We were lucky to catch up with Yolanda Hall recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yolanda, 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.
I am learning in my work that regardless of age, race, gender or status, many people struggle with imposter syndrome at some point in their lifetime. From my point of view, my imposter syndrome stemmed from messages I received as a child that one’s thoughts or behaviors were either “right” or “wrong”, there was no “in between”. It wasn’t about religious beliefs or the legal system, but rather one’s personal belief or opinion of how things were supposed to be. We celebrated those who got it “right” and criticized those who got it “wrong”. As an only child feeling like all eyes were on me, I developed a belief that I needed to be “right” to be validated and celebrated. I did my best to present myself in a way that people would only have good things to say about me…validate me, because I was doing it right!
As a young woman, these beliefs fueled my imposter syndrome. My junior year of college I transferred from an HBCU to a PWI. I often wondered if I was smart enough to be there. I rarely spoke up in class for fear of not getting it right. Despite evidence of success and competence, I doubted myself and became my own harshest critic. The more I achieved, the higher the standards I set for myself. Later, the idea of being an imposter crept up in my first “big girl” job as a Middle School Counselor. For several years, I thought, “who am I to advise these people about their children and I don’t have any of my own.” As a result, I worked hard to exceed all expectations of me. I didn’t know my best was good enough. Just tell me, “What more could I do to prove myself?” My subconscious response…overthink, over plan, overdo!!! So that is what I did. It was anxiety inducing, overwhelming, and exhausting.
We teach what we most need to learn! After so many years of guiding young minds, I became aware that my own anxiety inducing mindset had to shift in order to walk confidently in my purpose. I will share four things I believe helped me overcome imposter syndrome:
1. I became aware that my imposter syndrome was largely due to a fear of not being perfect or good enough—a fear of failing to meet my own sky-high expectations. Once I understood that imposter syndrome was something I created, not something imposed on me by others, I could begin to manage it and be intentional about shifting my mindset.
2. I adopted a mindset that others’ thoughts and ideas don’t have to be right or wrong, they can just be different. Needing to be right often comes across as judgement. It was impacting my connections and later, was putting a strain on my marriage. One day, I heard a woman on a podcast say, “do you want to be right or be in relationship?” Instantly, my mindset shifted…I could learn from these different perspectives, and this opened my mind to a world of possibilities. This meant giving others grace and doing the same for myself.
3. After reading Shonda Rhimes book, The Year of Yes, I adopted the mantra “do it afraid.” This mindset was liberating because it allowed me to acknowledge fear without letting it control me. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, I chose to act despite it. Even if it wasn’t perfect, I knew the gifts God placed in me could impact the breakthrough that someone else has been waiting on. My fear did not just affect me—it had the potential to prevent others from elevating to their next level.
4. I started asking myself, “How would my life look if I saw myself in just a fraction of how God sees me?” When I think about the blessings He has spoken over my life, and all that He has done to and through me, it feels somewhat disrespectful to contradict that. Who am I to doubt what God has already declared about me?
Limiting beliefs (notice the change in language here) have a tendency to creep in from time to time. Stay aware of your mindset, be intentional to align yourself with a higher purpose, give yourself grace, and remember what God says about you. Then, do it afraid, even when fear tries to hold you back. You never know whose breakthrough could be waiting on you!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the owner and CEO of Unbreakable Minds Coaching, I provide transformative, mind shifting, elevating experiences through individual and small group coaching, workshops, and training. My ideal clients are teens, college students, and emerging adults aged 15 to 25, as well as their parents and the organizations that support them.
In over twenty years of guiding young minds and supporting the village, I’ve found that mindset is truly the foundation of everything. I love the quote by Henry Ford that says, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” This perfectly captures the essence of what I do.
As a youth mindset coach, I have the privilege of helping young people get out of their heads and out of their own way so they can meet their best self. Individually or in groups, I help them to challenge their mindset and shift their thinking so they can live with purpose, on purpose. Many young people feel stuck or unmotivated because of their beliefs about what is and isn’t possible. What excites me is when my clients experience a moment of insight. By understanding how mindset is limiting their progress, they become open to new mindsets and new possibilities. Then they can approach their goals with more confidence, take risks, and learn from the process. Even more exciting is to know my 13- and 15-year-old daughters are watching, learning and growing as I get to do this heart work!
I love that my work gives me the opportunity to provide what I needed on my teen and young adult journey. The times have changed, but the needs haven’t changed much. We all want to feel seen, heard, and understood. We need people in our lives we can trust, and we need to know it’s okay to fail, as long as, we fail forward. That’s what I aim to provide through Unbreakable Minds Coaching—a safe space for young people to flourish without judgement.
