The Trip That Unlocked My Voice

by Margie DuBois, CPC

March 4, 2026

Last August, I stumbled across the work of Jam Gamble through a mutual friend.

Within moments of hearing her speak, I received one message loud and clear:

You need to work with this woman.

I messaged Jam immediately to let her know that I wanted to explore work together, and we began a conversation.

In January, Jam — who lives in Toronto — announced she was bringing her Vocal Reset workshop to Scottsdale.

Within 24 hours, I had talked with my husband, booked my flight, and secured my spot.

. . .

On February 28, I walked into the venue at Casa Luna Collective, not knowing a single person besides Jam. I felt instantly at home.

The women in the room were incredible. They were kind, brave, and generous with their stories. And Jam’s facilitation was pure magic.

Within the first hour, I recognized something important:

I needed to be there and become a student again.

Before heading to Arizona, there had been something preventing me from sharing my voice in a bigger way.  It was a nagging, strange block that I couldn’t quite name. 

Jam’s workshop wasn’t about tactical speaking tips, how to hold a microphone, or how to make a pretty slide deck. It was about understanding what keeps us from using our voice — and gently dismantling it.

I discovered that I didn’t more skills or knowledge – I needed to get really honest with myself about the people, experiences, and fears that had taught me to stay smaller than I’m meant to be.

Getting out of my normal environment was what allowed me to do the real work. When you physically remove yourself from your routines and responsibilities, you create the space to see yourself more clearly. I wasn’t half-present or multitasking – I was completely engaged from start to finish.

. . .

In Arizona, I learned that my voice is allowed to take up space. 

I learned that I am ultimately the main character in my way.

I learned that when we allow the imagined opinions of others dictate our choices, we shrink. We dilute our message and wait to take action.

And waiting is expensive.

Waiting prevents you from sharing your voice, making a positive impact, and living into your purpose.

. . .

When I got on the plane to head back to Denver, I felt empowered, motivated, and clear about where I was headed.

But more than anything, I came home unstuck.

I was reminded of something I teach my clients every day:

Confidence isn’t built by thinking about it. It’s built by taking courageous action and stepping into the room.

I can now say that I’m ready. 

I’m ready to share my voice in bigger ways. I’m ready to step onto the stage. And I’m ready to  provide more learning experiences that build confident, emotionally intelligent teams.

And through my work, I hope to carry forward the same spark of courage and clarity that was so generously given to me in Arizona.