My name is Anna, and I’ve loved public speaking since I was a child.
(Yes, a nerd since I was born.)
I grew up watching my father delivering trainings to big groups, and when I was a kid I was always picked by my school teachers to present my school’s events, growing up in a town near Barcelona. I was often bullied and mocked precisely because of my love for speaking in public, but somehow I always felt safe on stage, like it was the only place they wouldn’t attack me.
I also remember declaring myself a feminist when I was 8 years old. I read the definition of ‘feminism’ in the dictionary: "the belief and organised movement that men and women deserve social, political, and economic equality.” And it hit me. Hang on, are we not equal to men yet!?
But as I grew up, I realised we were, indeed, still far from equality. At home. In the office. On boards.
And on stages.
So I started making myself small.
I started softening my tone, downplaying my skills, and apologising for pretty much everything I said or did.
I became a journalist and event moderator/MC in a male-dominated industry, often being the only woman in the room or the stage. I let this intimidate me for too long, until I said: not anymore, this is costing me way too much: opportunities, money, peace of mind.
I started owning my voice, and now I want other women to feel the same.
I got tired of attending industry conferences and seeing the same men on stage every. single. time.
Meanwhile, I saw women with deep subject-matter expertise downplaying their own credentials, hedging their claims, and adding a dozen disclaimers before making their point.
I built She Owns the Stage to change that.
Because I strongly believe public speaking and using your voice is a force for good. And I want to help women who want to make the world a better place translate their expertise into authority, so they become the go-to experts in their field.
If you're the expert in the room who's tired of shrinking to fit in, I built She Owns the Stage for you.
Fun facts about me…
I’m an Olympic baby - born in Barcelona 1992
I have a cat, a lovely calico called Leia, our Chief Cattitude Officer!
I’m fluent in five languages, though I sometimes wonder if I can still speak my mothertongue
I’m an amateur singer and dancer, and even more amateur DJ!
…and yes, I love music, and by that I mean all music styles. There’s an equal chance you catch me playing indie rock, jazz, or reggaeton.