Own Your Moment
Presence and the Power of a Walk-up Song
Athletes don’t just step onto the field—they arrive. Their walk-up song isn’t just background music; it’s an anthem, a surge of adrenaline, a switch that flips nerves into confidence, routine into ritual. Whether it’s a thunderous rock riff, a swagger-filled hip-hop beat, or a country tune that reminds them where they came from, the right song sets the tone: This is my moment. I’m ready. Let’s go.
While I’ve never officially declared a personal walk-up song, I remember one moment when I needed one. Walking from the train to my office, about to deliver an important and emotional talk to my team, I queued up Eminem’s Lose Yourself. The song is about seizing the moment, pushing past self-doubt, and refusing to let opportunities slip away—and that’s exactly what I needed to hear. It didn’t give me a script, but it reminded me to step into the moment with clarity and confidence.
I’ve worked with many clients who want to improve their presence and confidence, and one thing I hear often is: I feel most confident when I’m well-prepared. But for many, preparation means having every word planned out, anticipating every possible response, rehearsing every scenario. The problem? That level of preparation isn’t realistic most of the time. A better approach is to focus not on memorizing what you’ll say, but on grounding yourself in the value you bring. What do you want to project? How do you want to feel? Confidence doesn’t come from a perfect script—it comes from trusting yourself to show up as the leader the moment requires.
Harvard professor Amy Cuddy, in her book Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, explores how body language, mindset, and self-perception shape confidence. She writes: “Presence isn’t about pretending to be confident. It’s about believing and expressing that you’re capable.”
I’m not saying you should walk into every meeting with headphones blaring, but next time you have an important meeting, interview, or presentation, don’t just think about what you’re going to say—think about how you want to feel. Set the tone for yourself. What’s your walk-up song?