Credibility is linked to believing in yourself and trusting your life experiences.

Are you one of those people who get the jitters before speaking in front of a crowd? Do butterflies swarm your stomach, and does your heart race when all eyes are on you?

In my classes at Columbus State Community College and Ohio University, I explain how these three Cs—confidence, credibility, and composure—interchange and support one another to create stability, grace, and poise when communicating.

Here are a few takeaways from the episode:

Confidence:

This starts from within. It’s closely linked to self-esteem and strengthened every time you push past mistakes and learn from your experiences. Criticism? Remember, opinions are just perspectives, not ultimate truths.

Credibility:

Authenticity is your superpower. The more you believe in your message, skills, and the wisdom you’ve gained from life’s experiences, the more others will trust what you share.

Composure:

Staying calm stems from knowing your worth and the value you bring. Nervousness can be channeled positively through self-talk, focusing less on what others might think and more on sharing your message clearly and confidently.

Treat the audience as if you’re speaking to one person. Focus on delivering your message to that individual, and watch your composure soar.

Ready to challenge yourself and grow in these three areas?

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

lillian@lillianzarzar.com

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Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

I sit down with Rachel Brooks, the inspiring author of Chasing Perfection and creator of the Confident Woman newsletter. Rachel opens up about her deeply personal journey—sharing how she hit rock bottom while chasing impossible standards, and the turning point that led her to true healing and self-love.

Together, Rachel and I explore the challenges of facing our fears, the importance of going within, and how to quiet our inner critic so we can live with more presence and authenticity. Rachel speaks honestly about the devastating losses she’s endured, including the tragic death of her father, and how those experiences shaped her capacity for forgiveness, compassion, and personal growth.

This conversation is filled with practical wisdom for anyone who has felt the pressure to perform or who’s seeking a path back to themselves. I hope our discussion encourages you to pause, reflect, and realize the power you hold to rewrite your own story.

Moments

00:00 "When Enough Is Enough"

04:25 Face Your Fears

08:48 "Just Be: Embracing Existence"

10:49 "Reflecting on Purpose and Identity"

14:24 "Purpose Beyond People-Pleasing"

17:33 Brother's Loss, Father's Tragedy

21:03 "Embrace, Process, and Grow"

24:06 "Healing Journey of Self-Reflection"

26:35 "Question Norms, Embrace Awareness"

Here are my favorite takeaways:

Pause and Surrender

True transformation begins when you hit your breaking point and allow yourself time to rest, pause, and surrender. Sometimes, as Rachel Brooks shared, stopping and reflecting are the only ways forward.

Face Your Fears—Reframe Your Narrative

“The thing you fear the most loses power when you turn and face it.” Rachel recommends reframing negative self-talk by challenging old stories and consciously rewriting your narrative—turning “I am not enough” into powerfully affirmative “I am” statements.

Presence and Self-Compassion are Keys to Healing

Cultivating presence (through breathing, meditation, and acceptance) will help quiet your fears and increase clarity. Healing isn’t just about moving beyond trauma, but also about embracing self-love and the understanding that you’re not alone.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

lillian@lillianzarzar.com

LinkedIn

Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Hey everyone, it’s Lillian Zarzar here! Thank you so much for your support through an incredible first season of the podcast. As we wrap up 2025 and head into the new year, I am thrilled to announce that we’re kicking off January with an inspiring interview with Rachel Brooks. Plus, I’ll be bringing on even more amazing guests, all here to share their wisdom and help you make 2026 your best year yet. Thank you for listening and get ready for a season full of growth, insight, and inspiration!

Copyright 2026 Lillian Zarzar

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

lillian@lillianzarzar.com

LinkedIn

Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.