What does launching Oxford's first black heritage guided bus tour and authenticity have in common with the film Cool Runnings?

Last year, I embarked on a new venture — launching the very first Black Oxford Untold Stories guided bus tour. I had delivered lectures before, but this was a whole new ball game — this time, it was on a moving bus.

I listened to the experts' suggestions based on their experiences and the existing recorded audio commentaries. I spent months crafting my own script, taking countless bus journeys to practise and perfect my timings.

The big day arrived. There I was — microphone in hand — with one of the experienced guides sitting behind me.

Before I knew it, he said, "Pamela, the bus is moving — start talking!"

As the bus travelled the route, I was focused on getting everything right. Meanwhile, the guide behind me was prodding me to point out the landmarks, interrupting any flow I was trying to create.

 As the bus rounded Oxford Castle, I completely forgot who had shot arrows at whom and why!

 My fight-or-flight mode kicked in, and along with the Swan Effect. Calm but frantically paddling below.

A few days later, the film about the Jamaican bobsleigh team, Cool Runnings, came to mind. There’s a scene where a character says: "We are not Swiss. We are Jamaicans. We can’t race like them — we have to race like us."

Lightbulb moment.

 I remembered my why. I remembered my purpose for creating the tour — and what I truly wanted passengers to experience.

So, I started again. I pulled the commentary apart, rewrote it, and this time, I put myself into it. I realised: the key was to show up as me. Authentic and unapologetic.

Now, after countless refinements, I have a tour commentary that’s informative, educational — and most importantly — true to me and the experience I want to give.

Here’s what I learned:

✨ Know yourself and what you want to do — others can only guide you. 

 ✨ Don’t default to "the expert" — your experience, value, and purpose is valid and matters.

 ✨ Show up as yourself, not what you think is right. 

 ✨ Make a start, it will never be perfect, but you will learn and grow.

If you're ready to launch (or relaunch) a business that’s rooted in your purpose and authenticity — one that truly serves your ideal clients — but you know you need the right support to make it happen, my new programme is designed for you. 

 Ready to Launch — a 6-week business development programme for creative women who are done waiting, done doubting, and ready to do it differently. 

Inside this journey, we’ll get real about: 

 🔥 Mindset & Values — so you stop second-guessing yourself

 🔥 Purpose & "Why" — so your work lights you up

 🔥 Business Model — to get crystal clear on who you serve

 🔥 Visibility & Branding — so you confidently show up on and off line

 🔥 Networking — because you don’t have to do it alone

 🔥 Self-care — because your well-being is part of the business plan

 Book your free Discovery Call Pamela-Roberts.com