Blog Post
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embrace Your Expertise, Build Your Personal Brand, and Lead With Confidence
Darlene Hawley
How to Turn Client Testimonials, Leadership Experience, and Proven Skills into Powerful Credibility Builders
Have you ever felt like you’re standing at the edge of your own greatness but can’t quite bring yourself to say, “Yes, I’m really good at what I do”?
This week, two different clients told me, within a few short hours of each other, “I need your big brain in my business." & " I can’t imagine reaching these goals without you.”
You’d think after 18 years of helping people craft their messages, refine their strategies, and step confidently into the spotlight, I’d have zero trouble saying, “Yes, I’m great at what I do.” But, if I’m honest, I still hesitate. I still wrestle with impostor syndrome.
The saying "we teach what we need to learn" rings true for me.
Even with all of these success stories on repeat in my head, there’s a quiet voice whispering, “Don’t brag. Don’t make it about you.”
We all have that voice, am I right?
That little inner critic that pops up and tries to keep us playing small.
Maybe you’re a leader who’s launched amazing programs, a business owner who’s served countless happy clients, or a professional who’s earned promotion after promotion. Yet, when it comes time to claim it out loud, to own the value you bring, you shrink back, you play small. The fear of sounding arrogant or the thought of “Who am I to say I’m the expert?” can be and feel scary.
The truth is, sharing your wins isn’t bragging. It’s giving others permission to believe in you and trust what you bring to the table. When we hide our achievements, we’re actually doing a disservice not just to ourselves, but to the very people who need our help.
By acknowledging our expertise, we create opportunities for deeper impact.
We attract clients who value our work.
We inspire peers and rising leaders to see what’s possible. We build credibility on a foundation of truth, not on our big ol' inflated ego.
If you struggle with this, start by rewriting the narrative. Instead of thinking, “I’m bragging,” believe... “I’m serving.”
Each time you highlight a successful client story, share a result you’re proud of, or talk about a skill you’ve honed over the years, you’re offering a roadmap for others. You’re saying, “This is possible, and here’s how.”
If you’re ready to step into your own spotlight—without the fear, the shrink-back, or that old impostor voice—let’s talk. I’ve spent nearly two decades helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries find their voice, refine their message, and confidently share their strengths.
Reach out, and let’s carve out a path that allows you to proudly, boldly claim the genius that’s already in you. Because your people deserve to know what you’re capable of, and so do you.
I offer 1:1 Executive Leadership & Business Coaching & Team Trainings! If you would like to explore what working together would look like, I invite you to submit an application.
Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley chats with her long-time friend Danielle Hawthorne, a compassionate disruptor and truth teller devoted to honoring her worth and supporting others on their journey. Danielle shares her path to founding 'Worthy of Dignity,' a company dedicated to teaching leaders to recognize and elevate their teams based on their core values and holistic well-being. Discover how Danielle's experiences in toxic work environments led her to prioritize health and wellness, reducing burnout, and increasing team morale. Learn actionable insights on how leaders can foster inclusive and compassionate workplaces. Don't miss exciting details about Danielle's upcoming women's conference, 'Enough 2025,' aimed at empowering women to embrace their worth without having to earn it. Tune in for powerful stories, practical tips, and much more! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Danielle's Journey to Worthy of Dignity 03:09 Impact of Leadership and Wellness 05:45 Creating a Culture of Value and Respect 13:23 Leading with Curiosity and Human Connection 16:55 Challenges and Changes in Leadership 17:36 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 18:48 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 19:21 The Importance of Rest and Setting Boundaries 21:46 Practical Tips for Slowing Down 25:47 Upcoming Women's Conference: Enough 2025 29:04 Ways to Work with Danielle 30:06 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Danielle 35:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Welcome back to the Attract and Stand Out Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Darlene Hawley sits down with transformational coach and author Lenore Kantor. They dive into Lenore's journey from corporate executive to transformational coach, where she now helps high achievers unlock greater personal growth, professional fulfillment, and higher