Facing the Fear: How You Can Grow by Doing It Anyway – with Steven Schmidt
TESOL Pop · Laura Wilkes
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Show Notes
Steven Schmidt, professional development consultant and long-time adult educator, joins Laura to share his journey from enduring uninspiring training sessions to leading transformative ones. In this episode, Steve reflects on what makes professional development meaningful, how he overcame self-doubt, and why fear never fully disappears — but can be used as fuel for growth.
TALKING POINTS
- Why “Bad PD” Sparked a New Mission. How sitting in the back of dull sessions inspired Steve to raise the bar on professional learning.
- The Baby Steps to Becoming a PD Leader. From Saturday workshops to national keynotes — how Steve gradually built his confidence.
- Facing the Fear (and Doing It Anyway). Insights from Dr Susan Jeffers’ “Five Truths of Fear” and how they apply to every educator.
- Redefining Failure as Learning. Why Steve sees setbacks as “O Flags” — opportunities for learning and growth — and how you can too.
- Practising What We Preach. A reminder that educators deserve the same self-compassion and encouragement we give our learners.
ABOUT
Steven Schmidt is a professional development consultant with decades of experience in adult education. After years working as a classroom teacher and programme administrator, Steve shifted into full-time PD, delivering training across the U.S. and sharing practical insights on confidence, connection, and lifelong learning. He currently supports educators through keynote talks, workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Connect on LinkedIn or send Steve an email here.
References
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr Susan Jeffers
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CREDITS
Producer: Laura Wilkes
Editor: Haven Tsang
Special thanks to our guest, Steven Schmidt
Production by Communicating for Impact
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