Refining Executive Presence: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing the Journey

Welcome to the continuation of my leadership series. For the next few weeks, we’ll be discussing the "R" in my SPARK Method, which stands for Refining Executive Presence.

I always aspired to be a leader. For years, I thought leadership came with a title. Turns out, it’s more about mindset and overcoming self-limiting beliefs than labels.

When I was in high school, I didn’t excel in the band. Sure, I wasn’t the worst trumpet player, but I wasn’t the best either. I was average. My natural talent didn’t get me a leading spot; my determination and grit did. Practicing for hours, taking private lessons, and working in the school’s writing center defined my early leadership experiences.

While many of my friends had clear goals, I was lost. Unlike them, I couldn’t see the possibilities beyond the horizon. My SAT scores were embarrassing. I wasn’t even sure if they were good enough for anything. When I asked my English teacher if she thought I could be a journalist, all I heard was: “No, you’re not good enough.”

Later, as a successful sales representative for over 10 years, I wanted to become a sales manager. I aimed to build a winning team that delivered meaningful, organizational success. But my skip-level manager didn’t see it. He dismissed me with, "Great salespeople don’t make great managers." In reality, I was terrified. What if I failed? How would I know what to do? Maybe I needed a course in sales management.

Instead, I started working with a coach, observing other managers, attending workshops, and reading countless books. I believed in myself and persisted despite rejection.

Considering the VP of Sales role, I wanted to develop future leaders, create sustainable practices, and build cross-functional teams. But for almost two years, I hesitated. Without a degree, my confidence wavered. What if I failed? Should I take a class or get a certification?

For the last eight years, my dream was to become an executive coach upon retiring from my corporate job. I would look at the certification requirements and stop. Imposter syndrome kept me from taking that step.

Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evident success and accomplishments. Moving forward, I finally realized it was never about the destination but the journey.

Every time I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, I faced imposter syndrome. Thoughts like, "Am I good enough?" or "Should I get an expert opinion?" plagued my mind. But what you think in the privacy of your thoughts matters.

What's your mindset? Consider your next move an experiment. Like Thomas Edison, who said, "I have not failed 10,000 times — I have successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work."

Imposter syndrome isn’t exclusive to women. Research from Psychology Today shows it affects everyone. In my experience, while women are more open about discussing it, men experience it just as frequently. According to Forbes, imposter syndrome affects up to 82% of professionals regularly.

Key Takeaways:

• You are not alone: Talk about it with trusted friends, confidants, and professionals for support.

• Mindset and self-affirmations: Use tools like affirmations lists or motivational items. Keep reminders of your achievements in sight.

• Continue pushing boundaries: Recognize and confront imposter syndrome, but don’t let it stop you.