We recently connected with Chantée Christian and have shared our conversation below.
Chantée, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a tricky concept. It’s a state of mind where doubts and insecurities cast shadows on one’s accomplishments and capabilities. I like to describe it as a dance between insecurity and security. There are varying opinions on its origins, and the term is often misused but resonates with many, myself included. I like to think of it as a both and, not an either or. I’d be remised if I didn’t say the term imposter syndrome gives me hives. The term “imposter syndrome” can feel misleading, as it implies something is fundamentally wrong, which isn’t true. Having doubts and thoughts of insecurity is common AND absolutely normal.
With that being said, I haven’t completely “overcome” imposter syndrome. Though I’m not in the same place I was when I started my career, I still question if I belong in certain spaces. I constantly remind myself that I am worthy and deserving. I focus on the facts rather than my emotions or the stories I tell myself. I strive to be the truest version of myself, investing in my personal and professional development, understanding that I am a work in progress. Awareness, acceptance and authenticity are key to managing most challenges. By authenticity, I mean being true to who you are and how you show up. I know first-hand what it feels like to be in what seems to be a battle of your inner thoughts and reality. Below are five steps I use and recommend to my clients to manage imposter syndrome:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step is to recognize and acknowledge the feelings of imposter syndrome. Understand that it is a common experience and you are not alone.
2. Focus on Facts, Not Feelings: When self-doubt creeps in, look at the facts. Make a list of your achievements, qualifications, and relevant feedback you have received. For example, a couple facts on my list are: 3x bestselling author; and award-winning podcast host/producer. Keep these your list visible and handy to serve as a reminder of who you are.
3. Embrace Authenticity: Being true to yourself is crucial. Understand that your unique perspective and experiences are valuable. The more you embrace yourself and your experiences, the more you will realize it is your magic sauce. Authenticity is a breeding ground for confidence.
4. Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network. Share your feelings, thoughts and concerns with trusted friends, mentors, a therapist, and/or a coach. They can serve as a sounding board, and help you navigate your current state. Remembering that the thoughts of imposter syndrome don’t go away. However, with support you can quiet them in order to show up as the powerful and knowledgeable being that you are.
5. Challenge Your Thoughts: Whenever imposter syndrome thoughts arise, question their validity. Replace them with factual affirmations. For those, thinking what is a factual affirmation—they are I am statements rooted in fact. One of mine is “I am a subject matter expert in Project and Program Management”. What makes this factual, I am certified by PMI (the governing body of all things Project Management); I have over 10,000 hours of experience in the space—again all facts with backed up data.
Remind yourself that you are capable, you belong, and most importantly, you deserve to be in the rooms you are in. In my book, “Awareness Put Me On,” I talk about what it looked like for me to ‘Cease-And-Desist The Internal BS’. Often, we convince ourselves that we aren’t capable or worthy, forgetting that we are there for a reason.
I recall being the youngest and only woman on a leadership team and thinking, “Can I do this? How did I get this job? What if they find out I haven’t a clue what I am doing?” These doubts hit me like a ton of bricks, but my support system helped me find my center. I acknowledged my emotions and accepted them with minimal judgment. They highlighted pockets of insecurity and self-doubt that I hadn’t fully addressed, yet.
I had to face the facts: I belonged there as much as my peers. My mind was comparing perceived truths versus actual truths. I have a unique ability to be both likable and get things done, which was exactly what we needed for that program. Many people would say that is just who I am, and I would agree. However, during that time, I was relearning that who I am was more than enough. It is my magic sauce. The more I leaned into my authentic self rather than trying to meet others’ expectations, the more I excelled and felt worthy. It was the beginning of a new era—embracing who I am, free of self-imposed conditions and others’ perceptions.
Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on imposter syndrome, suggests that reframing our thinking can be powerful. She advises people to start viewing themselves as a work in progress and to see mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than proof of inadequacy. As a coach, a lot of my clients struggle with imposter syndrome, and at its core, it is a belief in who they are and knowing their worth.
I would tell anyone struggling with it to do an inventory of the legitimacy of their thoughts (steps 2 & 5 from the above list). It is easier said than done, but start feeding yourself new thoughts. Our beliefs are merely thoughts that we have decided to believe in. So, rewire your belief pattern. And just like with anything else, you will find yourself at what feels like the beginning and starting all over.
