In this inspiring episode, hosts Lisa Thompson (BRD | Brand Revival & Design Inc.) and Amanda Buhse (Coal & Canary) welcome Jessica Dumas - a trailblazer in public speaking, speaker coaching, and leadership development. Jessica shares her powerful journey from overcoming personal doubts and imposter syndrome to becoming the first Indigenous woman to chair a chamber of commerce. With an impressive career that spans award-winning speaking engagements, a robust coaching practice, and hosting two dynamic podcasts, Jessica delivers actionable advice that both emerging and seasoned leaders can use to elevate their communication and confidence.

About Jessica Dumas:

Jessica is a professional speaker, speaker coach, and the host of both Speaking Up with Jessica Dumas on NCI FM and The Confidence and Communication Podcast. Among her accolades, she is a recipient of the Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer Nellie McLung Foundation Award, has been recognized as one of Manitoba’s top 40 under 40, and has led transformative initiatives as chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Her story, from growing up in a challenging neighborhood to taking the stage and inspiring others is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of showing up even when fear looms.

In This Episode, Jessica Dumas Discusses:

Her Journey & Leadership:• Becoming the first Indigenous woman to chair a chamber of commerce and the lessons learned along the way. • The challenges of stepping into leadership roles and overcoming the “I don’t belong” mindset with consistent practice and courage.

Public Speaking Mastery:• Techniques for transforming nervous energy into powerful, authentic presentations. • Strategies such as deep breathing, visualization, and EFT tapping to calm nerves and maintain presence on stage. • Tips to prepare for speaking engagements - knowing your default speech patterns and intentionally adjusting them to enhance clarity and engagement.

Money Manifestation & Mindset:• Jessica’s unique take on money manifestation that involves trusting the process and staying committed without obsessing over numbers. • Practical exercises to shift mindset, including the importance of inner work, journaling, and replacing limiting beliefs with empowering affirmations.

Networking & Connection:• The art of effective networking by focusing more on genuine questions and building connections rather than self-promotion alone. • How asking the right questions can flip the script from discomfort to meaningful engagement at events and board meetings.

Mentorship and Growth:• The value of investing in yourself and learning from mentors, accessing professional coaching, and using feedback to continuously evolve. • The role that overcoming personal challenges plays in shaping authentic leadership and entrepreneurial success.

Jessica’s Top Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders & Entrepreneurs:

1. Trust Your Intuition: Follow your inner calling even when it defies conventional norms.
2. Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing your fears and authentic self paves the way for genuine connection and growth.
3. Leverage Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to work with experts (lawyers, accountants, therapists) to build a stable foundation for your endeavors.

Guest’s Links & Podcasts:

> Listen to The Confidence and Communication Podcast where Jessica dives deeper into her journey and shares actionable insights for speakers and leaders.

> Check out Speaking Up with Jessica Dumas on NCI FM for more leadership and public speaking wisdom.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:A big shout-out to our 2025 presenting sponsor, RRC Polytech. Their support makes this conversation, and many more, possible!

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