Overcome imposter syndrome

When Cristina got in touch with me last year, she was facing a challenge.

"I’m stepping into a new leadership role, and want to be credible from day one. I’m thrilled to get the job, but at the same time imposter syndrome is creeping in.”

A successful European business development director, she had just landed a job with a global company to lead a large, multicultural team.

In a fast-changing sector, with high pressure to lead and perform, she knew her ability to communicate confidently and clearly would be vital.

So, we embarked on a coaching journey to meet her objectives.

Here's what we worked on:

❇️ Using storytelling to communicate her goals and values, and motivate her new team
❇️ Speaking with intention through voice work
❇️ Connecting to her considerable resources and achievements
❇️ Framing smart questions and answers so she could be quickly operational
❇️ Using positive language: removing diminishing words and disclaimers.

And here’s what Cristina had to say about the process:

“Caroline brought my public speaking and leadership skills to the next level. Her coaching programme gave me more confidence, much better self-awareness, and the realisation that I already had everything I needed – I just couldn’t see it.

It was as if she knew which keys would open the right doors for me to achieve that. She has such a warm personality, too, which really helped me feel able to experiment and explore in that space.”

Yes, Cristina did have everything she needed – and more. She’s strategic and empathetic, a business catalyst and a role model for women leaders.

But in a high-stake situation, we sometimes need another pair of eyes to see those talents and treasures…

… and give us the keys to unlock them.