Trying to be a "real CEO" was one of my worst misakes: We launched Gainsight in May of 2013 and hosted our first ever Pulse conference for the customer success industry. The event would later become the standard, with thousands of annual attendees. I did my typical "cringe-but-lovable" thing and somehow ended up on the keynote stage in stunner shades. Later I had a football helmet on and did a really bad Heisman pose. You had to be there. Anyway, the event was a huge hit. I think people were endeared to our quirky culture. We raised more money that year and were on the path to being a real company. In January of 2014, we were four months from Pulse 2014. We were growing up and I wanted to too. So I hired a speaking coach to take my game to the next level. She was well regarded and very good at her craft. And she said: "Nick - you need to be more professional. No weird outfits. Speak slowly. And stop being so excited - it's strange. Also, read the script off of the prompter." So I did. And Pulse 2014 was BY FAR my worst keynote. I was robotic. My speech was forced. Very few smiles. A typical CEO speech. You can see it for yourself on YouTube. Actually, please don't! The next year, I went back to me. No script. No notes. My typical, frenetic, nerdy, corny self. Fired up. And yes - ridiculous props and outfits. Over the years I was: * A robotic man from the future * The wizard from Wicked * Ted Lasso * A kid from the Breakfast Club * And a rapper (who actually rapped on stage!) It worked. And damn it felt good to be myself again.