income. Lenore discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and her new book, 'So What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are'. Whether you're a leader looking to navigate career transitions or an entrepreneur seeking authentic alignment in your work, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how to embrace change, align with your true self, and show up authentically in your professional and personal life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Lenore's Background and Journey 03:12 Navigating Career Transitions 06:36 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 09:11 Adapting to Change 14:50 Authenticity and Leadership 23:52 Future Plans and Projects 26:59 Rapid Fire Questions 30:14 Conclusion and Farewell ------- Lenore Kantor is a transformational coach, author, mentor, career advisor and inspirational speaker who guides smart high-achievers to greater personal growth, professional fulfillment and higher income by overcoming their blocks to creating soul-aligned work. She is the author of So, What Do You Do? The Authentic Alchemy Path to Find Who You Are, an unconventional guidebook and eight-step path for conscious leaders to discover their work in the world (launching February ’25). Lenore's holistic multi-disciplinary approach evolved over 30+ years as a former corporate marketing executive, soulpreneur and founder of Growth Warrior. Lenore integrates empathy with no BS, business strategy, marketing and product launch expertise with intuitive insight and multiple healing modalities. She's a former corporate marketing executive and has been a strategic advisor and outsourced CMO to high-growth businesses, mentored founders across multiple startup accelerators, and is a Capstone and Career Advisor to Bard’s MBA in Sustainability and part of Columbia’s Career Coaching Network. www.growthwarrior.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorekantor https://www.instagram.com/lenorekantor/ https://www.facebook.com/growthcoach/ ---- Hi I'm Darlene Hawley, and I help entrepreneurs and executive leaders find their voice and mastering communication in high-stakes conversations and presentations, whether in the boardroom, on a sales call, or around the dinner table. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
Discover the transformative journey of overcoming fear with Kori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim, on the latest episode of the "Attract and Stand Out" podcast. Dive into how adults can conquer their fear of water through tailored mental and physical training. Learn how the life lessons from swimming extend beyond the pool, helping individuals build confidence and personal growth. Perfect for anyone interested in personal development, adult swim education, and the psychology of overcoming fear. Listen now to uncover powerful insights and strategies for embracing your unique path.
Reflect on 2025, choose a transformative Word of the Year, and unlock success in the new year. Discover how 'Trust' fuels growth, leadership, and your personal brand.
How Practicing Gratitude Can Recharge Leaders and Strengthen Business Connections
Struggling with poor workplace communication? Discover actionable strategies to improve clarity, confidence, and listening at our holiday-themed Leadership Roundtable for HR leaders and executives.
In this blog, we address practical strategies for overcoming nerves when speaking to senior or higher-titled audiences. Learn how to conquer imposter syndrome and boost your public speaking confidence when presenting to executives or experienced professionals. We explore common challenges, such as feeling unprepared, facing self-doubt, and managing industry jargon, and provide actionable tips to help you speak with authority, command respect, and leave a powerful impression. Ideal for women entrepreneurs, leaders, and emerging speakers looking to communicate confidently with high-level audiences.
Join Darlene Hawley in Episode 104 of the Attract and Stand Out podcast, featuring Brenda Barbour, co-host of the Body Wealth Podcast. In this episode, they discuss the power of storytelling in health advocacy, overcoming personal health challenges, and practical self-care strategies. Discover how Brenda's inspiring journey and community-focused approach support Black women’s mental and physical well-being. Learn tips for finding your health flow, setting boundaries, and taking action toward well-being. Tune in for an episode filled with resilience, inspiration, and actionable insights for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Learn how to handle tough criticism with confidence and turn feedback into a tool for growth. In this blog, we share practical strategies for embracing constructive criticism, separating your work from your worth, and building a growth mindset to strengthen your leadership skills. Discover how to respond thoughtfully to feedback and use it as a stepping stone to success.
