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When I was a leader in corporate America at a large regional bank, I held the assumption that once I was promoted, and received my new title and salary, then I would finally feel confident and successful. I was wrong. The allure of a new title and office wore off quickly, and my persistent worries about whether I was cut out for leadership, or even a good leader at all, continued to persist. A decade later, even after I submitted the first draft of my book, Closing the Confidence Gap, I was overwhelmed with self-doubt. I felt completely stuck: Unable to move forward with marketing, I was paralyzed by many of the same old fears of What if people think Im no good and this book finally proves it? In my thousands of hours of conversations with leaders, I discovered that we share a common belief: that our confidence will arrive once we receive a certain title or status. We think we will finally feel successful. But it doesnt happen that way. Self-doubt is always waiting at the edges of our capabilities. When we attempt to push doubt aside and ignore it, we reduce our ability to remain curious and respond most effectively. Counterintuitively, avoiding the feeling only makes it grow stronger, thus playing a larger role in preventing us from applying for roles that excite us, holding crucial conversations, speaking up and sharing ideas, or making courageous asks. If self-doubt is holding you back from meeting your potential in leadership, here are some steps you can take to help manage that feeling, and even use it to your advantage. NOTICE AND NAME WHAT IS HAPPENING Noticing and naming an emotion is the first step toward emotional acceptance. This means that you are allowing your feeling to exist without judgment or a desire to change this. It can help to rely on an emotions wheel to find the language to describe what you are feeling. If this process is overwhelming, take four deep breaths and ask yourself, What feelings arise in my body? Once you get curious about these feelings, it will become easier to name the emotions. Naming our emotions doesnt amp up their power, it identifies them accurately. With this accuracy, we can feel more in control of their cause and the right next steps we need to take. NORMALIZE THE FEELING BY FINDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM The first step toward normalizing self-doubt is accepting the feeling. For example, you may say to yourself, Self-doubt is a normal, healthy human emotion and a sign that I am stretching my comfort zone. A second important step toward normalizing self-doubt is taking the vulnerable step to describe what is happening to a supportive and neutral party. This can be in-person or online, either with one person (such as a therapist or coach) or with a community. When I struggled with self-doubt after writing my book, I took the vulnerable step to share this with my entrepreneurial community who, in response, shared their own feelings of self-doubt. This helped me normalize this feeling and provided support to help me move forward. REFRAME SELF-DOUBT AS A STATE NOT A TRAIT The internal language we use impacts how we behave. When our internal language describes self-doubt as a trait (for example: I am a nervous wreck. I cannot show up for this presentation) we are not allowing room for this to be changed. Instead, we should reframe this feeling into a state. One potential reframe could be, I notice that I am feeling doubtful and nervous, this means Im moving closer to achieving my stretch goals.” To separate a state from a trait, it can be helpful to ask yourself what helpful reasons there are for feeling self-doubt. You may ask yourself, How does this emotion benefit me? Potential benefits include keeping you humble, or ensuring that you put in adequate preparation and effort for a keynote, meeting, or project. TAKE ACTION WHILE FEELING DOUBTFUL If you wait until you feel confident or fully ready to do something, you may wait forever. I have interviewed leaders like Arianna Huffington, Indra Nooyi, and Padmasaree Warrior. Here is what I learned from them: Rising through the ranks in leadership does not mean that your self-doubt disappears. It means that you have learned to anticipate and accommodate self-doubt at all stages of leadership. Successful leaders have transformed their relationship with doubt, knowing its essential on the path to a meaningful career. Taking action is a muscle that is built with small, brave steps. If you struggle with self-doubt while presenting, you may not give your first keynote to an audience of 1,000 people. Instead, you may agree to lead your next team meeting. Once you have done this a few times, you may then decide to speak up at a company-wide meeting. Its the actions of confidence that come first, the feeling that comes second. Confidence is a side effect of taking action.
