From Poetry Slams to Pitch Showdowns: What The Stage Has Taught Me About Life
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the stage—whether it was in the form of poetry slams in Brooklyn or high-stakes business pitch showdowns, the lessons learned under those bright lights have been both transformative and enduring.
My journey has taught me one simple yet profound mantra: S – Stand, T – Tall, A – And, G – Grow, E – Everyday.
A Childhood of Speaking Up
Growing up, I often found myself in trouble for “talking back.” In our culture, if your response wasn’t a polite “okay, mommy” or a simple “yes please,” it was seen as a form of disrespect. I earned the nickname wo kah-sah doh, which breaks down in Fante (native Ghanaian language) to:
Wo: "You"
Kasa: "Speak"
Dɔ: "Too much"
But to me, it wasn’t about being disrespectful—it was about storytelling. Whether it was explaining why my sister or I were in trouble with our parents, or mediating misunderstandings among friends, I felt compelled to give context and share the real story behind every situation.
Throwback photo of the Quansah Sisters also known as Q5. My first loves.
The Spark of a Passion
Everything changed in high school when an English teacher recognized my need to express myself and encouraged me to submit one of my poetry assignments to a local poetry book competition. Unsure of what to expect, I was overjoyed when I learned that my poem had been selected.
Overnight, I became a “published” author, and that success lit a spark inside me. I began to submit every poem I wrote to competitions—and every single time, my work was recognized.
It was during this time that I discovered my gift for storytelling. I realized that while speaking up was natural, writing allowed me to refine my thoughts and truly capture the essence of my experiences.
Creating My Pathway to the Stage
Then came poetry slams—a whole new arena where my words could take flight. I still remember the day someone told me about a slam in Brooklyn, NYC. There I was, a 16-year-old from Princeton, NJ, planning a wild journey on a train to Penn Station and then a maze of subways into Brooklyn. I had to break the news to my African mother that her teenager was off to “slam” poetry on stage. This was not an easy conversation. But, I am my mother's child, and she, of all people, knows determination when she sees it.
On that stage, under blinding lights, I performed a poem about African slavery.
The audience's energy—the oohs and aahs—remains etched in my memory.
I didn’t win that slam, but placing in the competition was enough to make me realize that I was walking in my calling. Every experience taught me the art of storytelling and how to connect with the spirit of my listeners.
I don't merely address what's in their mind, I speak to their spirit.
BasBlue Fund(Her) Finalists before pitch Photo By Shaleena Cole
The Business of Storytelling
Years later, as I stepped into the world of business pitches, I carried the lessons of the stage with me. Yes, I still felt the familiar nerves, but the purpose behind my presentations was always bigger than my own fears.
Just like in poetry slams, the goal was to communicate a vision, to inspire, to create a genuine connection with my audience, and erect a call to action to support.
Amazing judges at BasBlue competition Photo By Shaleena Cole
Lessons Learned on Every Stage
No matter what challenge life throws at you, remember:
Live at the level of your consciousness, never at the level of your circumstances: Don’t be defined by your circumstances. Be refined by your consciousness. As business owners, parents, partners, spouses (insert your profession or career), we navigate daily hardships, but our mission and vision must remain undiminished.
Your faith is bigger than your fear: Embrace the nervous energy, knowing that it’s just a sign that you’re stepping into something beyond your pain of the process.
You create your world with your words: Create a framework that invites your audience into your narrative/story and makes them become active participants in bringing it all to reality. Let them feel every emotion. Touch their spirits.
Loose the title and win the tests: Let's not limit our capabilities to titles predetermined by others who have not walked our journey but by the strength of our will and abilities to triumph tests that come our way. Focus on those experiences to drive continued perseverance.
Every time I step on stage—whether for a poetry slam or a business pitch—I’m not just performing; I’m evolving.
The stage is a transformative space where each experience helps me stand taller and grow a little more everyday.
So, if you ever find yourself facing a new challenge, remember: Stand tall and grow every day.
The stage of life awaits, and every performance is an opportunity to become a better, more connected version of yourself.
Top 3 Winners of BasBlue Fund(her) Competition Photo By Shaleena Cole
Explore My Amazon Storefront I’ve curated a collection of tools, reads, and resources that support a purpose-driven life—both personally and professionally. From books that shaped my consciousness to products that keep me organized and inspired, these are the same items I use to build, balance, and grow.
👉 Click here to explore my Amazon storefront and discover what’s helping me live on purpose—so you can too.
