Imperfect Beginnings Beat Perfect Intentions One InsightPolish is optional. Shipping is mandatory. If you wait for the perfect moment, you might wait forever. Leaders grow in public with shaky hands, tired voices, and imperfect slides. Perfection is a mirage that keeps you stuck. Progress happens through movement, not magic. One StoryMy first big talk in Zug happened the same week I quit smoking. I had a fever, withdrawal symptoms, and had to climb four steep, medieval staircases to reach the stage. Two brilliant speakers went before me. My hands were shaking. My notes were blurry. Halfway through, I almost cried while speaking about the second book project that was just launched (Grüezi Newcomers, Insider's guide to relocate around lake Zürich, edition 2012). The applause was warm but not thunderous. Emotionally? Transformative. When I walked off the stage, I made myself a private promise: to become a competent speaker on purpose. That decision (not that performance) changed my career. My imperfect beginning gave me momentum, and momentum became my teacher. One Tool: The 3-Step "Ship" Method1️⃣ Minimum Viable Talk (MVT): Focus on one problem, one story, one promise. If it doesn’t fit on a Post-it note, it’s too long. 2️⃣ Time-box your rehearsal: Practice twice and stop. Don’t rehearse your anxiety into the script. 3️⃣ 3-1-1 Debrief: After your talk, write down Make it stickPut “book next stage” at the top of your checklist even before you finish reviewing the last talk. Momentum beats self-criticism. A schedule is stronger than bravery because it makes bravery show up. Try it this weekSay yes to a speaking slot that feels just 10% outside your comfort zone. Build your MVT. Rehearse twice. Deliver. Debrief with 3-1-1. Then before you read the feedback book your next stage. Confidence doesn’t come before action. It comes from action. Et Voilà! PS: On the 21st October in Zürich, I am moderating "AI and Diversity" for Feminin Pluriel (Ambitious Women's Global Network). You can register here | 
