Meet Jeff Williamson

We recently connected with Jeff Williamson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, 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.

Imposter Syndrome can be challenging to navigate, involving bouts of self-doubt about one’s intellect or skillset in comparison to others. The burden of such feelings can be significant, but I’ve found solace in honing in on the reasons behind my actions. As the newly published author of “Still Marinating: Turning your Journey into your Legacy,” I’ve crafted a book in parable format, weaving stories that connect people to leadership principles often overlooked in traditional leadership discussions. The creation of this book required overcoming Imposter Syndrome, focusing on the goal of inspiring others to embrace their best selves. While landing on the NY Times Best Sellers list may be a distant possibility, it was never the primary objective. My “why” for this book was to empower and strengthen others. By measuring success against our own progress rather than external benchmarks, the grip of Imposter Syndrome tends to loosen.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Coastal Leadership Coaching helps people become better versions of themselves by tangibly turning goals into reality through coaching and training. We will work to positively challenge you through growth and learning, guiding you to become a more dynamic leader personally, professionally and philanthropically

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three essential qualities and skills have profoundly transformed both myself and my leadership: being coachable, actively listening, and maintaining a commitment to continuous learning. When an individual or a team reaches a plateau, disengagement becomes a risk, like a tire with a slow leak. Initially imperceptible, the impact accumulates, gradually throwing your alignment off course. Left unattended, that same tire will inevitably go flat and become useless. In my earlier years, I harbored a sense of pride and unwavering confidence in my abilities. Fortunately, with age came the realization that there was much more to discover. Embracing coachability, listening attentively without formulating an immediate response, and purposefully seeking daily opportunities for learning have been transformative. The improvement in myself directly correlates with my ability to serve, lead, and love others more effectively.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
We all experience moments of feeling overwhelmed; it’s an inevitable part of life. In my own encounters with feeling overwhelmed, I’ve observed its potential impact on both my demeanor and leadership capabilities. To navigate these challenges, I’ve adopted several strategies. Firstly, I am a dedicated list maker. Organizing tasks in order of urgency, importance, and necessity not only helps me stay structured but also provides a sense of accomplishment as I check off completed actions. Another effective approach is reflection; for over two years, I have consistently written out my thoughts. This practice serves as a mental reset, similar to clearing cache memory on a computer. By gaining a fresh perspective, I often discover better solutions to the challenges at hand. Additionally, being a leadership coach myself, I recognize the value of talking through issues with an experienced listener. Engaging with someone who offers a different viewpoint provides valuable feedback and there have been instances where my coach highlighted insights that I, being too close to the situation, had overlooked.

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