Today is my Will Smith & Ang Lee interview anniversary! It’s an important day of reflection for me. On this day four years ago, I got a lot of information about what I was capable of and what my heart really wanted.
Some backstory first – there were many moments of side-eye and shock when people found out that I used to invite Microsoft coworkers to my standup comedy shows. For some reason I was never afraid of them knowing that part of me existed – I loved when they came! And that vulnerability and boldness paid off – it helped land me on that stage with two entertainment icons! How? Someone at Microsoft who was familiar with my corporate emceeing AND standup comedy work spoke my name in the room as the perfect versatile talent for this moment. And so, I got this opportunity of a lifetime.
The memory of the day hosting Microsoft’s Outside In is hard to beat. Up until this point, I’d had many business successes, but nothing felt as natural as the success of navigating an interview with THE Will Smith and all his larger-than-life comedic energy alongside Ang Lee’s poignant artist charm live in front of thousands of excited people. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to show up in my fullest glow – leading a talk show that enlightened and entertained.
Everything about it was thrilling:
I felt my full-strength commitment come alive in a new way. With the amount of research I did I bet I can beat you at Ang Lee or Will Smith trivia now!
Crafting the plan for the conversation flow revealed to me a type of work I didn’t even know I loved.
Nailing my monologue tying the moment to my personal core value of courage & Microsoft’s values around courageous leadership showed me how good it feels when the work mandate & my own inner desires are well aligned.
Will even gave my 9-year old daughter a hug live during the show! It further cemented for me that there is no invisible wall around my professional life that keeps my daughter hidden. I am a mother wherever I am. And having her close adds to my magic.
If there is something your heart wants to do, but you fear people at work seeing you do it, this is your nudge to find your way to lean into YOUR THING. You don’t have to be as bold as me and invite them to see you. But you do need to do the things that might activate your soul. You deserve that feeling. And one day, it just might lead you to dreams you didn’t even know to dream for yourself.
Go be YOU!
#authenticity #fullstrengthyou #moderator #host #courage #emcee
Photo credits: CB Bell Media
ABOUT KIESHA GARRISON
Kiesha Garrison is a Seattle, WA based professional emcee and public speaker. She leads high-impact events & conversations that spark positive personal, professional, and cultural shifts.
