Unleashing Your Voice: Lessons from Bold Entrepreneurs

They say the number one fear people have is public speaking. Number two? Death. Which means, as comedian Jerry Seinfeld pointed out, at a funeral most people would rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy.

It’s funny, but it’s also true—using your voice can be terrifying. Even some of the most successful entrepreneurs have had to face this fear head-on. What sets them apart is their determination to push through and share their vision with the world.

Take Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, and Poornima Vijayashanker, founding engineer at Mint.com and founder of Femgineer. Their journeys remind us that finding your voice isn’t about being fearless, it’s about being brave enough to try.

Brian Chesky: Turning Rejection into Resilience

Brian Chesky didn’t start out as a polished speaker or seasoned CEO. In Airbnb’s early days, he and his co-founders were rejected by investors many times over.

But Brian didn’t let the rejections silence him. He learned to refine his pitch, craft a compelling story, and connect his vision to what people needed. That resilience helped transform Airbnb into a global company that’s changed how we travel.

Poornima Vijayashanker: A Voice for Inclusion

Poornima Vijayashanker didn’t always feel comfortable in the spotlight. Public speaking wasn’t her natural talent, but she knew it was essential for driving change and amplifying her ideas.

She faced her fears head-on, not just for herself but to inspire others. Today, Poornima is a sought-after speaker, author, and advocate who empowers underrepresented voices in tech.

What We Can Learn

Brian and Poornima teach us that finding your voice isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. Your voice is a tool for building trust, inspiring action, and creating change.

Overcoming the fear of speaking up can feel like a huge challenge, but it’s also a huge opportunity. When you reframe rejection as feedback and see vulnerability as strength, you unlock the potential to do something extraordinary.

Your Next Step

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to share your voice, here’s your sign: it’s time. The world is ready for your ideas, your passion, and your leadership.

I work with people just like you to turn hesitation into confidence and fear into bold action. Together, we’ll equip you with the tools to share your vision and succeed.

Are you ready to step into your voice? Let’s make it happen. Email me at [email protected], or visit NancyBos.com, and let’s get started!

I’m Nancy Bos, a world-traveling voice expert, fear researcher, speaker, and author. I help people unleash their voices and tap into their power.

Want me to speak to your group? Reach out - I'd be thrilled to chat about it.