We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tamani Lyn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tamani, 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.
As a Black Woman in business, imposter syndrome is one of the biggest things that we face, but never talk about. What I learned about imposter syndrome is three main things:
1. Recognize it:
Understanding that imposter syndrome is a common experience amongst business women, can really help you normalize your feelings, and understand the fact that it’s completely normal. Manyyyy successful business women, especially black women, have struggled with it. A few women that have been transparent with their struggle with imposter syndrome are: Lupita Nyong’o, Michelle Obama, and so many more. After reading into each of their personal journeys, it definitely normalized my experience.
2. Challenge negative thoughts:
When you catch yourself thinking you’re not good enough, challenge those thoughts with evidence of your accomplishments and capabilities. ALWAYS remind yourself of your successes. Chile, I Google myself EVERY single time that I have a thought that’s even remotely aligned with imposter syndrome. Like…”girl you’ve been featured in how many publications? Have helped how many women launch six figure brands? Oh okay!'” Sometimes, I have to check myself, like girl please. So always challenge your negative thoughts with the things you’ve done positively.
3.Focus on growth:
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on your growth in business and learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities to develop new skills and expand your knowledge, always.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
WOMEN OF LYN is a 501 (c)(3) pending international organization based in Washington, DC that is dedicated to educating and empowering female entrepreneurs of color.
Our mission is to educate, support, and empower women embarking on entrepreneurship within their seed-stages of business development through our international business 1:1 mentorship program, The Boss Academy, our business development podcast, The WOMEN OF LYN Podcast, interactive workshops, networking events, courses, our multi-city networking hub for female entrepreneurs of color, The Boss Hub, and more.
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?
I would say looking back on my journey, the three qualities that were the most impactful to me in building WOMEN OF LYN, where tenacity, confidence, and grit. Having those three main qualities have definitely taken me farther than I could’ve imagined.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth and improvement in the past 12 months has definitely been team building. You’d be surprised at how many people are rooting for whatever you’re building when you have a genuine mission…so that’s something that has definitely been a huge area of growth for us, so I’m thankful.
Contact Info:
- Website: womenoflyn.org
- Instagram: womenoflyn
- Twitter: womenoflyn
