Meet Christy Howard

We were lucky to catch up with Christy Howard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christy, 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.

For most of my life, I looked outside myself for validation, constantly questioning whether I was smart enough, good enough, or even looked the part. I was determined to succeed, yet underneath the drive was a deep-seated fear of being “found out”—a classic case of imposter syndrome. I pushed myself to prove wrong to those who doubted me. I drank from the firehose, took on roles others said I couldn’t handle and delivered excellently. On paper, I was successful. But inside, I was still wearing a mask—one shaped by others’ expectations, not my truth.

It wasn’t until much later that I realized I wasn’t just performing for approval—I was hiding behind layers of masks built from years of trying to be what I thought others needed me to be. Slowly, I began peeling back them off. And beneath them, I didn’t find an imposter. I found someone who had grit, determination, a hunger to learn, and a consistent drive to succeed. I began to recognize the truth of my own story, not the version filtered through fear or external judgment.

That inner reckoning became the foundation for my work through Authentic Brand and Authentic Image. Today, I use my experience to help others shed their own masks—whether they’re job seekers navigating uncertainty or professionals redefining their identity. I help them see that their worth isn’t determined by their resume, wardrobe, or a title someone else bestows upon them. It’s found in their resilience, their voice, and the authentic story they carry. I don’t help people fit in—I help them stand out by embracing who they truly are. Because I know firsthand that the most powerful transformation begins the moment we stop asking for permission to be ourselves.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Authentic Brand empowers job seekers, career changers, and entrepreneurs to rediscover their confidence and present themselves as the ultimate solution—both in writing and in person. What started as resume and LinkedIn support has evolved into a transformative hub for rebuilding self-worth through strategic storytelling, expert coaching, and enhanced visibility.

From this mission sprang Authentic Image. Our clients sought to radiate confidence not just through their words but also through their appearance. We’ve introduced styling services designed to harmonize your inner confidence with your outer presence. From wardrobe detox and seasonal styling to personal shopping and interview-ready looks, we’ve got you covered. With our Style On-Demand service, style support is literally just a text away, and your first session is on us!

At the heart of both brands lies a powerful truth: when you have a clear vision of yourself, the world sees you just as clearly.

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?

Three qualities that have profoundly shaped my journey are resilience, unwavering self-belief, and the strategic ability to pivot with purpose.

Resilience has seen me through the toughest chapters of my life—those moments when doubt loomed large, both from others and within myself, or when circumstances demanded a change of course. Self-belief wasn’t always innate; it took time to silence the naysayers and my own inner critic. Once I redirected my energy away from those negative voices, I found the confidence to trust my instincts.

The third critical skill is the power to pivot. Failure is not the end; it’s merely a stepping stone. I adjust, recalibrate, and keep moving forward when a plan doesn’t pan out. If it’s my passion, it will manifest in ways I never anticipated.

To anyone embarking on their journey: stop waiting for permission. The naysayers don’t live your life—you do. Don’t get trapped in your head where the harshest critic resides. Take action. Embrace failure as a teacher. Learn, pivot, and repeat. Real growth stems from persistence, not perfection. Stay in the game, and you will thrive.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe in leading with our strengths—but not only our strengths. I’ve earned what I like to call a Master’s in the School of Hard Knocks, and through that, I’ve learned the value of both sharpening what I’m naturally good at and intentionally growing in areas where I’ve been challenged.

To me, being well-rounded doesn’t mean being perfect at everything. It means being open, humble, and willing to evolve. I’ve always gravitated toward people with depth and life experience—people who’ve fallen, gotten back up, and have something meaningful to teach. I surround myself with those individuals because I want to keep learning, and that learning often comes from leaning into what doesn’t come easily.

For example, I was praised for being fast-paced and incredibly efficient early in my career. That was my strength—but it also meant I sometimes missed the nuance of emotional dynamics. Over time, by actively listening, asking for feedback, and learning from people who led differently, I developed a deeper emotional intelligence. It didn’t take away from my efficiency—it amplified it. Because now, I can read the room better, anticipate challenges, and lead with empathy without losing my edge.

I’ve seen firsthand that we stay stagnant if we only stick with what’s comfortable. Growth happens when we’re willing to be uncomfortable and commit to becoming skilled and wise. So yes, I believe in going all in on our strengths, but I also believe we owe it to ourselves and those around us to grow beyond them. That’s where real transformation happens.

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