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?