Despite my shyness, I could present myself as confident when a situation called for it. I could mentally disconnect from my discomfort and focus solely on the task at hand. Once the moment passed, I would quietly retreat into myself again.
But there’s a strange contradiction in being shy and still craving connection. I always wanted to connect more, express more, and participate more fully; those internal walls held me back.
One-on-one, I was personable and professional. I worked in banking most of my career and handled my responsibilities well. But small talk? Only if it was about banking, or information about our community
In my late thirties, an exciting opportunity came up: interviewing for a corporate trainer position. I had recently helped transform my branch by building a sales culture that worked. Before my management, there had been zero loan activity. But by training the tellers to use simple phrases like “Did you know we offer…” we began averaging over $1 million in loans each month.
As part of the trainer interview, I had to “sell an ashtray” to the bank president, who didn’t smoke and banned it from his office. I did okay, sticking to my principle of “need satisfaction selling.” I explained that selling should never be about forcing; it’s uncovering genuine needs.
I later heard another candidate crushed the task. I was nervous. Would I be passed over?
Enter Tommy Moreno. Tommy was the head trainer, a sales pro with unmatched energy. He taught us that 85% of any sale comes from enthusiasm. And he didn’t just teach it—he lived it.
Whenever our energy was low, or just because, it was time for the “La Bamba” routine. Tommy would blast the song from his boom box, look at us with a grin, and say, “Get on your desks!” The first time, I was horrified. I was pregnant and deep in one of my shy phases. But eventually, I climbed onto my chair, then my desk, and danced. Under Tommy’s leadership, I was able to set my inhibitions aside and get into the dance.
That day changed me.
From that day on, anytime we were feeling flat or lacking enthusiasm, we could count on the “La Bamba” routine. I grew to enjoy myself, and thanks to Tommy Moreno, I was able to enjoy building enthusiasm and feeling the positive effects of letting go and showing great enthusiasm. It worked and helped us be comfortable in our skin when we needed to motivate and encourage our students.
I began to understand that enthusiasm wasn’t something you had to feel first; it was something you could choose. With each impromptu dance party, I shed another layer of inhibition. I laughed louder, moved freer, and learned to love leading with joy.
Looking back, I realize inhibitions aren’t flaws, they’re just outdated rules we once used to stay safe. But there comes a time to rewrite those rules. Dancing on that desk didn’t just loosen my limbs, it opened my heart. I learned that confidence can be built, fun can be healing, and that enthusiasm is contagious. And every now and then, when I need a boost, I still turn up “La Bamba”, and dance like no one’s watching.
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