We’ve all been there: the “stuck” phase. It’s that heavy, static feeling where your to-do list looks like a mountain range, your business feels like a ball and chain, and the “creative spark” you once had has been smothered by administrative spreadsheets and late-night anxiety.

When you hit this wall, the instinct is often to push harder. But the real secret to moving forward isn’t more force, it’s a strategic reset. Several recent coaching engagements with my clients inspired this post. If you’re navigating burnout and career pivots: here is how to deconstruct the “stuck” and build a path back to fulfillment.

1. Prune the Overgrowth

Sometimes, we are stuck because we are carrying too much “administrative weight.” If you are running a business structure that requires more mental energy to maintain than it provides in profit or joy, it is time to simplify.

• The Audit: Ask yourself, “Is this structure serving me, or am I serving the structure?”

• The Permission: It is okay to close a chapter, dissolve, or downsize your overhead. Moving from a complex self-employment model to a simpler “service-first” role isn’t a step backward; it’s a strategic move to regain your mental bandwidth.

2. Recharge Your “Social Battery”

For many professionals, especially extroverts, the isolation of a home office is a silent productivity killer. If you find yourself “puttering” or feeling “floated” throughout the day, you likely lack the high-energy social friction required to spark creativity.

• The Human Connection: Consider a part-time, people-facing role. Whether it’s in the service industry or a collaborative workspace, being around people provides immediate gratification and social energy that a Zoom call simply cannot replicate.

• Networking through Service: Stop “networking” in the transactional sense and switch to what I call “nice networking.” Instead, focus on serving others. Reach out to old colleagues just to say, “I was thinking about you.” Plant “karma seeds” by asking how you can help them first.

3. Master the “Minimum Viable Action” (MVA)

When you’re stuck, “Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound” (SMART) goals can still feel overwhelming. This is where the Minimum Viable Action comes in.

If a task like doing your taxes or preparing reports feels like a monster, don’t try to slay the whole thing at once. Don’t neglect these either.

• Deconstruct it: Instead of “File Taxes,” your MVA is “Open the folder and look at one receipt.”

• The Post-It Strategy: Keep a master list of everything, but every morning move only 2 or 3 small tasks to a separate Post-It note. That’s your entire world for the day.

4. Hack Your Focus with “Reverse” Tactics

For those dealing with task paralysis or neurodivergence (like ADHD), traditional productivity methods can be frustrating. Try these “reverse” hacks instead:

• The Reverse Pomodoro: If you can’t start a task, set a timer for just 5 minutes of work, followed by a 20-minute reward. Usually, the hardest part is the initiation. Once you’ve done five minutes, the “wall” starts to crumble. I created this tool to help you at Wise Squirrels.

• Visual Timers: Use a physical, visual timer to see time “disappearing.” It creates a healthy sense of urgency and prevents you from falling down “rabbit holes” of unproductive research. I swear by my TimeTimer (affiliate link, I earn a commission if you buy one, but I know you will find it indispensable).

5. Turn Your Work into Assets

Don’t let your past creative projects sit on a hard drive. If you’ve created something, a film, a campaign, a business idea, look for the actionable lesson within it.

• The PresentationPivot: We often sell ourselves short by not reflecting on all we know that most people don’t. Could you transform these helpful lessons into an inspirational, actionable presentation to share with others?

• The “Speakers Speak” Rule: If you want to be seen as an expert, start speaking. Even if it’s a complimentary engagement for a local chamber of commerce or association, getting into a room with people who have the capacity to invest in you is more valuable than any social media post or ad. I can help you with this if you’re interested.

The Bottom Line: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

The most common trait among professionals who feel stuck is reactivity. They wait for the email, the client, or the “right time.”

The shift happens when you decide to be the architect of your own momentum, like Carol Burnett said, “You make your own breaks.” Whether it’s picking up a microphone at an open mic to test a new idea or sending five “just thinking of you” emails or text messages to old crew members, action is the only cure for stagnation.

Give yourself grace. You aren’t failing; you’re just in the middle of a very necessary pivot. So, what is your Minimum Viable Action for today?

Book a complimentary “good fit” coaching session with me. Let’s see if I can help you.

Photo by Tausha Dickinson.

Last week, I stood in the center of a room filled with leaders at the cityCURRENT breakfast, and for a split second, I wasn't just a 53-year-old executive coach. I was back in 1978, a seven-year-old boy in a forest-green turtleneck, about to "timber" onto the stage and change the trajectory of my life.

Delivering "The Root Down" was more than a keynote; it was a homecoming to my first love, public speaking, fused with a mission that has become my life’s work: serving professionals from entrepreneurs and executives to adults who feel stuck.

The Rise of the "Wise Squirrel"

People often ask me how I balance high-energy improvisation and humor with the heavy realities of ADHD. I’ve embraced my label of the Wise Squirrel. Since my diagnosis a few years ago, I’ve learned to pair my "squirrel-like" performance energy with "wisdom" earned through a growth mindset, mindful reflection, and a long career.

It’s a performance with a purpose. When I tell a room of professionals that untreated ADHD can reduce life expectancy by up to 13 years, the humor stops, and the "Wise Squirrel" takes the wheel.

Pillar 1: The Unseen Struggle of "Knowing"

The most significant unseen struggle I address in my coaching and workshops is the fundamental importance of Knowing Yourself. For decades, I thought I was just a "bad kid". I didn't realize I was a specific kind of tree trying to grow in the wrong soil.

You cannot move to Pillar 2 (Respect Yourself) if you haven't identified your true neurotype, strengths, and superpowers. In my sessions, I help late-diagnosed adults rewrite their internal "report cards"—moving away from the labels of "disruptive" or "annoying" and toward their actual identities.

