Chris Rawden on Living Your Performance, Reading the Room, and Owning the Energy You Bring

Host Liz Sweigart first met Brussels-based coach Chris Rawden when a thoughtful LinkedIn comment turned into a video call—and then into a pandemic-era pen-pal friendship. Their bi-monthly check-ins became a safe rehearsal room to practice coaching skills, swap leadership puzzles, and compare parenting notes across the Atlantic. In this #PastTheProfile episode, Chris—founder of Live Your Performance and a lifelong musician—traces his path from cornet soloist and youth-orchestra tours to advising senior accountants, lawyers, and international executives. He and Liz explore how musical training maps to business life, why “start where people are” beats pushing them where you wish they’d be, and how leaders can transform stage fright into authentic connection. Highlights Practice as strategy – what daily scales, micro-goals, and concert prep taught Chris about disciplined business planning. Energy at the door – choosing the vibe you bring into a meeting and watching mirror neurons do the rest. Confidence vs. survival – helping technically brilliant leaders enjoy presentations instead of just getting through them. International nuance – respectful curiosity, clear agreements, and the art of asking before assuming across cultures. What's next – A preview of Chris' upcoming small-group program: coaching cohorts on “living, not surviving” high-stakes moments.