If you don’t remember anything else, remember that you will never be the same person you were yesterday, last month, or a year ago. You have lived and experienced things that changed you. So, while it may feel like starting over, it is really starting from a new point. Paula Abdul once said, “we take two steps forward and one step back.” Different topic, and yet same concept. The point is that we are moving! Moving right out of the belief of insecurity and lack, and into a confident realm of worthiness, confidence, security, knowing, and truthfully being.
Remember, overcoming imposter syndrome is a journey, not a destination. Embrace your growth, celebrate your progress, and continue to move forward with confidence and authenticity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Chantée L. Christian, a 2021 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 honoree and a multifaceted professional with a wealth of experience and accolades. As a TV Producer/Host and a 3x Amazon International Best-Selling Author, I bring a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to my endeavors. With over two decades in management consulting, I specialize in Program/Project Management, Organizational Change Management, and Strategic Planning. Additionally, as a certified facilitator, I have developed and delivered diverse training programs for staff at all levels.
My academic journey includes earning a Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Webster University. I hold numerous professional certifications, ranging from coaching certifications to being a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Notable certifications include being an MBTI Certified Practitioner, a Strategic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Management Executive Certificate holder from Georgetown University, and a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP).
I am the driving force behind My Best SHIFT, an innovative coaching and consulting company, and CC Media, its multimedia arm. My Best SHIFT is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations embrace growth and change through inspired and consistent action. At its core, My Best SHIFT embodies individuality, inclusivity, and innovation. We aim to expand perspectives, provide influential insights, and assist people in being their best selves in their careers and everyday lives.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the profound impact I can have on people’s lives. Through our coaching, consulting, speaking, instructional design, workshops, and advocacy, we create rippling effects of kindness, awareness, increased consciousness, and continual learning.
My Best SHIFT is committed to providing emotionally safe and brave spaces where individuals can freely share their lived experiences and unique perspectives. We welcome inquisitive individuals and cultivate creativity, encourage individuality, and ingenuity.
New Endeavors
Awareness Put Me On (APMO) Book Launch: My latest book, Awareness Put Me On, marks my transition from author to publisher and book-runner. I envisioned bringing together over 20 leaders from various fields and industries to write about how awareness was a pivotal moment in their lives. Debuting on April 5, 2024, APMO quickly became the #1 new release in Diversity & Inclusion and reached #3 in Personal Success and Spirituality. It has become a bestseller in multiple categories, including Diversity & Inclusion, Motivational Growth, and Business Motivation & Self-Improvement. In just two weeks, we sold over 1,000 copies—a milestone most authors reach in three months. This project has already started shifting the landscape, and I am incredibly proud of the leaders who bravely shared their raw vulnerability with us.
The 2024 Conscious Leadership Summit (CLS): On September 20th, we will host the 2024 Conscious Leadership Summit (CLS), a uniquely curated experience designed to reignite passion, fuel personal and professional growth, and connect attendees with a vibrant community of like-minded leaders. Inspired by the insights from Awareness Put Me On, this summit emphasizes conscious leadership, personal development, and organizational excellence. The summit is tailored for leaders, executives, managers, entrepreneurs, HR professionals, coaches, educators, nonprofit champions, and anyone eager to enhance their leadership skills and drive positive change.
Upcoming Events
I am thrilled to announce several upcoming events and speaking engagements:
Vendor Tables:
• (8/3) Manassas African American Heritage Festival (https://manassasafricanamericanheritagefestival.com/)
• (8/11) Hey Cousin Culture Fest (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2024-hey-cousin-culture-fest-tickets-898147151307)
Speaking Engagements:
• (9/20) CLS 2024: The 2024 Conscious Leadership Summit will offer interactive sessions, networking opportunities, professional headshots, refreshments, continuing education credits, and surprises to keep attendees engaged and energized. Visit 2024 Conscious Leadership Summit to learn more.
• (10/10-10/11) CCC 2024: At the Capital Coaches Conference, hosted by ICF Metro DC, I will present a session titled ‘From Ink to Impact: The Strategic Power of Authoring’. Visit https://lnkd.in/eKWFKvMz to learn more.
• (9/11-9/13) ITLN 2024 Conference: At Georgetown’s ITL Network Conference, I will lead a breakout session on “Walk the Talk: Transformative Leadership in Practice.” Visit https://www.itlnetwork.org/page/2024ConferenceSchedule to learn more.
