There’s something different about live performance. No retakes. No editing. Just you, the moment, and a hundred (or a thousand) people watching to see what happens next.
It’s one of the best training grounds I’ve ever experienced for building confidence—not the kind that’s loud or showy, but the kind that shows up when the spotlight hits and the pressure’s on.
Chris Cox knows that feeling better than most.
Chris is a mentalist and stage performer who’s appeared on Broadway, the West End, and in stadiums around the world. When we spoke on The Beyond Impact Podcast, he shared what it really takes to show up with confidence—especially when things don’t go according to plan.
“I’ve messed up on live TV,” he told me. “I’ve had tricks go wrong in front of 2,000 people. You can’t hide. So you learn to trust yourself.”
That line stuck with me. Because in business, speaking, and leadership, you don’t always get a second take. And the most successful people aren’t the ones who never fail—they’re the ones who know how to keep going when the unexpected hits.
Reps Build Readiness
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned—on set, on stage, or in front of a client—is that preparation gives you freedom.
Chris puts in the reps. He rehearses obsessively. He understands the structure of his show inside and out. But once the lights come on, he lets it go. He plays. He adapts.
That balance between control and flow is what separates pros from amateurs.
“The best performers I know are the most prepared,” he said. “But they’re also the most flexible.”
Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from knowing that no matter what happens, you can recover. You can adapt. You can serve the moment instead of fighting it.
Embracing the Audience as a Scene Partner
Something else that stood out in our conversation was how Chris treats the audience—not as observers, but as participants.
“They’re not the enemy,” he told me. “They’re collaborators.”
That mindset shift changes everything. Whether you’re giving a keynote, leading a team meeting, or pitching a new idea, the goal isn’t to perform at people. It’s to engage with them.
I’ve found the same to be true in acting. The scene works best when you’re listening as much as you’re delivering. And in leadership, the same rules apply. Real confidence isn’t rigid. It’s responsive.
Failing Gracefully Builds Trust
Chris shared a story about a moment on stage where a routine completely fell apart. Instead of trying to cover it up, he owned it. Made a joke. Moved on.
“The audience knew something went wrong,” he said. “But they also knew I wasn’t rattled. And that made them trust me even more.”
That’s a lesson I wish more people in business understood. You don’t need to fake perfection. You need to show people you’re human—and capable.
Because confidence isn’t about getting it right every time. It’s about how you show up when it goes wrong.
Hear the Full Conversation with Chris Cox
Chris and I talked about live performance, risk, and what it really means to perform under pressure. If you’ve ever doubted yourself in a high-stakes moment, this episode is for you.
Chris and I went deep on creativity, performance, and how curiosity has shaped every stage of his career—from radio and theater to world tours and Broadway.
The most powerful kind of confidence doesn’t come from being flawless. It comes from knowing you can keep going—especially when the pressure’s on.
