I’m a fraud

I’m a fraud.

I thought as I waited for them to find me out.

See, my first company started as a concert promotions business.

Grammy award-winning artists like Lady Gaga, Pitbull, and T-Pain performed at my events.

A few years after launch, we got into experiential marketing.

We worked on Allstate, Disney, and Anheuser-Busch, to name a few.

Soon, experiential made up 50% of revenue.

But after the Great Recession hit, the business plateaued.

After 15 years, I closed shop.

I decided to stay in the agency space and focus on biz dev.

However, I kept my concert promotions background quiet.

I was afraid that the ad industry wouldn’t take me seriously.

I was suffering from Imposter Syndrome.

So I hid, downplayed, or avoided it.

I let my results do the talking.

As successes mounted, my confidence grew.

I began sharing more of my background.

A funny thing happened the more I shared.

I formed stronger connections with clients, co-workers, and prospects.

I got more opportunities, not less.

Now I speak of my career journey openly.

I see that experience as a differentiating and unique asset.

I wish I knew then what I know now.

Do you ever doubt your skills, talents, or accomplishments?

What strategies have helped you overcome Impostor Syndrome?