From Nervous to E.L.I.T.E.

After years of working in corporate America, I've come across countless terms that, while useful, can feel a bit cliché. One of these is the “elevator pitch.” I first encountered it in college when an advisor was prepping us for a conference that could open doors to future jobs. The idea was simple: be prepared to give a concise pitch about yourself—something short and engaging that could grab a recruiter or executive’s attention, even if you only had the length of an elevator ride to do it.

While I’ve never been a fan of condensing myself into a sentence or two, I recognize how important it is. Summarizing something so others can quickly understand its value is a critical skill, even if it feels limiting at times. But being concise doesn’t have to mean being shallow—it’s about distilling the essence of who you are in a way that’s engaging.

Recently, this lesson hit home in an unexpected place—the doctor’s office. After some small talk, my doctor asked if I had any weekend plans. My usual response is generic: "Nothing much, just hanging out with family." But this time, I mentioned that I’d be working on my blog and podcast. To my surprise, this piqued her interest, and she asked what my podcast was about.

Cue the nerves—I had to deliver an elevator pitch on the spot! Suddenly, Eminem’s Lose Yourself was playing in my head: “Knees weak, palms sweaty...” But instead of freezing, I quickly replied, "It’s about defining what it means to be elite for yourself and striving toward the goals that will help you get there." She responded enthusiastically, saying it sounded interesting and positive.

She then asked how I get people to listen to my podcast. I smiled and admitted I’m still figuring that part out, but I’m staying consistent and hoping it resonates. Her encouragement made me feel good, and that simple exchange left me feeling more confident about my ability to share my message.

It’s funny—despite hosting a weekly podcast, it was this moment with my doctor that gave me a confidence boost. It reminded me that you never know when you’ll need to pitch yourself or your ideas, and being ready with a clear, succinct message can turn an ordinary moment into an opportunity.

Conquering my nerves is why I consider myself E.L.I.T.E.

Quote of the Blog: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill