As I prepare to take the stage, the event host does something unexpected. She introduces me, primes the audience for an interesting session, and then—out of nowhere—announces a 15-minute coffee break. An unscheduled one. Coffee breaks are normal at conferences. …

It’s my turn to speak and share a highlight from the past week. The instructor’s eyes turn to me. So do everyone else’s in the room. I’m sitting among eight couples, all expecting their first child in just a few …

He shakes my hand, thanks me for an excellent presentation, and states that he will definitely invest in the product I had just pitched. My jaw is ready to hit the floor, but I restrain my surprise and excitement. Instead, …

Seven people stare at me with blank expressions. I’ve just told a joke that clearly hasn’t landed. I’m at a conference where I’m delivering the same pitch multiple times in a series of roundtables with different investors. I’ve already made …

I’m sitting in the conference room, waiting for my turn to speak. Everyone is focused on the speaker on stage, but my gaze drifts to the moderator, who’s started pacing beside the podium. At first, I don’t think much of …

The boat operator stops and points to the shore with excitement. My wife and I exchange curious glances—we must have reached one of the highlights of the ride. But as we follow his gesture, we nearly shriek in horror… Just …