From Chaos to Clarity: My Journey as a Webinar Host and Speaker
I’ve hosted a couple of hundred webinars and seminars now, and I’ve gotten good at it. But how did I start? It wasn’t some grand plan—I was just trying to fill a gap.
Back in 2016, my local Project Management Institute (PMI) chapter had a lunch and learn scheduled, but the speaker had dropped out. They sent out an email saying, “We have a space and about 50 registrants…can anyone do a session?” Opportunity knocking, am I right? I saw it as a chance to give back, share what I knew, and maybe stretch myself professionally.
So, I did it.
I put together a slide deck, rehearsed it about 20 times, and a few days later, I was hosting my first live seminar. It was nerve-wracking, but everything clicked. I could feel the energy of the room, the curiosity of the audience, and the excitement of sharing knowledge in real-time. That first experience led to many more, and I’ve continued to build on that foundation ever since.
Since then, I’ve built strong relationships with PMI chapters across Canada, hosting events in cities like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and across Ontario. I’ve even had the opportunity to speak in Chicago and London UK, and also host 10 international PMI webinars, reaching thousands of people from all over the world. The chance to connect with so many diverse audiences and share what I’ve learned has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned how to engage an audience, share insights clearly, and create content that resonates. Hosting webinars and live seminars isn’t just about giving a presentation; it’s about crafting an experience that keeps people interested, makes them think, and provides them with practical takeaways they can use.
The best part about hosting these events is the ability to connect with people, no matter where they are. Whether I’m speaking in person in Ottawa or hosting an online event for an international audience, the energy of the interaction and the exchange of ideas is what fuels my passion for speaking and sharing knowledge.
Looking back, what started as a simple opportunity has turned into a fulfilling journey of learning, growth, and connection. So, if you’re ever presented with a chance to speak or host an event—take it. You never know where it might lead, and what you’ll learn along the way.