Pillar 2: From Mindless to Mindful

Once a leader knows their "roots," we focus on Respecting Yourself. We live in an era of "audacious algorithms" and "digital vitriol" designed to keep us in a state of fear and distrust.

By utilizing tactical tools like Box Breathing or cognitive reappraisal, I help individuals move from being "mindless" to "mindful".

• Overcoming Stress: Slowing down the breath allows us to reframe negative self-talk.

• Leading with Empathy: When we are mindful, we approach work relationships with patience rather than impulsivity.

• The "Oxygen Mask" Rule: You cannot treat others well if you fail to love and respect yourself first.

Pillar 3: Building a Healthy Forest

The finale of the framework is Connecting Yourself. I help my clients and audiences tap into the "Power of Proximity" to feel handshakes and high-fives once again.

In my workshops, we use the metaphor of the "Woodwide Web" to understand how diverse teams protect themselves by working together. I help Wise Squirrels and neurotypical adults alike pause, question the clickbait, and shift their focus back to the things that matter most immediately:

• Stakeholders: Colleagues, management, and customers.

• Community: Family, friends, and the people we serve.

• The Self: Maintaining the roots that sustain the entire crown.

The Final Acorn

Thank you to my friends at cityCURRENT for inviting me to deliver this important presentation.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn". Whether it's through a keynote, a specialized workshop, or 1-on-1 executive coaching, my goal is to help you plant yours.

We are stronger and wiser together when we ROOT DOWN.

If you’ve ever searched “public speaking coach near me” or wondered whether working with a public speaking coach is actually worth it, you’re not alone. Public speaking remains one of the most common professional fears, yet it’s also one of the most powerful career and business accelerators when done well.

Whether you’re a leader preparing for high-stakes presentations, an entrepreneur pitching ideas, or a professional who wants to speak like a leader, coaching for presentation skills can change not just how you speak, but how you’re perceived.

As a Nashville public speaking coach, I work with adults, executives, and teams who want practical, human-centered coaching that builds confidence without forcing them to become someone they’re not.

There’s a reason why Google trusted me to speak on their behalf for over five years and why I’m booked as a keynote speaker.

Is a Public Speaking Coach Worth It?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, right alongside searches like “public speaking coach” or “best public speaking coaches.” The short answer: yes, when the coaching is tailored, practical, and rooted in real-world communication with your goals stated from the start.

A speech coach doesn’t just help you memorize lines or perfect slide design. The right coach helps you:

• Clarify your message

• Weave in humor and storytelling to deliver memorable speeches.

• Reduce anxiety and self-doubt

• Build authentic confidence

• Improve delivery, structure, and presence

• Plan to set and reach your presentation goals

• Communicate with impact in meetings, presentations, and on stage

That’s why many professionals actively search for the best public speaking coaches, not just generic courses.

Working With a Public Speaking Coach: What to Expect

When people ask, “What happens when you work with a public speaking coach?” they’re usually worried about being judged or pushed into uncomfortable performance tactics.

My approach to public speaking, private coaching, or group workshops is different, and my testimonials are testament to what you’ll receive.

I focus on:

• Your goals, not someone else’s speaking style

• Real presentations you actually need to deliver

• Practical tools you can reuse again and again

• Building confidence through clarity, not pressure

This is coaching for people who want to become a confident speaker, not a scripted performer.

Public Speaking Coach Dave Delaney

I’ve spent decades helping professionals improve how they communicate, connect, and lead. As a business speaking coach and executive public speaking coach, I work with clients across industries who want to:

• Lead meetings with authority

• Present ideas clearly and persuasively

• Speak confidently without “faking it”

• Strengthen leadership presence

If you’re searching for a public speaking coach in Nashville or Nashville public speaking training that feels grounded and human, you’ve got the right person.

Public Speaking Coach Training, Certification, and Courses

People often ask about public speaking coach certification or whether a confident public speaking course is enough. Courses can be helpful, especially for foundational skills, but coaching offers something different.

With public speaking coach training, you get:

• Personalized feedback

• Real-time coaching on your actual talks

• Online and offline marketing and promotional strategies

• Accountability and practice

• Support tailored to your experience level

That’s why many clients choose public speaking private coaching over one-size-fits-all programs.

Online Coaching and “Near Me” Searches

Thanks to virtual sessions, working with a speaking coach online can be just as effective as in-person coaching. Whether you’re searching for “best public speaking coaches near me” or “public speaking coach near me,” location no longer limits access to high-quality coaching.

That said, if you’re specifically looking for a Nashville, Tennessee public speaking coach, I offer both local and remote options. In person is always preferred, but improving your virtual presentation skills is equally important these days.

Who This Is For

My coaching is designed for:

• Adults who want an honest presentation coach who gets results

• Leaders seeking executive-level communication skills

• Professionals looking for coaching for presentation skills

• Entrepreneurs and speakers preparing for key moments

• Anyone ready to become a confident speaker

This is not about chasing viral stage tricks or icky marketing gimmicks. It’s about sustainable confidence and clear communication. Public speaking is a skill people actively invest in because it pays dividends across careers, leadership, and life.

Ready to Speak Like a Leader?

If you’re considering working with a public speaking coach and want support that’s practical, respectful, and results-driven, I’d love to help.

Whether your goal is to lead with confidence, deliver better presentations, or finally feel at ease when you speak, the right coaching can unlock skills you already have.

I love to help professionals become confident speakers through clarity, connection, and communication that actually works, and as always, a ‘good fit’ coaching call is complimentary, so what’s stopping you?