A memory from last year flashed up on my phone recently: At the time, I was juggling a full time corporate role, The Women’s Vault (11 clients and my online course) and my family.
And it got me thinking… what would I do differently if I returned to the corporate world?
I know it’s long so pour yourself a herbal tea and get comfy.
- I’d take control of my Imposter who made me compare myself to others and feel like I was never good enough.
I punished myself by going over and over situations when I made a mistake. This vicious self-criticism held me back in so many ways – I had good ideas, worked on them, but rarely let them see the light of day.
75% of women suffer from Imposter Syndrome – does it affect you too? My own ‘comparisonitis’ inspired my Overcome Your Imposter Syndrome course. When you have confidence, it greatly benefits your life and work; or it will be the biggest thing that holds you back. There are many things you can do and it starts with shifting your self beliefs.
- I’d let go of my superwoman tendencies. I feel good when I’m juggling LOTS of balls. So I would start off a new job by not.offering to.do.all.the.things. Cue next point.
- I’d set boundaries around my desire to please others. I have long held onto the narrative that the nature of my job – working with CEOs – means that I always have to be available. I have learned to set boundaries and be assertive. It has preserved not only my energy, but also my creativity and my top strength, strategy. I can’t use these strengths when I’m burnt out. The Live Boundary Setting Workshop with case studies and scripts of what to say takes place on 24 January – it’s the first Workshop of 2023!
- I’d take control of my Mum Guilt. I’ve cried countless times on trains, in work toilets, and to my Manager about feeling torn when I left George screaming at nursery drop-off. From my poll with 1,000 women this year, I know that 90% of women experience Mum Guilt too. Tips for less Mum Guilt here and there’s a deep dive in The Toolkit (which is frequently updated).
- I’d take note of carer’s leave and flexible work policies to help me juggle being a working parent and connect with other working parents. I really miss being a part of these networks. So I’m creating quarterly community Q&A calls for those in The Working Mum’s Toolkit in 2023 – more to come.
- I’d create a legacy project as a reflection of my Personal Brand. I delivered a big project that’s part of my “legacy” (it led to industry change) but I missed the opportunity to write/publish anything meaningful about it – bummer. This is one of my goals next year – to write an in-depth paper or ebook. This is what I used to do for Executives and I’m swallowing my “what if no-one buys it or is interested” Imposter thoughts. Gulp!
- I’d enlist a coach as part of my training and development budget. I know the impact coaching has for my clients and myself when I’m being coached.
- I’d take control of my diary – I did this when I compressed my hours, but not enough. I’d take a meeting free day for deep, impactful work.
Let’s work together in 2023 – here’s how:
- I’d love to deliver my workshop series or training at your company for female leaders and aspiring leaders. Simply complete this corporate inquiry form.
- Imposter Syndrome at work – inclusive and inspiring 60min talk with Q&A. Email: oliviabath@thewomensvault.com.
- Coaching – I’ve got two spots from end of Jan. Complete this form.
- Self-paced Courses and Masterclasses. NB: The Working Mum’s Toolkit price is increasing from January 31st to reflect quarterly Q&A calls and updated content.
A special offer!
I’m offering the first 10 women who sign up to my Setting Boundaries Workshop an additional bonus deep-dive Q&A with personalised advice and support at the end of my Boundary Setting workshop. To access, click here now – this offer is strictly limited!