In this inspiring article, Cristina Sanchez, Digital Engineering Expert and past DCW speaker, takes us on her journey from stage fright to self-assurance, using improv and real-world experience to reframe fear as an opportunity for growth. Through her story, she reminds us that confidence isn’t always innate—it’s built, one step at a time. As we celebrate women in construction, her journey speaks to the courage of women who find their voice and uplift others.

If you have ever been to Clapham South station, you may have noticed the monumental stairs up from the platform – unlike most other stations that hide the stairs in a spiral in the corner, the 102 steps for this one are laid out in front of you, like the ascent to some ancient Mayan temple where a sacrifice will take place at the top. Almost everyone will take the escalator, walking or not because to be honest, the steps are intimidating. And they remind me a lot of what it feels to go on stage.

In this inspiring article, Cristina Sanchez, BIM Expert and past DCW speaker, takes us on her journey from stage fright to self-assurance, using improv and real-world experience to reframe fear as an opportunity for growth. Through her story, she reminds us that confidence isn’t always innate—it’s built, one step at a time. As we celebrate women in construction, her journey speaks to the courage of women who find their voice and uplift others.

Some people are naturals. Like many, I envy that, because I’m not. But I do like a challenge – so one of my 2023 New Year’s resolutions was to face my fear of the spotlight, starting with signing up for improv lessons. And that opened a door to a weird and wonderful world where messing up was not just ok, but something you could build on, to react to whatever came up and build a story. And then I took that new angle to sign up for panel discussions (to yes-and previous notes and build on them), to do presentations (to learn to check on the audience and adjust if needed) and eventually to co-present with a colleague in what was his first presentation to an external audience, here in Digital Construction Week. And after all the nerves, it was brilliant to see him standing tall and talking confidently about a topic that he was passionate about.

Public speaking is one of the top fears among people. But as they say – fear is a mile long but an inch deep. Once you dare to step on it, you realise it can’t swallow you. When you hesitate on stage, it just feels like a normal pause. When you look nervous, people will be on your side; and every time it will go away as soon as you get into the topic that you know so well. Naturals on stage are great, but they will never have the same satisfaction of completing a presentation after facing the fear. And they will miss the journey of getting better, looking at every presenter and learning from them, and celebrating every little bit of progress.

So in case you are wondering, I am one of the few who takes on the Clapham South stairs. Not every day I feel like it, but when I do, I play Rocky’s ‘Gonna Fly Now’ and race up – sometimes I’ll win the race to those walking up the escalator, some other days I won’t, I will trip or I will struggle, but I will get to the top anyway, which is the real win; and triumphantly exit the station just as the choir starts singing. While I get better, I have learned to manage the struggle and celebrate the victory. And for those of you who have much to say but dread public speaking – I have been there, and I encourage you to find your voice. Take up on those stairs to the stage that feel like 100 steps.

Victory is waiting for you – the world needs to hear what you have to say.

Confidence IDW25 Public speaking Stage fright Women in construction