I can still remember exactly how many times I mentally rehearsed the pitch for "Die Höhle der Löwen" (Shark Tank). Facts, figures, USPs – everything had to be perfect. You prepare for the questions from the "Lions" (as the investors in the TV show are called), you practice the answers. But what really matters is invisible. It's the attitude you bring on that decisive day. The appearance, the charisma, the inner calm that can make the difference between a deal and an "I'm out."
This is part 2 of the "Behind the Scenes" series from the German TV show "Höhle der Löwen", in which SHEA YEAH participated in 2022. I learned, among other things, that a pitch is much more than a simple presentation. It is a mental journey that forced me to know and reflect on not only my business but also myself down to the smallest detail.
Why attitude is just as important as facts in an appearance
You might think investors are only interested in the bare figures and other facts. Yes, they are. But they don't invest in a product; they invest in a person. They buy the vision, the passion, and above all, the authenticity of the founder. Your body language, your gestures, and your facial expressions tell a story before you even say a word.
A pitch is a moment of truth where nervousness and stage fright can be your greatest enemy. If you stand there shakily, speaking with an uncertain voice, your brilliant facts can quickly lose credibility. A convincing demeanor creates trust.
My secret ingredient: Reflection, mental training, meditation, and yoga elements
To prepare optimally for the big appearance, I didn't just focus on the business details. I decided to take my mental preparation just as seriously: to bring together the rational and intuition, or gut feeling. That's why I sought support from an experienced yoga teacher who is also trained as a kinesiologist. We had joint 1:1 preparation sessions over a period of 14 days, both at her studio in Winterthur and online.
We delved into my inner world, reflected, confronted fears, and released blockages. We strengthened the connection between my body and mind. We did this through conversations and targeted exercises. We meditated, breathed, and did body exercises. This allowed me to reduce stress and channel my nervousness during the preparation days before the pitch.
We also worked a lot on my breathing and posture to appear firmly rooted and open even under pressure. These preparations gave me enormous confidence and helped me to feel comfortable in the TV studio in front of numerous cameras, instead of letting the situation overwhelm me.
A short interview about my experience with Desirée and more info.
The magic of inner attitude
Being rooted
The moment you step onto "the stage" can be overwhelming. Despite the adrenaline and excitement, my exercises helped me stay "rooted." I could focus on the ground beneath my feet and felt an inner stability that prevented my nerves from taking over.
Being open to input and dialogue
A pitch is not a monologue. The Lions ask questions, interrupt, and want real interaction. Through my mental preparation, I was able to let go of rigid thoughts and engage with the dynamics. I wasn't just focused on reciting my memorized text, but could also react flexibly to spontaneous input from the investors. Very important!
The combination of professional expertise and mental strength is the secret to success behind every great performance.
I'm not a fan of "too much coaching." But I've also learned that it's not healthy for me to do everything alone. My personal tip: targeted support from inspiring and experienced professionals can be so valuable.
Conclusion: The mix makes it – external facts & inner attitude
The best preparation for any major challenge is a powerful mix of hard facts and a strong mental attitude. Because at the end of the day, it's the people who convince – not just the concepts. Working on myself not only helped me in "Höhle der Löwen" but also forms a foundation for my entrepreneurial and private journey.
The appearance in Cologne was an experience in itself, about which I will tell you more soon in Part 3 of this "Höhle der Löwen" series.
Sincerely ❤️
Sandra
Founder of SHEA YEAH & Natural Cosmetics Specialist
Treat yourself to water-free care that grounds and nourishes you – discover our all-rounders in the online shop now.🌿🫶💦
🤖 Note: These texts were created with the help of the AI assistant «SHE-AI», an artificial intelligence that I specialized in SHEA YEAH. However, the information comes from my personal SHEA YEAH diary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the topic of "Höhle der Löwen" (DHDL) Pitch & Mental Attitude:
Q: How do you mentally prepare for a pitch?
A: Mental preparation includes reflection, mindfulness exercises, visualization techniques, and much more. It's about strengthening one's inner attitude to remain composed even in stressful situations. It is advisable to seek guidance from experts.
Q: What role does body language play in a pitch?
A: Body language is crucial as it sends non-verbal signals about confidence and conviction. An open, firm stance and a relaxed facial expression can massively increase the credibility of your pitch.
Q: Is a pitch just about facts?
A: No, a pitch is a combination of facts and emotions. Investors invest in the person behind the idea. The passion, authenticity, and inner attitude of the founder are often the decisive factor.
