Pressure shows up everywhere — on stage, in meetings, in difficult conversations, even on a start line. In this Quest, the team from The Impact Collective creates a safe space to experience that pressure in real time and learn practical ways to stay calm and focused when it matters most.

We spoke to the facilitators about what participants can expect.

Q: What is a common piece of conventional wisdom this Quest is going to flip?

Most people think confidence comes before action — that you need to feel ready before stepping into the spotlight. We’ll turn that idea on its head. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite; it’s often the result of learning how to respond when you feel uncomfortable. Pressure doesn’t mean you’re failing. It usually means you’re doing something that matters.

Q: Why do people need this Quest right now?

The moments that ask the most of us rarely come with much warning. A presentation, a job interview, an unexpected opportunity, a difficult conversation — we can’t choose when they’ll arrive. The sooner we understand how we respond under pressure, the sooner we can stop letting fear make decisions for us.

Q: What is the single biggest “lightbulb moment” you predict participants will have?

That the feeling of pressure isn’t the problem. It’s how we interpret and respond to it. Most people will discover they’re far more capable than they think once they understand what’s happening in their body and learn a few simple techniques to work with it rather than against it.

Q: What is one hands-on activity attendees will actually do?

Participants will take part in a series of short speaking challenges where they’ll step into moments of genuine — but completely safe — pressure. They’ll experience the difference between reacting automatically and responding intentionally.

Q: Complete this sentence: “People will walk into this Quest feeling ______, but they will walk out feeling ______.”

People will walk into this Quest feeling apprehensive, but they will walk out feeling calmer, more capable and far more confident in their ability to handle pressure.

Quests take place on the morning of 2 October, before the main TEDxTinHau Women event. You can purchase a full-day ticket that includes the Morning Quest workshop, lunch and transport to the venue for the main event in the afternoon. Spots are limited so book your tickets HERE. For more information about other five Quests see the details on our website HERE.

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