We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Cummings. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.
Hi Victoria, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When it comes to imposter syndrome, I’ve definitely had my fair share of struggles. However, I’ve come to realize that it’s something that many people likely experience as well. For me, one of the keys to overcoming imposter syndrome has been to release the need for outside validation and to focus on doing my best.
In my career, I’ve worked as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a professor, where I found confidence in my ability to understand and teach the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. But when I started my charcuterie company, Detroit Charcuterie Company, I was faced with imposter syndrome because it was so different from anything I had done before. Through this experience, I learned to trust my own creativity and to create food displays that I found to be beautiful. Though I eventually closed the company because my passion for it had dwindled, it was a valuable experience in pushing past my insecurities and doubts.
Most recently, I started a recruitment firm, Innovative Alignments, despite never having worked as a recruiter before. It was a challenging endeavor, but I learned that failure is simply a part of the process. This was a great realization because I have failed a lot on this journey! What I’ve learned is that by persevering through the initial struggles and dedicating myself to learning and growing, I was able to turn it into a successful venture.
Ultimately, what I’ve learned is that no one knows what they’re doing when they start something new. But with experience and repetition, anyone can become great at what they do. I’ve found that accepting this fact and focusing on my own growth and progress has been the key to overcoming imposter syndrome.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the founder of Innovative Alignments, a recruitment firm that specializes in placing professionals within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), but we have achieved success in a wide array of other industries as well. Our focus is on connecting ethical companies with the best talent available, regardless of the industry.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of both our clients and the candidates we place. Finding the right fit is essential for success in any industry, and I am committed to helping businesses and individuals reach their full potential. I’ve witnessed a lot of turnover in the ABA field due to mismatched goals between employees and employers, so I am passionate about finding the right fit and making a difference.
Our firm is constantly expanding our network and exploring new ways to support diverse industries. We believe that our firm has the potential to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside of the ABA field, and we are excited about the possibilities for the future.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe that freedom, adaptability, and a positive approach to failure were the most impactful qualities for me. Instead of confining myself to a single path, I allowed myself the freedom to pursue my interests and passions. While some might view this as indecisiveness, I couldn’t imagine living my life in a box. I know too many people who are unsatisfied with their work but continue in their field because of their degree or tenure in their career. I’m always going to follow my bliss and it’s worked for me so far.
I also think it’s important to remain adaptable in order to grow and expand. This is a skill that I’ve had to develop through my experiences. Finally, embracing failure as a positive thing has been crucial to my growth and development. The more I fail, the more I learn what not to do, and the more opportunities I have to improve.
For those who are early in their journey, I would advise them to embrace freedom and explore their interests and passions. It’s also important to remain adaptable and open to change, especially in the early stages. Lastly, I encourage them to view failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than as a negative thing that stops you from moving forward.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself to take a step back and prioritize what’s most important. I used to struggle with anxiety related to feeling like I had to do everything perfectly and finish my never-ending to-do lists right away. But I’ve learned to give myself grace and take a break when needed. I don’t subscribe to hustle culture and I’m not afraid to leave some things for “tomorrow” if it means better mental health.
When I need to refocus and regroup, I use meditation and calming audio. It helps me to calm down and recenter myself. I’m also a big advocate for delegating tasks, which is something I had to learn to do. It’s important to recognize that we can’t do everything ourselves and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Overall, my advice is to prioritize self-care and mental health. Take breaks when needed and don’t push yourself too hard. Remember that it’s okay to leave some things for later and delegate tasks when possible. And most importantly, be kind to yourself and give yourself grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.innovativealignments.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-cummings-bcba-lba-17462326a/
Image Credits
Victoria Cummings
