Most professionals think the key to crushing interviews, presentations, or networking is to power through the nerves. I’ve seen the opposite. The people who show up with a calm presence instead of frantic preparation usually make the strongest impression. Because nerves aren’t caused by the event. They’re caused by the story you’re telling yourself about the event. You’re not afraid of the presentation. You’re afraid of bombing. You’re not anxious about the interview. You’re anxious about being judged. You’re not nervous to network. You’re nervous you won’t feel enough. But here’s the truth: The body only follows the mind’s lead. And the mind panics when you fixate on outcomes you can’t control. That’s why nerves spike right before it matters most. So let me bust a myth: Confidence doesn’t come from being the smartest person in the room.It comes from mastering your state on command. Want to change your state? Try this samurai mantra: “I expect nothing. I can handle anything.” Say it. Breathe it. Believe it. Then walk into the room like you already belong there. Because you do. Here’s the formula I give clients: • Breathe slow. Exhale longer than you inhale. • Look slightly above eye level and fix your gaze. • Drop the outcome. Focus only on presence. • Use your mantra. Repeat until calm. • Then go share, not perform. Don’t try to win the room. Just be in it. Presence > Perfection. And when you lead with presence, Your voice settles. Your mind clears. Your story lands. That’s when they say: “I don’t know what it was… but something about you just clicked.” Because confidence isn’t something you build. It’s something you release once you stop trying so hard to impress. Rooting for you, Kris