About me
In 2023 I gave my first TEDx talk.
Even though I’ve done many presentations and coached some of the top talent in the visual effects (VFX) world, it felt like it was all leading to this pivotal moment. Presenting on one of the world’s highest profile stages. The talk’s success inspired me to share my experience outside of the world of VFX, and build a comprehensive course that can help anyone present with confidence.
I wasn’t always good at public speaking. As a shy and socially awkward child I remember standing in front of my elementary school class presenting a book report. The pretty, popular girls, Katie and Kelly, started whispering and laughing. Losing confidence immediately, I finished my report in tears, humiliated.
The transformation began during a summer job at university in New York, going door to door to talk about environmental issues and solicit donations. After many of those doors were slammed in my face, I started to build resilience and confidence. The shyness started to melt away. It became fun.
After graduating from University in 1997, I began my career teaching animation and VFX. I’ve taught thousands of classes at this point, and given hundreds of presentations. While working at DreamWorks Animation in 2012, I taught the first iteration of a presentation skills class.
I refined this class at every company since, including The Moving Picture Company, Framestore, Netflix, and DNEG Animation.