Authenticity Over Perfection: Lessons From My First Speaking Engagement

 Public speaking is often dubbed the ultimate fear, right up there with spiders and accidentally texting your ex. It’s incredibly nerve-wracking when you’re stepping into a space like mental health, where vulnerability is both celebrated and judged. When I was invited to present at the Mental Health Marketing Conference, I initially felt a rush of excitement and pride. But as the event approached, excitement gave way to anxiety, and I found myself grappling with the fear of not being enough. I could feel the perfectionist in me clawing her way in, causing me to freeze and overthink. What if my playful, somewhat unconventional style wasn’t taken seriously? What if I failed to connect with the audience?

The Tug of War Between Perfection and Authenticity

As someone who thrives on creativity, I envisioned a presentation brimming with Bitmojis, Taylor Swift memes, and maybe even a dance party starter (because who doesn’t love a spontaneous Taylor dance party?). But as the conference approached, the little voice of doubt started to chime in. I began to question whether my vibrant approach might be seen as a little too… well unprofessional.

For a long time, we have been taught that vulnerability is a weakness. Sharing personal, genuine experiences publicly can feel like walking a tightrope, and I found myself spiraling. In my frantic quest for the perfect presentation, I lost sight of my true self—a colorful, innovative spirit who communicates best through humor and relatability. The internal struggle between pursuing perfection and staying true to who I am was very real. It ultimately came down to one question: Was it worth sacrificing my authentic self for what I thought was expected of me? Spoiler alert: the answer was a resounding no.

Finding My Voice Amidst Anxiety

Fast forward to the day of the conference, and there I was, backstage, overwhelmed by a swirl of anxiety threatening to consume me. As the announcer unexpectedly went off-script to acknowledge the work I had done, it struck me: I wasn’t there to be everyone’s cup of tea; I was there to share my unique perspective and voice—flaws and all!

When I finally stepped onto that stage, I decided to lean into my quirks. Bitmojis? Check. Memes? Double check. And yes, I even launched the Taylor Swift dance party starter! At first, panic clawed at me, but then I remembered that authenticity often requires a sprinkle of vulnerability. It turns out that even in a professional setting, sometimes joy and humor are the best ways to connect.

The Power of Authenticity

As my presentation flowed, I could feel the energy in the room shift. Sure, some folks might have raised their eyebrows, but I caught a glimpse of an attendee whose eyes lit up with understanding. That moment was everything. It reminded me that being genuine is not just okay; it’s downright powerful.

As my presentation ended, only one thought was going through my head: in mental health tech, marketing, or therapy, authenticity isn’t just appreciated—it’s essential. As I have reflected over the last few weeks on the experience as a whole, here are my big four takeaways:

🔑 Embrace All That Makes You RARE.

1. Striving for Perfection vs. Authenticity: It’s all too easy to get caught in the perfection trap, losing touch with your true self. Embrace your quirks—they’re your superpower!
2. Owning Your Voice: Your message won’t resonate with everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. Stay true to yourself, and your authenticity will find its audience.
3. Managing Anxiety: Anxiety is a natural sidekick when stepping out of your comfort zone. Recognize it, embrace it, and then let it go. Authenticity can be your liberating superpower, and shared experiences such as anxiety can forge deep connections.
4. Genuineness is Enough: Perfection is overrated. Being real is more than sufficient; sometimes, it’s just what someone else needs to hear.

Own all that makes you... you

Looking back on the entire experience, I’m immensely grateful. It reinforced the undeniable power of authenticity and encouraged me to embrace my true self in every facet of life. To anyone grappling with similar fears, remember: your voice matters! It’s perfectly okay to be different. Your beautifully RARE qualities are the very things that will leave a lasting impact, and your unique voice could inspire someone to embrace their own.

So, share your Bitmojis, sprinkle in those Taylor Swift memes, and kick off that dance party! Someone out there is waiting for your message, delivered in a way only you can.

Ready to Embrace Your RARE?

If you’ve ever felt caught between striving for perfection and being authentically yourself, you’re not alone. Let’s keep this conversation going— drop a comment about your experience with anxiety and authenticity. If this resonates with you let's connect and continue to build a community that celebrates being unapologetically ourselves. 💬✨

If you missed my session Leveraging Your Clinical Skills (or Department) to Increase Your Sales Funnel and Close Deals at the Mental Health Marketing Conference, click here for the session materials.