Big wins have been happening inside this community. Even while things have been quiet here the past couple of months, many of you have been making serious career moves. And that deserves to be recognized. So today I want to celebrate some of the momentum happening inside The Thriving Professionals Network. Let’s give a big round of congratulations to a few members who have had some incredible wins recently: @Monika Witt landed a fantastic new role that is strongly aligned with the career vision she set out to create. Tons of opportunities ahead, and she’s excited about what’s next. Monica, what part of this new role are you most excited to dive into first? @Ashley Robertson navigated company restructuring after starting a new role late last year and landed in an even better position working under her mentor. She’s continuing to grow in the AI space she’s so passionate about. Ashley, what are you most excited to learn or build in this new role within AI? @Nick Tabbal secured two fractional consulting engagements and is currently working 40+ hours per week with both clients. The two clients are Claritas (the company he interviewed with and made it to the final round) and Larridin (a company founded by two former colleagues).These projects could potentially turn into full-time opportunities. Nick, what has been the biggest lesson or surprise from working in fractional roles so far? @James Eldridge postponed launching his own business with a new baby on the way, refocused on creating value inside his current company, and successfully negotiated a salary increase as a stepping stone toward launching later this year. James, what do you think made the biggest difference in successfully negotiating that raise? @Mary Davis has been building strong networking momentum and generating promising conversations and potential referrals despite the challenges of the job market.

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