Ep 13: Navigating Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Public Speaking Anxiety
As entrepreneurs, stepping into the spotlight can feel daunting, especially when imposter syndrome and public speaking anxiety come into play.
Dr. Amanda Tobe, an industrial-organizational psychologist, shared her insights on The Soulful CEO Path podcast on navigating these internal barriers.
Whether you're presenting to clients or sharing your expertise on social media, here are practical strategies for building confidence and managing anxiety in business.
1. Identify Your Core Fears and Reframe Them
Imposter syndrome and public speaking anxiety often stem from deeply ingrained fears. These fears fall into four main categories: fear of negative evaluation, fear of losing control, fear of failure, and fear of assuming authority. Recognizing which of these core fears is at play can help you manage your reaction.
Reframe these fears as sensations rather than signs of weakness. For example, instead of viewing a racing heartbeat as a sign of losing control, remind yourself that it’s a natural response to excitement or challenge. This shift can help you face high-stakes moments with greater composure.
2. Develop Self-Trust Through Visualization and Reflection
Building self-trust is essential to overcoming anxiety. Visualize yourself successfully navigating challenging situations, whether that’s giving a presentation or tackling a tough client meeting. Regularly ask yourself reflective questions like, “Is this thought kind, true, or helpful?” or “Who would I be without this thought?”
These questions create a mental toolkit to combat negative self-talk, helping you navigate anxiety with a stronger foundation of self-trust.
When you feel anxious before speaking or presenting, try reframing the feeling as energy that you can channel positively., The more we resist a sensation, the stronger it becomes. Embracing it as part of the experience can actually lessen its impact.
3. View Beliefs as “Closet Items” to Be Purged
Dr. Tobe uses the metaphor of a “belief closet” to explain the importance of regularly evaluating and discarding outdated beliefs. Just like clothes that no longer fit, beliefs that served you at one stage of your business might be holding you back at the next.
Make a habit of questioning beliefs that lead to self-doubt. Ask yourself if this belief still aligns with your current goals or values. By “purging” outdated beliefs, you open up space for growth and self-assurance in your business journey.
4. Establish Rituals for Grounding and Focus
Rituals can transform nerve-wracking moments into grounded, manageable experiences. Incorporating simple practices like creating a visually engaging to-do list or establishing a routine that aligns with your values. These rituals can be especially helpful when preparing for high-stress events, like public speaking.
Create a “power ritual” before speaking engagements. This could involve taking a few deep breaths, visualizing success, or repeating a positive affirmation. Grounding yourself with a ritual helps build consistency and calm, even in unfamiliar situations.
5. Set Boundaries and Embrace Imperfection
Many entrepreneurs struggle with perfectionism and the fear of disappointing others. Instead of apologizing for every delay or perceived shortfall, try adopting language that conveys confidence and boundaries. Replace “I’m sorry for the delay” with “Thank you for your patience,” for example. This subtle shift reinforces your worth and reminds others of the value you bring.
Confidence in business doesn’t mean never feeling anxious or unsure. Rather, it’s about learning to manage those feelings and showing up anyway. Embrace the imperfections in your journey; they’re part of what makes your voice unique and valuable.
Overcoming imposter syndrome and public speaking anxiety is a process, but with these strategies, you can start building a more confident, aligned approach to entrepreneurship.
🎧 Listen to the full Soulful CEO Path podcast episode with Dr. Amanda Tobe here:
Apple: Soulful CEO Path on Apple Podcasts
Spotify: Soulful CEO Path on Spotify
