In German, we call it Lampenfieber.
In French, it’s le trac.
In English, it’s stage fright.

Different words. The same human experience.

Whether you’re speaking at a conference, leading a workshop, presenting to your team, or simply sharing an idea that matters, many of us know the feeling.

Your heart races. Your hands sweat. You wonder whether you’ll remember what you wanted to say.

I’ve been exploring stage fright for many years, first through my dissertation on stage fright and Applied Improvisation, and today in workshops and coaching.

What I’ve learned is this:

Stage fright isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough. More often, it’s a sign that what you’re about to do matters to you.

Our nervous system is designed to keep us safe. It doesn’t always distinguish between a real threat and the vulnerability of speaking in front of other people. That’s why the goal isn’t to eliminate stage fright.

The goal is to understand it, work with it, and move forward anyway.

When we stop fighting the feeling, we create space for something else: authenticity, connection, and the confidence to share our voice.

We can acknowledge it…
…and step into the light anyway.

Lessons from the stage that help us navigate everyday life.

When I started improvisation, I thought my biggest challenge would be coming up with ideas.

It wasn’t.

My biggest challenge was getting out of my own head.

Today, I share reflections like these on LinkedIn and in my Newsletter.

Stories about stage fright, the inner critic, creativity, facilitation and what improvisation can teach us about everyday life.

Come behind the scenes and join the conversation.

Why?

Because for a long time, I believed I had to be good enough before I could begin. Today, I believe that the best stories rarely unfold when everything goes according to plan. They emerge when we have the courage to take the first step anyway.

Theatre and improvisation taught me that mistakes aren’t the end of the story, they’re an invitation to stay curious. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) taught me that my inner critic is welcome to come along for the ride, but it doesn’t have to sit in the driver’s seat.

As a facilitator, I witness something remarkable again and again: the moment people allow themselves to be imperfect is often the moment the most meaningful conversations begin.

People laugh, experiment, listen, and connect in ways that no agenda could ever predict. That’s why I create spaces where people can explore, play, shift perspectives, and discover stories worth living.

Screw Up Happy.

Because life doesn’t wait until we’re perfect.
It begins the moment we decide to show up anyway.

Last year, I had the chance to speak with  Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge on her Stories for the future podcast. During our recording, I felt safe, guided and truly allowed to screw up happy. Have a sneak peak. 

And no, I haven’t published a book. Not yet.