My Best SHIFT and CC Media strive to be catalysts for growth, change, and inspired action. We are determined to help people expand their perspectives, gain influential insights, and assist each other in doing and being better in their careers and everyday lives. Our mission is to create open-ended conversations that enable endless input, perceptions, opinions, and concepts that lead to inspired and intentional action. Through our work, we hope to continue creating rippling effects of kindness, awareness, increased consciousness, and continual learning throughout the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities—awareness, adaptability, and authenticity—have been most impactful. They’ve guided me through various challenges and opportunities, shaping the leader and coach I am today.
1) Awareness and Emotional Intelligence: Awareness has been a cornerstone in my journey. It’s about understanding oneself deeply—recognizing strengths, opportunities for growth, emotions, and the impact your decisions have on yourself and others. Emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, has been crucial in navigating both personal and professional landscapes for me.
Advice: Focus on self-reflection and mindfulness practices. Journaling, meditation, and seeking professional support (i.e., mentor, coach, or therapist) can help cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness AND help with what to do with your new found awareness. Emotional intelligence can be enhanced by actively practicing being empathic, engaging in active listening, and being mindful of your reactions in different situations.
2) Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The ability to adapt to change and continuously learn have been vital. In a world that is constantly evolving, being open to new ideas, feedback, and experiences is essential. My extensive certifications and diverse experiences are a testament to my commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability. My adaptability led me into management consulting. Before that, I worked in the construction and retail industries. When the market crashed and my department was replaced by computers, I had to pivot. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be sharing my insights with you now. I went into a field I knew nothing about, but I was fully capable of doing. And now I’m a guru in project management and other specific areas.
Advice: Embrace a growth mindset. So often people forget that there are two major components to a growth mindset: 1) learning and taking in the knowledge; 2) applying what you have learned—putting it into practice. I’d encourage you to stay curious and open to learning from every situation, whether it’s through formal education, professional development courses, or real-world experiences. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone regularly.
3) Authenticity and Integrity: Authenticity and integrity have been guiding principles for me. Being true to oneself and maintaining a high standard of integrity in all interactions has helped build trust and credibility in my professional relationships. Showing up as myself has afforded me the ability to honor myself and others in the process. That wasn’t always an option when I was first navigating my career in corporate. However, things have changed do to the amount of awareness, programs and support there is for each person to come as themselves.
Advice: Figure out who you are. Realign yourself with your values and principles. Understand and appreciate what drives you and ensure your actions align with your core beliefs. Practice being transparent and vulnerable. Strive to create an environment where others feel brave enough to be their authentic selves. When you show up others will too.
Sometimes our plans get altered and we have to find a way to navigate the change. You are the consistent component in every situation you face. How will you continually show up as an improved and evolved version of yourself? Trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I believe the answer lies in a balance between both approaches. As a Black woman, I believe culturally that we are told and conditioned to believe that we must excel at everything, work twice as hard as our peers if we want half of what they have.
Understanding that is important to my both and answer. Because there is a cultural preconditioning that takes place and sets in motion, that there is no option except to do both. Being aware of all your areas of opportunities is wildly important to being a more effective human being. I am purposefully calling both strengths and areas of improvement, opportunities. Because they are.
Consider your top strength and all the aspects that contribute to it. Now, think about how this strength could potentially be detrimental in certain situations. For instance, I consider myself a great communicator. I excel at writing, listening, and reading a room, which is extremely useful in work settings. However, in romantic relationships, this strength can backfire, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. What works in one environment may not translate well into another, making communication both a strength and an opportunity show up differently for me.
I believe in strengthening your strengths to become an expert in your field. Continually learning and growing is essential, and it requires practice and an investment in sharpening and/or expanding your skillset. However, it’s equally as important to invest in areas of growth to be well-equipped to manage and adapt to new challenges and be prepared for new opportunities as they come up.
My first client-facing job highlighted my strength in being highly process-oriented—some might say to an extreme. I didn’t account for the human side of the processes. I lacked what we used to call “soft skills.” I didn’t know what it looked like to move with curiosity and empathy instead of being rigidly process-driven. Through investing in my professional growth and getting some really great mentors, I learned to communicate with an empathic ear and be of service to others, ultimately, recognizing that we were working towards the same mission, although in different ways.
It is important to focus on your strengths to become an expert while also addressing areas of growth. Exercising a balanced approach not only enhances your capabilities but also equips you to navigate varying situations effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mybestshift.com/ https://www.awarenessputmeon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybestshift_llc/ https://www.instagram.com/chanteechristian/.
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanteechristian/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNubLrFA8WNVVI-kmVQ1JA
Image Credits
Peculiar Images; James Bah; Janae Johnson; The Visual Symmetry
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