Remember C-3PO? Now it's an Acronym that can Make YOU a Better Speaker

I have the honor of working with an incredible organization called WarriorSide, run by a Retired Navy SEAL named Diego Ugalde . He’s doing something compelling— "helping veterans reconnect to community through the power of storytelling."

I’ve been invited to teach alongside him! So, I have been working with these extraordinary warriors—and helping them step onto a different kind of battlefield: the stage. Instead of stealth missions and high-risk ops, we’re talking about storytelling, leadership presence, and owning the room.

And let me tell you, watching a SEAL or special operator go from “I don’t know if I have a story” to completely captivating an audience? That’s next-level stuff.

Now, in true Navy SEAL fashion, Diego has a no-nonsense framework that gets right to what matters in speaking and storytelling.

He calls it C-3PO! (yes, like from Star Wars—so obviously, I was all in).

Here’s why you should care: This isn’t just for SEALs or special operators. It’s for leaders, founders, entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to own the moment when you step up to speak—this will change the way you communicate.

Here’s the breakdown:

? Commitment: You have to own the role. Whether you’re a SEAL on a mission, a CEO on stage, or someone telling a story at The Moth, you must commit 100%. Step into that identity fully and deliver.

? Clarity: Not just in your message (which is critical) but also in your enunciation. Are people actually understanding you, or are you mumbling like you just rolled out of a six-month deployment with no sleep? Be clear.

? Confidence: You are the subject matter expert. This is your story, your talk, your moment. When you’ve prepared and put in the work, that confidence shows up—and people feel it.

Then, there’s the P and O:

? Presence: Be fully present. If you catch yourself zoning out mid-talk, congrats! That’s your cue to get present again. As long as you are being present, the audience will forgive just about anything—except being boring. And the best way to avoid that? Be present!

? Originality: Be you. Authentic, genuine, 100% you. Because there’s only one of you, and the world needs YOU.

So whether you’re stepping onto a stage, pitching to investors, or leading your team, C-3PO is your guide to speaking with power.

And if you want to get some of this firsthand—Diego and I will be in San Diego at the House of Blues for an amazing night of SEAL Storytelling. Hit the link in this newsletter and come join us.

(And no, we won’t make you do push-ups. But you will leave stronger.)

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From Shame to Service: Harnessing the Power of Your Story

I have a man-crush on Mark Leruste ?? ! I'm so stoked he joined me on Live Like a Leader. You'll love him! What’s holding you back from sharing your story? In this episode, Mark Leruste, keynote speaker, CEO of Storycast, and author of Glow in the Dark. Explore the profound impact of storytelling in leadership, connection, and personal transformation. Mark shares insights into overcoming proximity bias, leveraging your origin story, and moving from shame to service to inspire and influence others.

Dive into the importance of crafting authentic stories with intention, the value of vulnerability, and the ripple effect of sharing your journey. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring speaker, or simply someone with a story to tell, this conversation will inspire you to step into your power.

Ready to unlock the true potential of your leadership and your team? Let's talk.

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