What happens when you finally put something deeply personal and creatively ambitious out into the world, and then have to let go of control over what happens next?

After months of preparing for my first TEDx talk, I found myself in the strange liminal space between “it’s done” and “the world hasn’t seen it yet.” And underneath the excitement is the very human mix of nerves, self-doubt, waiting, and the question of how much space I’m willing to take up.

In this reflective behind-the-scenes episode of the Women Changing the World podcast, I reflect on my TEDx journey, from discovering the opportunity and applying, to writing, rehearsing, giving the talk, and making peace with what I would have done differently.

I explore what it means to step into authority, make work that feels like art, embrace relational intelligence and feminine leadership, and practice grace when real life inevitably shapes what we create.

As I stand on my own threshold, I also share what’s coming next: a new manifesto and an intimate five-month experience designed to help other women step into your next chapter through embodied, relational leadership.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Outline:

• [00:03:45] Why I wanted to capture my TEDx experience before the talk was released, and what it means to be witnessed at a much bigger scale.
• [00:21:22] The central idea behind my TEDx talk: why the leadership that created the climate crisis is not the leadership that will solve it, and why relational intelligence matters.
• [00:24:01] The reality of preparing for a TEDx talk, including rehearsal, memorization, self-doubt, and giving yourself grace when you’re doing ambitious work alongside real life.
• [00:26:33] What I would do differently—including making more personal invitations—and my reminder to let people decide for themselves whether they want to show up for your big moments.
• [00:34:02] What’s emerging on the other side of TEDx: my manifesto and The Threshold, a new intimate experience centered on embodied relational leadership, liminality, intuition, and creating the future we want to live into.

Connect with Us:

• Lis Best's website
• Learn more about the Girls Club Collective
• Connect with Girls Club Collective and Lis Best on LinkedIn
• Join the next GCC Community Power Hour
• Inquire about coaching with Lis

Resources Mentioned:

• • Episode 22 with Gesche Haas
  • Lindsay MacMillan’s Speaker Gateway Program
  • Authority Letters with Ellen Donnelly

This episode was post-produced and edited by Yanina Mora.

The intro and outro music was created and produced by Daniel Mark.

About Lis:

Lis Best is an executive coach for impact leaders, founder of the Girls Club Collective, and host of the Women Changing the World podcast.

Since launching her business in 2020, Lis has helped hundreds of leaders navigate ESG and sustainability careers, launch heart-centered businesses, and become more effective change agents.