What are the odds?

I used to judge stadium shows from the front row of Red Rocks.

As a former music industry executive who attended 2-3 shows weekly, I thought I knew everything about creating magical moments at concerts. Front row at Santana? Been there. Backstage with legends? Done that.

Then my daughter entered a Taylor Swift contest.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is believe without calculating the odds. Just like my daughter did: Fully. Completely. Without hesitation.

When Belief Beats Statistics

For months, I watched her hunt for hidden lyrics in videos, solve weekly puzzles, and play along with unwavering belief. While others might have given up, she persisted. And I believed right alongside her.

What we didn’t know? She was competing against 6,000 other people.

But here’s the thing about belief – it doesn’t need odds to thrive. It just needs space to grow and someone to nurture it.

The Magic of 131313

The winning number was 131313 – Taylor’s lucky number, three times over. The same number we drew on our hands in pink glitter that night at BC Place. Sometimes the universe doesn’t just wink at believers; it throws them a party.

The Stadium Effect: A Masterclass in Belonging

Standing there in that stadium with 54,000 other people, something profound hit me. This wasn’t just about a concert. This was a masterclass in creating belonging at scale.

Every person felt seen.
Every person felt heard.
Every person felt valued.
Every person belonged.

“True belonging isn’t about fitting in. It’s about being accepted – and accepting yourself – exactly as you are.”

From Stadiums to Boardrooms: The Leadership Connection

In my work coaching women through imposter syndrome, I see this powerful connection between belonging and belief:

• We calculate the odds before we try
• We talk ourselves out of opportunities
• We let “being realistic” dim our dreams
• We wait to feel “qualified enough” to claim our space
• We shrink ourselves to fit in, rather than standing out

The Real Magic of Leadership

Just like Taylor created an intimate connection with 54,000 people, the most effective leaders create environments where everyone feels like they belong – while still celebrating what makes them unique.

That’s the real magic:

• When a team member shares an “impossible” idea without fear
• When a woman claims her expertise without apologizing
• When someone brings their full self to work without shrinking
• When we stop waiting for permission to belong

Creating Your Own Stadium Moments

Creating true belonging in professional spaces isn’t about fancy office perks or forced team building. It’s about:

• Believing in people before they fully believe in themselves
• Creating space for “impossible” dreams
• Celebrating uniqueness instead of enforcing conformity
• Supporting each other through doubt and uncertainty
• Building cultures where everyone can have their own 131313 moment

“Sometimes the best views aren’t from the front row. Sometimes they’re from exactly where you’re meant to be.”

Your Next Steps

Ready to create stadium-sized belonging in your organization?

I help companies build cultures where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – no concert tickets required. Learn more about bringing “The Belonging Effect” workshop to your team.

Or maybe you’re ready to overcome your own imposter syndrome and step fully into belonging? Join the waitlist for the next Imposter Syndrome Detox program, where we turn self-doubt into your superpower.

Because your 131313 moment?

It’s waiting.