But what if I don't know the answer?

One of the things I hear a lot - and it's something that used to make me nervous too - is that presenting to senior stakeholders fills us with fear.

What if they ask me something I don't know?

How do I make sure I sound credible?

I need to be able to get my words out without stumbling.

I used to always see these scenarios as potential career-limiting moments rather than opportunities to shine.

And the thing that helped me most is making peace with the fact that you can never know everything. And that no matter what, you know more about your role, your team, and your part of the business than the senior stakeholder trying to poke holes in your message.

Remember it is their job to hold you accountable; they are meant to ask difficult questions and try to keep you on your toes.

But you know your stuff.

You live and breathe what you do.

And you pour over your numbers more than anyone.

You've got this.

Try and see it as the opportunity that it is.

Trust that if you've prepped you will know what to say and just be yourself. Let your personality shine through.

And if you really don't know the answer, it's OK to say you don't know, you'll find out and come back with an update.

If this resonates and you want some help, message me to see what that could look like. In the meantime, be bold, be brave, be you!