Welcome back to the Look and Sound of Leadership. An ongoing series of

executive coaching tips designed to help you be perceived in the workplace

the way you want to be perceived. I'm Tom Henschil, your executive coach, and today we're talking about mastering nerves.

Asheesh was both thrilled and terrified.

Ashish held a senior position at a global law firm because he had expertise in an arcane field of economic analysis.

The prior year, a corporation represented by the firm, had been sued over a very odd, very narrow stakeholder complaint.

If Ashish's firm didn't win the case, the corporation could be at risk for billions of dollars over decades.

Ashish came up with a theory. of dollars over decades.

Ashish came up with a theory that would defend the corporation's position.

That theory of his had become the heart of the defense.

Soon, as part of the case, he was going to have to testify before a judge and explain his analysis.

This is a dream come true, Tom. He told me during a coaching session.

A theory of mine is going to end up influencing the outcome.

Enormous sums are at stake here, and my theory could be the hinge point.

I couldn't be more delighted. He smiled and said,

I like when people pay attention to my ideas. I love my ideas. I wish more people wanted to know about them.

And now they will if he raised a finger dramatically

if I can explain my theory to the judge well no I certainly can it. The question is whether I can explain it in a way

the judge will understand. I asked, why wouldn't a judge understand?

He blew out a breath and shook his head.

My nerves.

I used to get very nervous.

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