A standing ovation wasn't what I came for. But perhaps the transformation was exactly what I needed.

Sharon Ringier · 2026-10-18T00:47:56.264Z

Yesterday, my beautiful friend Laura Rubin invited me to Ascend & Accelerate , an event produced by Julie Miller Davis. I made the decision to attend at the very last minute, and I almost talked myself out of it. I was still navigating the emotions surrounding the anniversary of my mom's passing. And if you've ever experienced grief, you know that some days you can move through it with ease, and other days, just showing up feels like an accomplishment. Yesterday was one of those days. I wasn't going with any big expectations. I just wanted to get through the day, be present, and hopefully walk away with something meaningful. And then I heard these words: "Information does not equal transformation." I sat with that for a while because I know how easy it is to collect information, gain knowledge, and feel inspired, yet never actually do anything differently. Then the beautiful Rachael Jayne took the stage and asked for a volunteer. My hand went up before I even knew what I was volunteering for! I laugh about it now, but I think there's something powerful about that moment. I talk so much about showing up, being visible, and stepping outside our comfort zones. And here was an opportunity to live those words instead of simply speaking them. When I got on stage, Rachael asked me to introduce myself. And I struggled. I forgot my words. I wasn't connecting the way I wanted to. And for a moment, I felt completely out of my element. But here's what no one knew. I was standing on that stage while still processing some pretty heavy emotions. Then Rachael asked if she could coach me. I said yes. She challenged me to think about how I was showing up and how I could stand out instead of blending in. She guided me through an exercise that pushed me well beyond my comfort zone. She had me repeat, "I've got this," until I could feel those words throughout my body. And then she asked me to introduce myself again. Something shifted. Not because I suddenly became somebody different, but because I allowed myself to access the confidence that was already there. When I finished, the audience gave me a standing ovation. My first one ever. I wish I could fully explain what that felt like, especially in the emotional space I was in. But what moved me most wasn't the applause. It was the realization that I almost missed an opportunity for transformation because I didn't feel ready to show up. And it reminded me of something else. We never really know what another woman is carrying when she walks into a room. The woman who seems quiet may be grieving. The woman who struggles to find her words may be navigating something we cannot see. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give another woman is the space to show up imperfectly and the encouragement to keep going. I also walked away reminded that being coachable is a strength. Even those of us who coach, mentor, guide, and encourage others need someone to pour into us. We are never beyond learning, growing, or being transformed. So if there's something you've been hesitating to do because you don't feel ready, I want to encourage you to take that step anyway. Raise your hand. Be willing to look a little awkward. Give yourself permission to be a beginner, even in spaces where you're accustomed to being the expert. And remember: FEAR: Face Everything And Rise. I'd love to know: Have you ever shown up for something when you weren't emotionally or mentally ready, only to discover that being there was exactly what you needed? Be blessed!

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