Guest Post by a Former Professional Athlete and Proud Graduate of Vera Jones’s Voice of Confidence Program
Life After the Final Game
When you’ve spent two decades pushing your body to its limits, chasing victory, and thriving on adrenaline, retirement doesn’t just feel like a career change—it feels like an identity loss.
For years, my voice had power on the court. But off the court? I struggled to speak with the same confidence. I was used to letting my stats do the talking. I didn’t know how to advocate for myself when there were no box scores to back me up.
After my final season wrapped, I found myself constantly being invited to speak—at fundraisers, panels, media events. I wanted to contribute meaningfully, but I wasn’t sure how to show up fully as myself. I would leave those stages wondering, “Did I actually say anything that mattered?”
That’s when someone recommended Vera Jones’s Voice of Confidence program. I’ll be honest—I hesitated. I’d sat through my fair share of empowerment workshops. Some left me inspired; most left me with nothing more than a branded notebook. But this? This turned out to be something else entirely.
Rediscovering My Voice
The first thing I noticed about Vera’s approach was that she didn’t try to give us confidence. She guided us toward uncovering the confidence we already had.
She calls the Voice of Confidence program “a high-impact, research-informed initiative for women ready to step into their power with clarity, courage, and conviction.” That’s exactly what it was. But it didn’t feel clinical. It felt human. Raw. Real.
Our cohort was a diverse group—entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit leaders, and me, a retired athlete figuring out life’s next play. From the very first session, Vera made one thing clear: this wasn’t about posturing or performing. It was about alignment.
The Tools That Changed Everything
One of the most powerful moments for me came during the “Own Your Story” module. Vera asked a simple but disarming question: “What have you been minimizing in order to fit in?” I froze.
As a Black woman in professional sports, I had spent years muting parts of myself to avoid being labeled “too emotional” or “too much.” Vera helped me reframe that: my emotions weren’t a liability—they were a leadership asset. My journey, full of injuries, wins, losses, and public scrutiny, wasn’t just a backstory. It was a testimony.
From there, things shifted.
Here are just a few of the transformative tools I walked away with:
- Poise Under Pressure: Vera didn’t just teach us how to speak—she taught us how to stay centered while doing it. Her exercises in body language and tone were game-changers for how I now handle media interviews and community talks.
- Clarity in Communication: I learned how to distill my message without dumbing it down. We practiced everything from elevator pitches to keynote speeches, with real-time feedback that was both constructive and empowering.
- Conviction That Resonates: Most importantly, I stopped apologizing for taking up space. Vera’s coaching helped me anchor into my values. Now, when I speak, I don’t just hope people listen—I know my words are rooted in purpose.
What Set This Program Apart
Unlike so many programs that sell confidence as a buzzword, Voice of Confidence is grounded in emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and years of real-world coaching experience. Vera doesn’t teach from theory—she teaches from life.
She knows what it’s like to walk into rooms where your competence is doubted. She understands what it means to lead as a woman when the world would rather you follow quietly. And she creates a space where transformation is not just possible—it’s expected.
Each session was a blend of inner work and outward practice. We unpacked imposter syndrome, silencing tactics, and even language habits that hold women back. I realized how often I had been undermining myself with phrases like, “I’m not sure, but…” or “This might be silly, but…”
Vera doesn’t let you hide. And somehow, that feels like the safest place to be.
Real Results, Real Fast
Since graduating from the program, I’ve spoken at two major sports conferences, served on a diversity council, and started mentoring young female athletes transitioning into leadership roles. Every time I step into a room now—whether I’m speaking to CEOs or teenagers—I feel anchored.
One colleague told me recently, “You don’t just talk anymore—you lead.”
That’s the power of Voice of Confidence. It doesn’t just help you find your voice. It helps you walk in it.
Why I Recommend This Program
If you’re a woman standing at a crossroads—whether you’re pivoting careers, seeking to influence change, or simply tired of shrinking in rooms you deserve to own—this is the program for you.
It’s not easy. You’ll be asked to dig deep, confront old narratives, and stretch your comfort zone. But it’s worth it. Because what you gain isn’t just confidence. It’s liberation.
Vera’s brilliance is in helping you realize that confidence isn’t a costume. It’s your truth—spoken out loud, with clarity, courage, and conviction.
A Moment to Reflect
I may have retired from the game, but I’ve never felt more activated. Thanks to Voice of Confidence, I now step into every room—not as someone searching for direction—but as a woman who knows her story, owns her impact, and speaks with unapologetic purpose.
To anyone considering this journey: stop wondering if you’re “ready.” If you’re here, reading this, you already are.
