They said I couldn’t, I almost believed them... Don't Let the Smile Fool You Ep04

I want to let you in on a moment from my own journey. Picture this: you’ve just been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. This should be an occasion for celebration but instead, you find yourself sitting in an executive meeting, head down, not confident, questioning whether you’re truly good enough. And it does not stop there. Doubts can come both from within and from those around you, sometimes from colleagues who bluntly tell you to “play to your strengths”—code for “you’re not good enough for this.” The voices in your head start questioning your suitability, your skills, and even your personality.We talk about how easy it is to be pulled into a spiral of imposter syndrome and self doubt, especially when performance dips or someone plants a seed of uncertainty. But as you’ll hear in this episode, there is a way forward. Preparation, constant learning, and recognizing the difference between constructive feedback and undermining comments are crucial. Preparation isn’t only a buffer against criticism; it builds the confidence that carries you through rough patches and quiets that inner critic.This episode is for anyone in leadership—or aspiring to be—who’s ever wondered if they truly belong. I share the challenges, setbacks, and, most importantly, the mindset shifts that helped me build resilience as a leader. We also discuss the role of supportive bosses, how small wins matter, and why both self doubt and external doubt need to be managed, not ignored. Whether you’re feeling “not commercial enough,” too “high maintenance,” or worried about how to bounce back from criticism, there’s something in here for you.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction – Leadership and the Realities Hidden Behind the Smile 00:33 – The Big Question: Have You Ever Felt Not Good Enough? 00:48 – How Leaders Manage Self Talk and Imposter Syndrome 01:25 – The Promotion Story: From Head of Brand to Chief Marketing Officer 03:50 – When Colleagues Cast Doubt: “Play to Your Strengths” 05:58 – Performance Dips and the Spiral of Self Doubt 07:11 – The Role of Supportive Bosses in Overcoming Doubt 08:54 – Turning Things Around: Driving Growth After Setbacks 09:46 – Preparation, Learning, and Recognizing Constructive Feedback 11:38 – Self Doubt: Why It’s Normal and How to Train It 12:36 – The Power of Small Wins and Celebrating Your Progress 13:56 – Why a Healthy Level of Doubt Matters for Leaders 1Whether you’re in your first leadership role or navigating a challenging season at the top, remember this: self doubt is normal, but it doesn’t have to control you. Use it to sharpen your preparation, celebrate your progress along the way, and surround yourself with the right support. Dive in for more stories, tips, and motivation straight from the leadership trenches.If you find this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share your experience battling self doubt in your leadership journey. Keep smiling—and don’t let that smile fool anyone, especially yourself.