Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: Lessons from Speak Sell Shine at the Iconic Howard Theater

They say courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward despite it. That was the spirit behind the recent Speak Sell Shine event, we hosted at the historic Howard Theater—a place that’s more than just a venue. It’s a symbol of Black excellence, a theater where legends have made their mark, and the perfect stage for 20 carefully chosen speakers to shine in front of media, network with peers, and build their brands.

It was an unforgettable experience, but I’ll be honest: it was also one of the most daunting undertakings of my career. Yet, despite the challenges and fears, Speak Sell Shine came together beautifully, thanks in large part to an exceptional team, including my go-to collaborator, Ryan Dorn, who helped turn this vision into reality.

The Power of Doing Things Afraid

Renting the entire Howard Theater was a monumental task—not only in scale but in logistics. From coordinating media, booking brand shoots and interviews, to organizing a dinner at the National Press Club - and the transportation service in DC traffic, it wasn’t the kind of event you wake up and think, "This will be easy." But we did it, and it was worth every sleepless night and moment of hesitation.

For those looking to do great things while facing fear, here are five powerful steps to help you move forward and make your own bold vision come to life.

1. Acknowledge the Fear, but Don’t Dwell on It

Fear is natural, especially when taking on something as big as running the entire Howard Theater for an exclusive event. Don’t ignore the fear—acknowledge it, but don’t let it dictate your actions. Instead, focus on the impact and success you’re working toward. For Speak Sell Shine, that impact meant creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for speakers to network with media and build their brands.

2. Prepare Relentlessly

The more prepared you are, the less space there is for fear to creep in. Planning this event required an extensive checklist: booking the theater, securing media coverage, coordinating vendors, and aligning all the moving parts. Ryan Dorn and I worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was planned down to the minute. Preparation may not eliminate all anxiety, but it makes fear more manageable.

3. Build a Support Network

When fear strikes, it’s invaluable to have a strong support system. Ryan Dorn was crucial in helping pull this together, bringing his energy and expertise to every aspect of the event. We also worked with a host of vendors and partners who brought their A-game to help us pull off an unforgettable event. Surrounding yourself with capable people reminds you that you don’t have to go it alone. My circle is my sisters of The Black Door Society. Sharrarne Morton Kamaria T. Richmond and Natalie A. Solomon, MPH came through for their sista!

4. Take the First Step, Then the Next

Sometimes, the hardest part is simply starting. But once you take that first step, the next becomes easier. With Speak Sell Shine, every decision—booking the venue, selecting the speakers, planning the media dinner—was its own small leap. We took it one decision at a time, and with each step, our confidence grew, as did our excitement for what was to come. DID I TELL YOU - I DON'T LIVE IN DC? Yep, doing this long distance from Detroit!

5. Embrace the Process and Trust the Outcome

Fear can tempt you to fixate on everything that might go wrong, but part of courage is trusting that, in the end, things will work out. Bringing together people who didn’t know each other, coordinating an intricate schedule, and hoping for seamless interactions wasn’t easy. But we trusted in our vision, and ultimately, the event was a tremendous success.

The Reward of Doing it Afraid

Hosting Speak Sell Shine at the Howard Theater was an expensive endeavor—one that took significant investment in both time and resources. Yet the outcome was worth every penny. Watching our speakers step onto that iconic stage, seeing them engage with media, capture stunning brand shots, and connect with each other—these are the moments that make the effort worthwhile.

So, as you build your brand or consider your next big move, remember that fear is not a barrier; it’s part of the journey. Embrace it, prepare well, build a team you can trust, and step forward, one action at a time.