I’ve got some exciting developments in the works! Recently, I contributed to a collaborative book project featuring 10 remarkable women leaders and entrepreneurs who’ve navigated life’s challenges and embraced opportunities. The book, Prosper: A Guide to Flourishing in Life, Career, & Business, highlights our resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset. Books can be ordered on my website, unbreakableminds.org.
After writing my chapter, titled “I Woke Up Like This,” I was inspired to create a morning journal for women, focused on awakening to the best version of yourself. This journal, also titled “I Woke Up Like This,” is designed to help young ladies and women become self-aware and set their intentions each day. It’s a structured but flexible guide to capturing morning thoughts, feelings, and realizations, fostering a routine of mindfulness and self-care. It’s for any woman on a journey of self-discovery.
I’m also excited about our current group coaching programs and partnerships. The first is The Crown Movement, where for the second year, I get to work alongside my husband, Curtis, to serve high school students in Richmond Public Schools. We offer two programs that run concurrently: The King’s Corner for young men and The Queen’s Court for young ladies. Both programs are designed to empower high school aged youth by helping them develop healthy relationships, social-emotional strategies, and overall wellness, enabling them to show up as Kings and Queens in their daily lives and thrive in high school and beyond.
Secondly, I’m thrilled to be working with the Urban League of Cleveland to support their Project Ready program for high school girls. My Project Unbreakable program will lay the foundation for these girls to develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed in Project Ready. We’re planning a full-day retreat in November, and individual coaching to equip a small group of them with skills to become leaders within their program.
Lastly, plans are underway for our Unbreakable College Minds Connect and Parenting on Purpose programs to return in 2025.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, the three areas that have been most impactful for me are intention, mindset, and connection. These three pillars have not only shaped who I am but also the foundation of my work with Unbreakable Minds Coaching. Here’s why they matter and how I’d advise those just starting out on their journey.
Mindset: Mindset is key. What you believe about yourself, and your potential will either propel you forward or hold you back. It is the difference between action and inaction. In my journey, there were many times when I had to shift my mindset to be confident and motivated to set and achieve my goals. For those just starting out, know there is purpose in the process and focus on developing a growth mindset. Do not let fear of failure stop you from taking action. Instead, see failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, change your route (if necessary), and keep going.
Be Intentional: Being intentional is about living with purpose and being fully aware of how your actions align with your goals. Every day, I strive to move with intention—to be aware of how I’m showing up, what energy I’m bringing into a space, and how my choices and actions align with my purpose. My advice is to start each day with intention. Be clear on what you want to accomplish and why it matters. When you have awareness of self, you can navigate challenges with more clarity and purpose and are more likely to live your best life.
Connection: Connection is at the heart of everything I do. I’ve learned that people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether it’s nurturing personal relationships or building relationships with young people, parents, and my community, genuine connection has been my foundation. For me, this means showing up as my authentic self, with vulnerability and self-compassion, and creating safe spaces where others can do the same. My advice for those early in their journey is simple: invest in relationships. When you look for meaning in your connections, your connections become more meaningful. Whether personal or professional, find ways to truly connect with people by listening deeply, showing empathy, and being flexible. The stronger your connection, the greater your impact.
These three areas will not only help you stay grounded, but they will also guide you through the inevitable twists and turns of life. Trust yourself and know that the journey itself is just as important as the destination.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is finding ways to serve college students who have expressed a need for mindset coaching but don’t have the financial means to access it. This group is a sweet spot for me—it’s where I’ve had a great impact and where I see the highest potential for transformation. These students are stepping into adulthood, navigating a range of challenges that often get in the way of their ability to flourish.
My mission is to secure funding to serve these young people by helping them build the mindset to be confident, strong and bold throughout their college journey, ultimately increasing their chances of not just surviving but thriving all the way to graduation.
Currently, I’m actively seeking partnerships with organizations serving college students, grants, sponsors, and donors who share this vision and want to invest in the next generation of leaders. These young adults are future change agents, and with the right support, they will leave an impression in the world that will positively impact generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unbreakableminds.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbreakablemindscoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unbreakablemindscoaching/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-w-hall-med-clc-67478252
- Other: Linkr.ree – https://linktr.ee/unbreakablemindscoaching
HiHello Contact Card – https://hihello.me/p/6152edc6-7975-4f14-a5aa-991467f11930
Image Credits
Kimie James
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