Category:
E-Commerce
In recent months, major tech companies have lured top talent from rival companies with multimillion-dollar salaries and rumors of unprecedented sign-on bonuses. Big firms are fighting for talent from Apple, OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and beyond, reportedly offering pay packages that resemble those of NBA stars. Meta has been aggressively poaching talent from its competitors in the race to dominate AI, luring Apples robotics chief earlier this month in a move that made headlines. Its news like this that makes workers ask themselves: How can I get that to happen to me? (Even if Im not a Silicon Valley CEO?) Luckily, career experts say anyone can make themselves more poachable. Lest anyone grinding out in a 9-to-5 with a slightly smaller salary than these Big Tech chiefs feels jealous, a reminder: Tech is their own world, Mark Anthony Dyson, career coach and founder of The Voice of Job Seekers, told Fast Company. That said, theres no harm in taking some inspiration from these high-profile hires. Here are just a few strategies to roll out if youre hoping to catch the eyes of recruiters who can whisk you away to your dream job: Be a thought leader Visibility is keyfor people to notice you, changing your LinkedIn profile photo to say open to work isnt enough. You have to put yourself out there, experts say. That means actively posting and sharing industry insights on LinkedIn, most importantly, but also speaking at events and media mentions, if applicable. Kait LeDonne, a personal branding expert, pointed to a survey that showed 64% of recruiters said that a candidate whos a recognized thought leader in their industry is more likely to get a role than a candidate with the same exact credentials but a quieter presence. Create enough of a presence that youre seen as an active industry thought leader, LeDonne said. You dont need to be top of the industry, but you need to publish content [on LinkedIn] that shares more about your industry or influences your industry. For most people, two to three times a week is going to be just fine. Expand your skill set The hard truth: Today, it isnt enough to just do your job, said Kathy Caprino, a career leadership coach and author. She and other experts encourage professionals to actively seek out opportunities to learn new skills, both inside and outside their fields. And dont be shy about sharing that education, whether its a yoga teacher training or an AI course. Caprino recommended people list their new skills on their résumés and across their LinkedIn profiles: in their headline, about section, and under certifications. She also suggested people write a short post about how theyre using those skills, for extra visibility. If I see someone taking courses on Coursera or getting certified in something, that goes a long way, added Bridget ONeill, a career consultant and owner of the RE Consultancy. It shows theyre continually active. That is a very poachable trait. Continued growth and education shows employers and recruiters that candidates are future-oriented. It also helps combat what ONeill said is a red flag to her when looking at someones résumé or LinkedIn profile: stagnancy. You can see it immediately, she said. Some common mistakes? A résumé thats not up-to-date or doesnt list any skills or courses; a LinkedIn page with an old headshot, no background photo, or no engagement in the form of posting or sharing posts. She says missed opportunities like those show no passion, interest, curiosity. Seek out your career idols Find the people at the top of your fieldthe people whose jobs you want, or people at companies you want to work forand connect with them in any way possible. Go to events theyre attending or hosting; join groups theyre involved in; send them an email to introduce yourself. Get to know those professionals whose career paths you want to emulate and get to know their work deeply, Dyson said. The goal is to get on their radar. Caprino encourages people to engage with career idols on LinkedIn, even if its as simple as resharing one of their posts. It helps you get noticed, she said. Now this manager or director or CEO has a bit of a connection with you. Reach out to recruiters yourself You cant always wait for recruiters to slide into your DMssometimes you have to make the first move. Caprino suggests people contact recruiters on their own to introduce themselves, and explain what theyre looking for in their next role. She encourages clients to write their dream job description and share it with recruiters as well as trusted colleagues and connections. Get involved with industry groups The American Institute of Graphic Arts. The Society for Human Resource Management. The National Association of Black Journalists. Women in Machine Learning. Whatever your field is, it likely has associated industry groups. Seek them out, both online and in person, if you want to advance your career, experts say. Its a way to create more visibility for yourself and also get an early scoop on job opportunities. When people are leaving (their current jobs), one of the first places they go is to their industry organizations to say, Im moving from here to here, youre the first to hear. Thats a smarter way of networking, Dyson said. That way, when the opportunity does come up, youll be top of mindand one step closer to being poached.
