How can you confidently put yourself out there?

Identifying your strengths gives you a solid foundation to confidently showcase what you excel at. Recognize what makes you unique and leverage those strengths to stand out in your endeavors.

I've learned over the years that while I may be the expert in the room on how to design instruction and learning experiences, learners are the experts on the effectiveness of my expertise. One of the most important skills I have is the humility to accept and respond to feedback. This has been a hard-won skill because constructive feedback is only sometimes kind.

Confidence is about knowing your worth, not needing to prove it. Identify your strengths and what makes you unique. Then, focus on providing value to your network. Be a connector and build genuine relationships. Watch your confidence soar as you empower others!

Confidently putting yourself out there starts with recognizing and embracing your strengths—like knowing the best features of your favorite gadget. Start by listing your skills and achievements, and remind yourself of past successes. For instance, if you’re great at public speaking, highlight how your presentations have inspired or informed others. Understanding what makes you exceptional allows you to project confidence naturally. It’s like strutting your stuff at a talent show knowing you’ve nailed the act. Emphasize your strengths when introducing yourself or pitching ideas, ensuring you come across as both self-assured and genuinely knowledgeable.

Defining your brand is like crafting your personal story. Determine what you want to be known for and align your actions and communications accordingly. Consistency in portraying your brand builds trust and confidence in others.

I want to be known for integrity and quality. Integrity is doing the right thing even when it's hard, and quality is putting your best work out there.

"Wherever I go, I create value" should be all you have to put on your CV and your Linkedin profile. To have a career where you can paint a before/after picture on every single job you've had, and the difference is palpable is the ultimate goal. Sometimes that value comes from cautionary tales of what not to do, of what hasn't worked in the past, as a way of helping make educated decisions for the future. So don't be shy just to showcase what you can do, be open to also saying what didn't work and what was learned from it. Ultimately, when you bring more to the table than what you take away, you're always welcomed.

Creating value means offering something meaningful to others, whether it's through your skills, knowledge, or contributions. When you focus on adding value, you naturally gain confidence in the impact you can make.

One of the best opportunities in my career was something that "wasn't even a thing" when it crossed my path, but that I personally seeked. A quick phone call became a "I want to be involved, and this is how I can bring value to the table" conversation, which ultimately became a brand that started small and that later blossomed and was present in 100 countries in 4 continents. Being ready for that call, whenever it is and however it may be is key. "There's no free lunch" is what I've heard from day one. But in order to get a seat at the table, you have to seek that spot and earn it with your confidence, but also delivering on what you promise.

Challenges are a nice way of helping you find "a new room" in your career. Nothing helps you pivot faster than an interesting challenge, one that keeps your brain working and your ideas flowing. From time to time, those massive headaches that companies only trust to the few capable (or willing) individuals can create a nice little path to bigger and better things for you. So don't be afraid to take a detour, roll up your sleeves and jump into the unknown / difficult / unfamiliar. Growth comes from that balancing act you perform at the edge of your comfort zone.

Leverage supportive networks : Building confidence isn’t just about self-awareness; it’s also about surrounding yourself with a supportive network—think of it as having a fan club cheering you on. Engage with mentors, colleagues, or friends who believe in your abilities and provide encouragement. For example, share your goals with them and seek their feedback or advice. Their support acts as a confidence booster, making it easier to put yourself out there. It’s like having a safety net while walking a tightrope—knowing that others have your back makes the leap feel less daunting and more exciting.

Take the time to understand the blocks that exist to already putting yourself out there with confidence. What self-beliefs do you hold? What mental chit-chat gets in the way? What did you learn about being able to express yourself confidently and that be okay? Who's voice is in your head when you have self-doubt (e.g., critical parent/caregiver, teacher, peers etc) and then choose for yourself at current age if the doubt seeded by others is valid for you moving forward