Episode 55: Feeling Anxious is 100% Normal

Two of the best skills you pick up from case competitions aren't solving the actual case. They're public speaking and networking.

Back in 2019, my team and I were in Rotterdam, Netherlands, competing at Erasmus University. After the opening ceremonies, we stood by the Maas River chatting about what the real highlight of the trip would be. Everyone agreed instantly: The Networking.

Whether it was grilling judges with questions, swapping stories at events, or having fun through those late-night parties, the connections felt way more valuable than the competition itself. Coming in a close second? The rush of standing up and presenting bold ideas to senior business executives.

But here's the thing we all admitted out loud: those moments come with a healthy dose of anxiety. Even the veterans get nervous. I shared that after 20+ years of teaching, I still feel those butterflies every single time I step into a classroom. The good news? You can get better at managing it.

Networking Advice I Give My Students

Networking events can feel awkward as hell, especially when you're walking up to someone new or sitting down for that coffee chat. Remember: almost everyone feels nervous. It's normal. The trick is not to eliminate the feeling, but to work with it.

Before you head to any event, set one simple, achievable goal: have 2-3 genuine conversations with people you don't know yet. That takes the pressure off trying to "work the room."

Ditch the boring "What do you do?" opener. Instead, lead with curiosity. Here are three questions that consistently spark better chats:

• What's the most exciting project you're working on right now? (Gets at their passion and energy.)
• What's one challenge in your industry that actually excites you? (Opens up trends, ideas, and real talk.)
• What's something you've learned lately that surprised you? (Lets them share growth stories and insights.)

Listen actively: eye contact, nods, and remember one or two specific details. People light up when they feel truly heard.

Pro tip that works every time: Right after the conversation, quickly note on your phone (or the back of their card) one memorable thing they said. The next day, send a short, personal follow-up: "Hey, really enjoyed our chat about your renewable energy work. Thought you'd like this article I came across..." This tiny gesture turns a random encounter into a real connection.

Networking is a conversation with a purpose. Start small if you need to: one person, one deep breath, and remind yourself: it's a dialogue, not an audition.

What's one question you've found that cuts through small talk and leads to a great conversation? Drop it in the comments, I’m always adding to my list!

Public Speaking Advice I Give My Students

Early in my JDC West coaching days, one team member froze up and broke into tears about 10 seconds into her first practice presentation. She didn't quit. She kept showing up, stayed open to feedback, and worked her butt off. Today? She's an outstanding speaker.

That moment changed how I coach. I started focusing less on perfection and more on practical ways to manage nerves, cut filler words (um, like, you know), and build a real connection with the material and the audience.

The single best piece of advice I repeat every year?

Take a breath, relax, and rehearse the first 30-60 seconds out loud.

In many competitions, many teams skip rehearsal because they're racing to build the story or slides. I understand the time crunch. What do I tell my teams? You get 5-15 minutes as you walk to the presentation room, and you can use that time to practice your opening in your head or, better yet, out loud if it is allowed, which can calm your nerves dramatically.

When building your slide deck:

• Make it visual, heavy on visuals, light on text.
• Add subtle cues on each slide to remind you of your key points.
• Turn the whole thing into a cohesive story rather than a series of isolated slides.
• Make it personal and emotional. When the content matters to you, it’s easier to remember and way more engaging for everyone else.

The transformation I’ve seen in students over the years, from anxious to confident, never gets old. Have you had an "I almost quit" moment in public speaking or networking that turned into a breakthrough? Share below, I'd love to hear it.