For years, I held back.

Early in my career, I taught, coached, and wrote about leadership. I led college student teams, consulted for organizations, and even wrote a regular business column on leadership and collaborated at USC with Dr. Warren Bennis and the Leadership Institute there. It was real work, not theory.

But after launching my own marketing company 15 years ago, I slowly convinced myself I no longer had the right to teach or speak into leadership again. So why did I stop? Looking back, I’ve had to ask myself that question a lot.

My hesitations included: My team was small. Our revenue wasn’t massive. And in a world full of voices yelling about 10X growth and 24/7 hustle, I didn’t feel qualified anymore.

So I stayed quiet. I focused on execution. I waited to feel “big enough.”

That silence lasted more than a decade.

THE REAL PROBLEM

It’s called Imposter syndrome and it often hides behind logic.

It rarely sounds like fear. It sounds like strategy. It makes you feel smart, even wise:

“Let me wait until I’ve grown more.” “I just need a few more wins before I speak up.” “I’ll share once I’m more confident in the results.” “Once we hit XYZ monthly recurring revenue”…

The real problem for many of us is not a lack of success or credibility. It is the belief that until you are at “the top”, you have no business sharing what you know. Where is “the top”, exactly? And when does that perfect moment ever arrive?

THE FRAMEWORK: Realness Over Readiness

Here are three ways of reframing all of this that helped me get my voice back:

1. Direction Over Destination

You do not need to be at the finish line to help someone else take the next step. Speak from the path you are actually walking.

2. Experience Over Ego

You are not the expert on everything, and you do not need to be. Share what you have lived and learned. Let it be enough.

3. Honesty Over Hype

Clarity and humility beat polished soundbites every time. Be useful, not loud.

In business and leadership, people are not looking for perfect mentors or flawless brands. Those don’t exist anyway.

They are looking for people who tell the truth. People who have walked through real decisions. People who know what it is like to wrestle with doubt and still lead anyway.

If you speak with clarity and humility, your voice will cut through the noise. If you wait for perfection, you will miss the moment.

YOUR CHALLENGE

Audit your silence.

Where are you holding back because you think you are not ready? Dig deep here, because it’s easy to dismiss this question if you’re in the habit of doubting yourself.

Write one insight you have earned the right to share. Post one story you know could help someone else. Have one honest conversation with someone you are equipped to serve.

Someone needs your clarity and perspective, not your perfection. Speak from where you stand. It is enough.

See you next Saturday.

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