Did you know that our bodies have the same biological response whether we’re feeling nervousness or excitement?
The racing heart, the sweaty palms, the surge of adrenaline and then cortisol - it’s all part of the same physiological cocktail.
Author Daniel Pink in a classic video blog, talks about this fascinating research by Harvard professor Alison Wood Brooks. Her study found that people who reframed their nerves as excitement, performed better in high-pressure moments - whether giving a speech, solving a problem, or performing on stage.
Instead of trying to calm down, they simply said to themselves: “I’m excited!”
It’s such a simple shift, but it‘s one that changes everything. As we remind people at our workshops:
“Trying to get rid of your nerves? That’s a losing game - learn to work with them instead.”
At Proteus we also have a mantra: Flip Nervous To Service.
It’s more than just a cheesy tagline. What we’re saying is that public speaking triggers a primal reaction - one where we’re terrified of being judged, embarrassed or exposed.
Our lizard brain goes into protection mode!
Unfortunately, that can also quickly spiral into being self-absorbed or even over-indulgent - being more worried about how we’re coming across, rather than about connecting with the people in front of us.
Flipping nervous to service is about getting out of your own head, and getting back into the room. It’s about focusing on who you’re there for, not on how you’re performing.
When you make that shift - from anxiety to excitement, from self-focus to service - the energy changes. You’re now ready to serve.
You stop presenting at people… and start speaking with them.
So, next time those nerves kick in before a high-stake presentation or meeting, don’t try to squash them. Pause, smile, take a deep breath. Then remind yourself: I’m excited!
Wishing you a wonderful week of getting excited.
Richard Dore
Co-CEO - Director of Partnerships
Proteus Leadership
Making Decisions That Matter Workshop
Poor leaders are indecisive leaders, while Great leaders make decisions and then back themselves and their people resulting in great outcomes. They continually make insightful judgement calls to act, with the right intent and for the greater good.
Simply put, great leaders make great decisions.
However, making continual strategic and tactical decisions can be daunting as they come with risks and can be fraught with self-doubt that can lead to procrastination.
This workshop will decode leadership decisiveness and help you to use both creative and critical decision-making tools and templates. Here you will gain the confidence to make innovative decisions that matter and result in success.
This is your last opportunity in 2025. Secure your spots for this workshop on 26 November!
Half-Day Virtual Workshop:
Final Program 2025! 26 November
Topics:
Leading & Managing Yourself Workshop
Today like never before, organisations need leaders who are highly effective and produce results through people.Often leadership programs are focussed on getting the best out of your people to achieve great results, however, this program looks within and focusses on getting the best out of yourself.
To be the best leader we can, we must first look within and dedicate ourselves to a growth mindset.
This program will assist leaders in understanding your own leadership preferences, exploring your strengths and areas to focus on.
This program combines reflection as well as practical tools to help you in your journey of insight and serving your people to your very best.
This is your last chance to register for the November 27 virtual workshop!
Half-Day Virtual Workshop:
Final Program 2025! 27 November
Topics:
Proteus Leadership is proud to bring you the Let’s Go – Let’s Grow podcast with Des Penny, Co-CEO and founder Proteus Leadership.
This podcast is about all things leadership: Relevance, Culture, Insight, Bravery, Communication, Imposter Syndrome and more…
Listen to the latest episode:
Proteuslife is a FREE quarterly magazine produced by Proteus Leadership.
The magazine covers the life of the Proteus team but also looks at contemporary leadership and lifestyle initiatives through articles and advertorials.
New Proteuslife 2025 Ed. 4
The Invisible Leader
