FROM PERFORMING TO OWNING IT.

I knew at some point in my career, I would have to level up and try a different approach for advancement. I had been in executive roles in a couple of different places and I was performing well. But again, to get to that next level, I really knew that I needed to do something different.

And then during the course of the time that I joined, my job situation changed. So I went from being more of a passive seeker to an active seeker. So again, the whole gamut of emotions that go with both of those phases.

So when you started the process, what were you having to overcome in terms of challenges as you went through this?

I think building up my confidence, but in a different way, showing up differently, and then the emotional and mental space... I feel confident. I can handle myself in any situation. I knew that intellectually before, but I didn't believe it. And now I believe it.

You came to us already at that C-level identity, right? So to even take it a step further and break through, what was the big shift for you?

The big shift for me was owning it. It was, okay, I've performed at this level. I've been successful at this level, but I had imposter syndrome. And I had to really break through that and say, no, I do need to be here. This is where I can do my best.

I had all the external trappings. I didn't have that internal centeredness on it.

I see this all the time with the C-suite, there's actually more imposter syndrome at the top because you have less people validating you, telling you you're doing a good job. You don't get that outside validation at that level.

The accolades are far and few between. You'll definitely hear if you're not doing a good job, but hearing, hey, attaboy or attagirl, you don't hear that as much. So how was I going to reinforce and know I'm doing a good job?

I can now, I'll better articulate that to my stakeholders that I'm doing a good job. And again I think also... the change in the energy around me was palpable, started attracting more and more opportunities in.

I want to acknowledge you did put in the activity, you were actively campaigning, you were doing outreach to CEOs and adding a ton of value to these people... you were able to attract multiple C-level offers. I mean, you blew our minds. What was the biggest thing you learned through this whole process?

I'm still networking. I'm still doing outreach. I'm still connecting people. And I'm not expecting anything in return. But I'm making a difference.

That's why you continue to attract more opportunities, more connections, more doors are opening, because you're leading with value and you're in that abundance mindset. It makes you so magnetic as a leader.

There's hope. There's hope. And where there's hope, there's faith. And have faith that if you do this and take these steps, your life is going to be different. Where I was a few months ago to where I am now, night and day. And I'm never going back.