#0001: How to Show Up the Right Way... Every Time

Lasada finishes a conference event on showing up the right way every time.

I share this story often on stage because it reminds me why communication, confidence, and clarity matter so much - especially for educators & students.

When I was young, I didn’t walk into school believing in myself. I walked in embarrassed. I walked in ashamed. I walked in hoping nobody noticed me. Kids called me names - geek, nerd, Steve Urkel (you haven't seen the picture)... and I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere.

There were days where I didn’t even want to be in the building. So I would walk down to the schoolyard, put one foot on campus so I could tell my parents “Yes, I went to school”… and then I would turn right back around and go home. I wasn’t showing up to learn; I was showing up to leave.

I didn’t think I had potential.

I didn’t think I was smart.

I didn’t think my voice mattered.

But everything changed the day a cafeteria lady walked up to me and said, “Baby, I believe God is going to do amazing things through your life.” I didn’t understand it then, but something in me lit up. Someone finally saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.

Then came the awards ceremony in fifth grade. I was invited, but I didn’t think I’d win anything... why would I? But I begged my mom to take me anyway. I still remember her flipping the mattress and digging in drawers to find enough coins so we could ride the bus to the school that night.

We sat for an hour and 42 minutes before they finally called my name.

“Lasada Pippen... You're getting an award for perfect attendance.”

Not because I was the smartest.

Not because I was the most talented.

Not because I was confident.

I got that award because I showed up - every single day - even when I didn’t feel like it.

And that’s when she said:

The way you show up for anything is the way you show up for everything.

Those words hit me.

I had to learn to believe in myself.

I had to learn to use my voice.

I had to learn to communicate better.

I had to learn that confidence is built through consistency - not perfection.

That lesson shaped my life, my leadership, and eventually my message:

Say It Better: Communicate with Clarity & Lead with Confidence.

Because I know what it feels like to hide.

I know what it feels like to doubt yourself.

I know what it feels like to shrink your voice.

And I know what happens when you finally choose to speak, stand tall, and show up the right way... every time. You don't have to be perfect, but you must be persistent.