Angie Pettyjohn is the Founder and Executive Director of The Angelina Network.
Angie used to have a massive phobia of public speaking. It was so severe that stomach aches, insomnia and nausea usually ensued before any public speaking engagement. About 10 years ago she realized she needed to “get a grip”. She hired a public speaking coach and started to become a little more comfortable in front of an audience, but she never fully overcame the nauseating feeling before she spoke.
“I could hear my voice in my head, I judged every single word I spoke, it was like I was speaking underwater and my voice sounded muffled. I could hear my heart pulsating loudly over my words. My ears were burning. I was sweating profusely – I hope they can’t see me sweating? My knees were shaking and buckling, and I could feel unbalanced, any moment I was going to tip over. My vibrating voice would continue over the sounds in my head… oh no I made a mistake, what a dummy! Who am I to be up here speaking? Surely, people will see I am not intelligent …”
Her life took a dramatic turn about 5 years ago when she met her mentor Rosa Rago. Rosa taught her meditation methods and very specific exercises that helped her completely overcome her aversion to public speaking. Her goal at the time was to silence her mind but uncovered a lot more than a 15 minute meditation routine.
“I realized that what I was telling myself before every opportunity that I had was that I wasn’t worthy or good enough to be speaking in front of others. The lack of confidence showed itself in a few areas of my life. I wasn’t very nice to myself.”
So when did this personal bashing begin? She describes these as her ‘whack-a-mole’ moments – a moment when one is going about one’s business and something or someone does or says something that immediately takes one’s breath away.
These moments throughout her life compounded to the point where Angie soon lost her voice and public speaking became challenging.
Angie sought help from a mentor and public speaking coach who taught her to change the story she was saying about herself. She recently took part in Kelly’s Emotional Intelligence course and she discovered that she requires more work in the areas of self-confidence and self-regard. She has dedicated 2020 to continuing her personal growth. On January 22nd, Angie along with, Program Director, Victoria Pettyjohn, and Business Development Director, Julie-Ann Reid, took their first step in launching The Angelina Network.
The Angelina Network is there to provide a safe space for women to share their collective resources and experience with the purpose to inspire, motivate and empower each other.
The Angelina Network will meet quarterly and will be hosting 2 or 3 speakers followed by an open networking opportunity to meet and greet each other. The next meeting will be hosted on April 14th at 6pm , Piper’s Heath Golf Course. Contact: [email protected] for more information.