I remember sitting in team meetings or ideating during a corporate strategy session and having LOTS of thoughts that I never shared. I observed the meeting, took It all in and processed what was being bounced around.

Silently I took the thought back to my desk and mulled it over. Sometimes I deemed it suitable to share via a scrutinized email to one recipient but rarely did I “Reply All”.

It was never good enough. I never knew enough. The team wouldn’t value what I brought to the table.

“Surely they’ve already thought of this.”

“Surely someone else already tried that.”

Neither my degree nor 16-years in marketing qualified me to fully share my expertise and creativity. I always felt like an imposter. I had no idea how to own my value in my career.

That is no longer the case. I discovered it wasn’t a gap in knowledge that kept me from contributing. It was a lack of confidence stemming from not being connected to me. There was a lack of self-trust stemming from me not having identified my Inner Truth that now centers me and opens my intuitive knowing for what the situation calls for in each moment.

Before I painstakingly prepared presentations and client call agendas. I pulled all-nighters to practice client pitches until I had them memorized while still not believing that I had what it took to present the fullness of the ideas.

Now I know that I can handle myself and any questions brought my way with confidence, expertise, and an unwavering knowing even when I haven’t spent all the time in the world preparing for a meeting, training or session.

I am not saying that I don’t prepare. Nine times out of 10 I edit and review curriculum multiple times, thoughtfully reflect on a client before a session and keep-up-to date on innovative personal and professional development ideas.

What I am saying is when that one time shows up finding me “not fully prepared,” a deeply grounded confidence and trust supports and guides me. Imposter no more!

Taking the time to identify and fully connect to who I am as a human being first, something that was not taught in school nor truly explored and discerned in career trainings over the years, empowers me to own my value and amplify my impact at work and in life.