Years ago, my sister, Tracie, and I found ourselves stepping onto one of the biggest stages of our lives. Tracie (or Tracie Lynn) is a Texas Music artist, and back when I was in college, I used to sing with her to make some extra cash.

One of our biggest gigs? Performing at the Austin Music Festival, Aqua Fest. Talk about a moment! We were so excited—matching outfits, teased hair (the higher the hair, the closer to Jesus, right?), and our friends and family cheering us on from the crowd. It was exciting… but also absolutely terrifying.

Here’s the thing: when you step onto a stage that big, you know you’re putting yourself out there. All eyes are on you, and let’s be real, people are going to judge. Are you going to hit all the right notes or completely flop? The pressure is real. But here’s what I learned—if you don’t take that step, if you don’t risk a little failure, you’re never going to experience the thrill of success. You’ll be left wondering, “What if?”

After college, I hung up my microphone and traded it in for a more traditional career, but those moments on stage stuck with me. In fact, they taught me one of the most important lessons about leadership: Leading a company is a lot like performing on stage.

Here’s why:

1. Getting on Stage is a Win in Itself
   Just like stepping onto that stage at Aqua Fest, leading a team or company is a bold move. You’re in the spotlight, and that’s something to be proud of. Taking action, leading a big initiative, or making tough decisions—that’s your version of stepping up to the mic. It’s easy to forget this, but the fact that you’re showing up and taking risks already puts you ahead of the game.
2. You’re Gonna Have Critics… But That’s Okay
   Let’s face it, whenever you’re in the spotlight—whether it’s on stage or in the boardroom—there will be people ready to tell you what you did wrong. They’ll pick apart your performance, your decisions, your strategy. But remember, those critics? They’re in the audience. You’re the one on stage, making things happen. Leadership, like performing, means owning the spotlight even when the feedback isn’t what you want to hear.
3. Celebrate the Wins, No Matter How Small
   When you’re on stage, it’s easy to focus on that one note you missed. But here’s a secret: most people don’t even notice. Instead of obsessing over what went wrong, celebrate what went right. Did you finish the song? Did you hit that one high note perfectly? That’s what you should focus on. In leadership, it’s the same—look at the progress you’ve made, celebrate the successes with your team, and keep building on that momentum.
4. Lead with Confidence—Your Audience Feels It
   Just like a crowd picks up on your energy during a performance, your team feels your energy as a leader. If you’re confident and clear in your vision, they’ll follow your lead. But if you’re uncertain or scattered, that’s what they’ll mirror. So, own it. Stand tall on your stage and let your team know where you’re taking them—and why it matters.

So, the next time you’re leading a big initiative, or making a decision that feels risky, remember: You’re already ahead because you’ve stepped onto the stage. Leadership, much like performing, is about showing up, owning the moment, and knowing that even if everything doesn’t go perfectly, you’re still moving forward. And that’s worth celebrating.

I still think back to that day on stage with my sister. It was a mix of excitement and terror, and I’m so glad we did it. Because those moments, the ones where you’re a little scared but you do it anyway? That’s where the magic happens.

Ready to step into the spotlight and lead with confidence? Let’s chat about how you can build a culture where leaders take bold steps and inspire their teams to follow. Reach out to learn more about my keynotes and workshops, designed to help CEOs and leadership teams be proud of their performance.