Too many high-performers second-guess themselves the moment the room gets bigger. New titles, new stakes, new people, same you. But imposter syndrome thrives in silence. And leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about bringing the right presence.
You Belong in the Room, Even If It Feels New
There’s a moment in every leader’s journey where the table changes.
New job, new industry, new challenge.
And suddenly, the same confidence that carried you through storms starts whispering doubts…
“Do I really belong here?”
I’ve been there. Stepping from law enforcement into corporate security. Sitting across from executives in tailored suits with business school pedigrees. And here I was boots-on-the-ground experience, a different kind of resume, and a whole lot of lessons learned from the field.
It felt like a mismatch. But it wasn’t. It was growth.
Here’s what I had to learn the hard way…and maybe you do too
- The room didn’t invite you by accident
- You weren’t a charity hire. You were chosen because your perspective is needed. Full stop.
- New doesn’t mean unqualified.
- There’s a difference between being unprepared and being uncomfortable. The first requires action. The second requires belief.
- Humility and authority can coexist.
- You don’t have to pretend to know everything. Ask the smart questions. Listen well. Speak when it counts.
- Growth always feels unfamiliar.
- That’s the point. If it were comfortable, it wouldn’t be growth it’d be repetition.
Try This
Next time you walk into a new room, whether it’s an executive meeting, project kickoff, leadership roundtable, remind yourself:
- “I earned this seat.”
- “I bring value no one else does.”
- “I don’t have to prove everything today, I just have to show up aligned with who I am.”
The Bottom Line
Belonging isn’t about comfort it’s about conviction. You belong in the room not because you’ve mastered it, but because you’re willing to grow inside of it.
And that’s exactly what real leadership looks like.