Category:
E-Commerce
Business travel is often seen as glamorouswhether thats new destinations, exciting opportunities, or packed itineraries of fun and adventure. I was certainly looking forward to all of these things when I began working with national and international companies. Unfortunately, once we actually start to go on these trips, the reality looks different. Its long flights, disrupted sleep, constant stimulation, and very little space to recharge. Over time, this can leave us running on empty. As a result, decision-making, creativity, and well-being all suffer. Rest and recovery on work trips arent luxuries. Theyre necessities if you want to stay at the top of your game. When we travel without recharging, our energy debt compounds. We need to treat recovery as part of the trip so we can win the business and avoid burnout. Heres how you can build real rest and recovery into your next business trip from someone whos currently writing this in a hotel room in Melbourne, Australia, at 5:45 a.m. Reconnect to recharge This week, I flew to Sydney for a meeting with LinkedIn. It would have been easy to put my head down, follow the arrows through the airport, and dive straight into emails before the meeting. But Ive had a hectic month. I launched my book and rolled out our Employee Empowerment Program. I realized I needed to recharge my batteries before I walked into the LinkedIn headquarters if I wanted to be on my game. So, I made a deliberate choice. I went for a walk, swapped the hamburger for salmon and salad, and sat barefoot on the grass in the sunshine, overlooking the Opera House. Now, this wasnt about time off work. It was about energy management. I knew that I had a big week ahead, so I created the space to reconnect and recharge. Thats the shift we need to make. We need to treat recovery as an essential part of the trip rather than something we squeeze in between meetings. Here are some tips and tricks from a fellow traveller: 1. Redefine downtime as a leadership strategy We often believe recovery is passive, but real recovery is strategic. Leaders who prioritize well-being know that rest fuels focus, emotional intelligence, and decision-making. Before your next trip, plan your recovery moments like you plan your meetings and add them to your calendar. This reframes recovery from bonus time into an essential leadership practice. 2. Protect your sleep like its a meeting Sleep is one of the most underrated productivity tools that we have. Jet lag, late dinners, and device use often strip quality rest from work trips. To reset your body, choose light exposure wisely. Morning sunlight helps your circadian rhythm adjust faster. Do your best to create a hotel sleep ritual whether that be a sleep mask, stretching, or avoiding screens an hour before bed. Say no when you need to. Skipping one late-night drink can mean sharper thinking in tomorrows negotiations. Sleep doesnt waste time. Its a performance tool. 3. Move, but dont overtrain Many leaders hit the hotel gym hard to compensate for travel fatigue, but intense training while jet lagged can backfire. Instead, think movement, not punishment. That might mean walking between meetings, if possible, or doing a short mobility routine in your hotel room. If you have access to green spaces, consider doing your exercises outside. 4. Fuel for energy, not just convenience Airport snacks and hotel buffets rarely support recovery. Nutrition on the road often means quick fixes, but thoughtful choices pay dividends. Start by paying attention to your hydration. Dehydration can mimic fatigue. Try to stick to light dinners, as heavy meals late at night can disrupt your sleep. And as much as you can, try to opt for whole foods. Food can be your fuel for clarity. 5. Build in micro-recovery Recovery doesnt happen overnight. Small pauses throughout your day can reset your energy. Before key meetings, try 60-second breathing resets. Take short tech-free breaks. When youre in taxis and waiting lounges try reflection instead of email. These micro-recoveries keep your battery charged. 6. Connect to people and places Recovery isnt just physical. Connection to people and the environment is deeply restorative. Be sure to schedule at least one social catchup a week. Or if youre feeling a little drained by social interaction, explore your surroundings. Take a walk through your nearest park, a waterfront, or a new part of town. Connection grounds you, combats loneliness, and creates moments of joy that buffer against stress. 7. Debrief and recover on return Too many managers land home and rush into the next workday. Block half a day post-trip for recovery and reflection. Journal insights, reconnect with family, and allow your body to reset. Business travel will always have its challenges, but weaving in intentional recovery transforms it from an energy drain into an opportunity for resilience. Leaders who travel well dont just survive their schedules; they thrive because of them. The question is not How much can I push through on this trip? but How can I return with more clarity, connection, and energy than when I left? Real rest and recovery arent indulgences, theyre your competitive advantage.
Category:
E-Commerce
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