CHARLIE NIGHTINGALE

From Stage Fright to Speaking Up

As the saying goes, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Well—for most of my life, it was more like: “Feel the fear and do... some of it. Maybe.”

Growing up, anxiety was a constant companion. I avoided decisions, shrank from the spotlight, and constantly second-guessed myself. But at just 10 years old, something unexpected shifted: I had my first experience with hypnotherapy to help with performance anxiety. That session planted a powerful seed—fear could be understood, challenged, and even transformed.

Later, at university and then dance school in London, anxiety hit new levels. Presentations, public speaking, social events—even choosing a bus route—triggered overwhelming self-doubt. I was terrified of making the wrong choices, of being seen, of standing out.

And yet, I still wanted to perform. I wanted to express myself. That internal conflict—the longing to be heard and the fear of visibility—would follow me for years.

When I read Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers, it was like someone had finally put words to my experience. I started to test my limits. I travelled solo to Australia, worked jobs that scared me, and (with the help of a little Xanax) pushed through some of my toughest fears. But I still found myself holding back—opting out of opportunities, avoiding visibility, and staying quiet when I wanted to speak up.

Helping Others Step Into the Spotlight

When I returned to England I decided to put my Performing Arts training to good use and I became a teacher in Further Education., I helped students step into their spotlight—to sing, speak, perform, and grow. I absolutely loved helping them confront their fears and discover confidence they didn’t know they had.

But somewhere along the way, I lost my own voice again. Between raising children, teaching, and juggling life, I found myself stuck in a loop—afraid of change, but craving something more.

Then came the moment that shifted everything. I broke my foot in the woods during a camping trip (thank you, tree root), and life came to a literal standstill.

Suddenly, I couldn’t run, dance, or stay busy. I was forced to sit with myself. And in that stillness, something beautiful happened: I reconnected with my voice.

Why I Do This Work Now

Thanks to that pause, I found life coaching. I trained, practiced, transformed—and reclaimed everything I’d lost to fear over the years. I realised: I didn’t want to be someone who “manages” fear. I wanted to be someone who helps others break free from it.

Now, I coach women in Further Education—women who are brilliant, passionate, and ambitious, but feel like fear is silencing them.

Whether it’s a high-stakes presentation, a leadership meeting, or simply feeling confident enough to apply for the next big role, I help my clients:

• Calm their nerves

• Claim their space

• Speak with confidence

• And rediscover the joy of showing up fully as themselves

You don’t need to be fearless.
You just need to be its boss not its slave.  

And I’m here to help you get there.