Confidence is built on your Core Values.

Confidence is built on your Core Values.

Standing out as an industry expert isn’t just about what you know- it’s about how you show up.

Authenticity. Consistency. Visibility. They all start with your core values.

Your values shape: How you communicate your expertise, how you build relationships with clients and peers, how you position yourself as a trusted authority

So many people I talk to struggle to fully own their expertise. Limiting beliefs creep in: ? “Am I really qualified to lead in this space?” ? “What if someone calls me out?” ? “Do I belong here? ? Full disclosure - I have some of those thoughts too!

This is where knowing your values comes into play.

They don’t just guide your business decisions - they silence self-doubt.

When you operate from a place of alignment, you’re not “faking it” or forcing confidence. You’re leading from who you truly are.

Perhaps you joined Anika Millington and myself recently at the online masterclass about Core Values Builds Confidence. Anika Millington is a Clarity coach who works with business owners as well as those who are in the post-cancer survivorship phase. We talked about how values anchor confidence and how owning them helps you step into Expert thought leadership space. If you missed it and would like to view the replay, just send me a dm and I'll share the link.


Confidence isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about owning who you already are—and your values help reinforce that.

When your actions align with your values, you show up with conviction and credibility. This makes it easier to communicate your message, attract like-minded clients, and establish yourself as a thought leader.

How limiting beliefs blocks visibility

Imposter syndrome thrives on self-doubt, often making people feel like they aren’t "expert enough" to take a stand. We hesitate to put ourselves out there because we fear judgment or don’t believe we have anything unique to offer. Ouch!

Something we frequently discuss in the Kn.o.wn* Accelerator programme is the 4 Ps of Imposter Syndrome, any of these resonate with you?

  • Perfectionism – Feeling like you must be flawless before sharing your insights.
  • Paralysis – Overthinking and avoiding visibility because of fear of criticism.
  • People-Pleasing – Holding back strong opinions to avoid upsetting others.
  • Proving – Over-explaining and over-delivering to validate expertise.

This is where values become powerful. When you ground yourself in your core values, you shift from proving yourself to simply being yourself. I'm not a perfectionist, but I'll put my hand up to the other 3! What about you?



Using Core Values to elevate your Visibility

Once you’ve identified your values, the next step is using them to build thought leadership and attract higher-value clients.

1. Stand out through Values-based messaging

Your values set you apart from competitors. Instead of just selling a service, communicate why you do what you do.

Take Action: Review your LinkedIn bio and website. Do they clearly reflect your values? If not, rewrite them to bring those themes forward.

2. Use your values to overcome fear of Visibility

Instead of worrying about how you’ll be perceived, anchor yourself in the impact you want to make. When your values guide you, self-doubt fades because you’re not just speaking for yourself—you’re advocating for something bigger.

Take Action: Next time you hesitate to post on LinkedIn or speak at an event, remind yourself why your message matters.

3. Build confidence through aligned Networking

The people you surround yourself with should reinforce your values. Networking isn’t just about who you know - it’s about who shares your mission.

Take Action: Audit your professional network. Who inspires and challenges you in alignment with your values? Who drains your energy? Be intentional about who you engage with.


Time to become well-Kn.o.wn* as an Industry Expert?

In the Kn.o.w.n* Accelerator programme, we work with business owners and industry experts to define their values, refine their messaging, and build confidence in their expertise. With some coaching and accountability, this is an impactful (and enjoyable) way to market your business and add value to your service offerings. Is it time to do something different with your marketing efforts this year?

Key takeaways | TLDR

  • Your core values fuel your confidence and make your thought leadership authentic.
  • Limiting beliefs shift when you realign and live your values.
  • Visibility becomes easier when your messaging aligns with what truly matters to you.

Take Action: Choose one value and share a LinkedIn post this week that reflects it. Whether it’s a client success story, a lesson learned, or a bold opinion - use your voice. Tag me in, I'd love that!


What’s one core value that drives your business?


DM me about the Kn.o.w.n Accelerator Programme to see if it's suitable, if you don't want to be an influencer, but you do want to be Kn.o.wn!*


*What's Kn.o.wn stand for again? K - Knowledge, N - Name, O for Opportunities, W for what works well, N for Networking!


Allison Ness

??Building Organisational Change Muscle??Strategic Change Leadership & Transformation Expert ??Embedding Change into Operations??Speaker & Workshop Host??Senior Leader Mentor ??Board Advisor on Change Strategy

3 周

Great advice Nicki Osbaldiston - Love your reframing - owning who you are (and therefore being unapologetic about it)??

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Tabitha Arthur

Helping aspirational Business Owners, Consultants, & Service-Based Professionals get stunning photos to next-level their brand & attract their ideal clients, without looking inauthentic ?? Personal Branding Photographer

3 周

I agree! When I worked on my core values, my self confidence grew! I felt in integrity and fully authentic. Love this, Nicki Osbaldiston!

Glenda Mitchell

Help to Turn Intention into Action | Guidance Through Major Life Transitions | Key Note Speaker & MC | Author of Kicking Out the Bucket List | Assist to Identify Passion & Take Action

3 周

Great advice Nicki Osbaldiston. I have found when working with many, if not most, of my clients that the first step is being honest with yourself about your core values. It's not about aspirational motherhood statements, what's trendy or what others think you should value.

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