The Power of Presence: My Conversation on Off the Comma

Recently, I had the privilege of joining Paul Briley on the “Off the Comma” podcast, a conversation that left me energized, reflective, and deeply grateful for the professional path I walk. We didn’t just discuss leadership or communication; we went straight to the core of what it means to grow, to lead, and to stay true to yourself when the stakes are high and the pressure is on.

Throughout the interview, I shared pivotal moments from my journey, like the time I stood backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, heart racing, facing a panic attack moments before performing. In those raw, private seconds, I learned the power of presence. Through intentional breathing, I calmed my heart, anchored my mind, and reminded myself: fear is part of the process.

I’ve learned that sometimes, the smartest move is not to silence fear but to ask it, “What can you teach me?” That curiosity became my greatest ally, helping me not only on stage but in the boardroom, too.

A Life in Harmony

We explored the art of reflection. How often do we rush from one challenge to the next, never pausing to ask what went well or what could be better? I emphasized that real growth begins when you learn to reflect thoughtfully—celebrating wins and bravely confronting moments you felt stuck. Through this lens, even setbacks become lessons.

Negative self-talk, that persistent inner critic, was another focus. I talked about the discipline it takes to catch yourself mid-thought and redirect the narrative. Imagine what’s possible when you replace self-doubt with honest self-assessment: a crucial skill for anyone leading a team, raising a family, or forging their own path.

Living in harmony with your values was another major throughline. For me, integrity stands above all else. It’s realizing the true test is what you do when no one is watching. Harmony isn’t just about doing the right thing when it’s easy; it’s choosing to align your actions with your deepest beliefs, even if it means embracing discomfort or taking the road less traveled. That’s the foundation on which enduring careers, meaningful relationships, and lasting reputations are built.

An Impactful Presence

Another deeply personal revelation we discussed was untangling codependency—a lesson learned from early family dynamics, wanting to keep the peace, and putting others first at the expense of self. The line is thin between supporting others and stifling their growth or losing sight of your own. High-performing professionals, parents, and leaders: your presence is more impactful when it’s not tied to people-pleasing, but to genuine connection.

I told Paul that I’m just a kid from a small town in Montana who wanted to be a rock star. Along the way, I hit more bumps than I care to count. But each time I stumbled, I remembered to be patient, to breathe, and to let the tough moments teach me something new. That’s the essence of “getting off the comma”—it may be hard work, but it’s the only way to move forward.

Watch/Listen to the Full Episode

There’s much more to discover in our full conversation: practical strategies, honest anecdotes, and insights you can bring to your own leadership and self-care journey.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, learn from fear, and lead with integrity, I encourage you to listen to the full episode.

• Listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Watch the conversation on YouTube.

Are we connected on LinkedIn? There, I share posts about professional development skills, self-care reminders, and other relevant topics.