Is This You?
An accomplished female leader who is about to or has just taken on a senior role.
You worked hard, have an enviable and consistent track record of verifiable results.
You are now leading other leaders, teams or even a business unit
Everything looks great on the outside, yet you are constantly over-thinking, over-analysising situations and second-guessing your decisions
I understand how you feel, hear the niggling doubts that often creep up and hold you hostage, creating a distorted image of you.
I help women leaders in mid-to-senior management levels let go of self-doubt so that they can successfully navigate leadership transitions and lead with confidence, authority and impact.
This is what I do and I can support you to correctly see yourself and be the confident, courageous, visible and impactful leader you know you can be.
Do you:
- Minimise your achievements or attribute any success to luck rather than your capabilities?
- Trust others’ abilities more than you trust yours?
- Hesitate to speak up in meetings even when you have valuable insights and berate yourself after?
- Hold back from higher leadership assignments due to fears of not being good or qualified enough?
- Find it difficult to see yourself as belonging in leadership positions despite your title and responsibilities?
You are not alone!
Try these
Self-help strategies
Filtering your thoughts
“You are not your thoughts”. Initially, this statement can be confusing if you think you and your thoughts are one and the latter largely controls the former. On reflection, you will find that thoughts are broadly positive or negative, and you can choose what you dwell on and the resulting impact on your life.
What if there are a set of filters one could channel negative, limiting or disempowering thoughts through?
These are eight (truth, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious, excellent and praise-worthy) filters* but let’s use one for now:
Action Steps:
– Take a random thought – e.g. “I am not good enough.”
– Using the ‘Truth Filter’, list proof points to support the truth about you.
– My examples:
I started my coaching journey a little over ten years ago. I have 1500+ client coaching hours and an ICF credential at the PCC level.
I am a fast learner, and I apply what I have learnt. I wanted to explore group coaching, so I read two books and took a course. I have since led 10 group coaching programs.
– Now reframe the thought with your truth
My example: I am good enough. I was good enough to get to where I am now. I will be good enough to get to where I want to be.
@Eight filters culled from the Scriptures: Phillippians 4:8
Owning your leadership identity
Leadership isn’t just about a title; it’s about how you see yourself and the influence you wield. If you don’t believe in your own leadership potential, neither will your team or stakeholders. Many, particularly women, in leadership struggle with this because they’ve never taken the time or enabled themselves to define leadership on their own terms.
Action Steps:
Write down five personal strengths that make you a valuable leader.
Reflect on how these strengths have helped you succeed in past roles and include aspirational ones too.
Observe how you show up in meetings—do you hesitate to speak?
Do you downplay your expertise?
Start adjusting your self-perception by intentionally engaging with confidence.
Shift your language from “I think” to “I believe” or “Based on my experience, I recommend…” to assert authority in conversations.
🔹 Mindset Shift: You are not in this role by accident. You bring value—own it.
Speak up with confidence
Your opinion matters, but it won’t be heard unless you share it. Many women in leadership hesitate to speak up because they fear being wrong, judged, or seen as too aggressive. The reality? The more you contribute, the more you shape perceptions of your leadership.
Action Steps:
Ahead of your next meeting, commit to sharing at least one insight or idea. Even if it’s a simple question, engaging regularly builds confidence.
If you struggle with on-the-spot speaking, take five minutes before a meeting to note one key contribution you want to make.
When feeling dismissed or interrupted, respond with assertiveness: “I’d like to finish my point before we move on,” or “I’d love to hear your thoughts after I complete my perspective.”
🔹 Mindset Shift: Your insights are valuable. The room benefits when you contribute.
Re-frame self-doubt as growth
Self-doubt isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a natural part of growth. The most successful leaders experience moments of uncertainty, of inadequacy, however they don’t let it hold them back. Instead of interpreting these feelings as signs of failure, recognize them as evidence that you are stretching beyond your comfort zone.
Action Steps:
Each time self-doubt arises, pause and ask yourself: “What does this feeling really mean? Am I truly unqualified, or am I just uncomfortable because this is new?”
Create an “Accomplishments List”—a list of past wins, positive feedback, and moments where you overcame challenges. Revisit this when doubt creeps in.
Identify one area of discomfort (e.g., presenting in meetings, making strategic decisions) and set a small, measurable goal to push yourself forward. It can be as simple as asking the question everyone’s thinking but won’t voice.
🔹 Mindset Shift: Growth always feels uncomfortable. That discomfort is proof that you’re stretching.
Specialised guidance and support
Sure, you have made it this far and done a great job. Are you where you need to be? As this African proverb says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
What you have tried so far, in addition to the few helpful tips shared, can only take you so far. No two journeys are alike. That’s where I come in. Here’s how I support you.
If what I have said describes you, then let’s talk.
I start by listening – truly listening – to you, to understand your unique challenges, aspirations and desired outcomes.
You are the focus of every conversation we have.
As we work together, you begin to get out of your ‘head’. The niggling doubts and unhelpful inner chatter are minimised and you overcome ‘visibility anxiety’.
You understand who you are as a person and leader using your strengths as levers for growth and impact.
I help you uncover what truly matters to you. You define what “success” is to you and are enabled to embrace what’s possible for you.

