Facing Fear and Finding My Voice at the Bletchley AI Event

It had been many years since I’d spoken externally, and I’ll be honest — the nerves were real. That familiar voice of imposter syndrome tried to creep in, whispering doubts just before I stepped onto the stage. But I made a conscious decision: I wasn’t going to let fear stop me from sharing what I know.

🎤 Overcoming the Unexpected

Like many things in life (and business change!), things didn’t go quite as planned. My slides decided to have a moment of rebellion and refused to move along while I was speaking. For a split second, my heart sank — but then I laughed.

I chose to stay calm, make light of it, and carry on. The audience was incredibly supportive, and turning that awkward moment into something comical helped everyone relax — including me!

That experience reminded me that technical hiccups are temporary — but confidence grows when you keep going anyway.

🌍 The Power of Connection

After the talk, I had some great conversations with attendees who opened up about the challenges they’re facing implementing new technologies like Microsoft Copilot and other digital tools in their organisations.

It was reassuring (and a little eye-opening) to hear that so many people are navigating similar struggles when it comes to driving adoption and helping teams feel comfortable with change.

I shared some of the best practices that have worked for me over the years — including the ADKAR model for guiding individuals through change and Persona Analysis for understanding how different groups respond to transformation. Seeing those ideas resonate with others reminded me exactly why I do what I do.

💙 Finding Courage in a Supportive Community

The Bletchley AI crowd was warm, friendly, and full of curiosity. The organisers, including the amazing Stephanie Stasey, went above and beyond to create such a positive, inclusive environment. Their encouragement and professionalism made all the difference and helped keep me grounded throughout the evening.

It’s experiences like this that push you out of your comfort zone but also help you grow in ways you didn’t expect.

🌱 Looking Ahead

Speaking at Bletchley AI was a personal milestone for me. I learned that even when things don’t go perfectly — when nerves kick in or technology fails — authenticity and resilience always shine through.

And more than anything, it reignited my passion for sharing insights, connecting with others, and helping people navigate change with confidence.

I definitely want to do more of these speaking engagements to continue building my confidence and amplifying conversations around technology, people, and transformation.

💬 Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I took away from that night, it’s this:

Change doesn’t just happen in organisations — it happens within us too.

And every time we step outside our comfort zone, we grow stronger, bolder, and more ready to lead the next wave of change.