You Belong in the Room
This was one of those experiences that fills your cup in ways you didn’t even know it needed filling.
One of my mentors, Erin King, invited me to a private mastermind, and let me tell you, I was already overwhelmed (in the best way) to even be welcomed into that room. Erin brought together a small but mighty group of powerhouse female keynote speakers, women who are walking the same path, doing the deep work, and showing up big.
The energy was electric. The conversations were real. And Erin didn’t just host us; she opened up her heart and the entire back end of her business. She pulled back the curtain and showed us exactly how she built the incredible speaking practice she has today. It was equal parts inspiring, humbling, and affirming.
And while the strategy was GOLD, what really stuck with me was the connection.
And it reminded me of something so simple yet so true: you never know who you’ll meet when you get in the room.
For me, that person was Jen Gottlieb.
I’ve followed and admired Jen for years, from her book to her podcast to the way she shows up with such authenticity and heart. And this weekend, I finally got to meet her in person, share stories, and grow together in real time.
It was such a full-circle moment, and it reminded me of something my dear friend Tara talks about in her new book Be Who You Came to Be. When you choose to be who you’re designed to be, not who the world tells you to be, you end up in the right rooms, aligned with the right people, at the right time.
That’s exactly how this moment felt.
If you’d told me years ago I’d be in a room like that, I probably would’ve laughed. But there I was, not just attending, not just observing, but realizing I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
That’s what happens when you keep showing up as you. You stop wondering if you’ve earned your seat and start trusting that you’ve grown into it.
So here’s your nudge this weekend:
Say yes to the invitation.
Book the ticket.
Show up.
Because you never know who’s waiting for you on the other side of that yes.
🩷 Barb
