all to hear and witness. This speech will stay with me and be a medicine for me when I am faced with self-doubt about whether to share ALL of me. And I will remember, YES! Share it all!!
Hi KC, link doesn’t seem to be working for this video.
Thanks Jen! Fixed it as soon as you mentioned it. I really appreciate the shout out.