We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Natalie Phillips. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Natalie below.
Dr. Natalie, 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.
The easy answer?
By having the RIGHT people who surrounded me who love me, support and encourage me, and truly want to see me succeed.
BUT. It wasn’t easy. I would constantly find opportunities to learn, even out of my industry and out of my comfort zone. Through these learning environments, I would have to introduce myself and I would stand up and immediately freeze and say “I’m JUST A _____________”. I answered this way because I have a degree and went to school to be an Audiologist, BUT, it would feed into my belief that I was who I am because of my degree. I then felt “less than” because I was in a room of innovators and entrepreneurs. Over time, I became better and honing in my “just” statement by adding in bullet points that described what I do, but not knowing that I still wasn’t introducing WHO I am.
I had the opportunity to be a global ambassador for a women’s empowering and entrepreneurial group in which we provided tools and resources for female entrepreneurs to be successful. As I attended these events and met women who were standing in their power, I leaned in and learned from them every chance I could. I learned to accept and receive their encouragement, praise, and belief they had in me. I started to reach out and connect to people that seemed “out of my league” but learned that everyone is someone. Before this, I was the one creating invisible pedestals, not recognizing their journeys and their commitment to strongly stand in WHO they are.
Of all the women I met along my journey, there were two specific women that showed up for me. This simple, yet generous action, helped me to believe in myself and recognize how important I am. One held my hand as tears rolled down my cheek during a time that I was bullied at a professional conference and continued to allow me to process and heal in this experience and grow confidence in myself. Another flew on an airplane and supported me each time I was able to lead groups of other women in my community. Since then, our friendships have grown exponentially and mutually in love, support, being each other’s cheerleaders in life.
Overcoming the imposter syndrome starts with you. It starts with understanding and identifying your core values and living fully in truth of who you are. I don’t feel the imposter syndrome goes away…but it definitely gets easier and easier when you continue to CHOOSE to step out in confidence and are fearless. Courage is a decision and a muscle that needs to be strengthened with use. Take a breath, find out what needs to be learned or done in order to feel confident, and then TAKE ACTION and do it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a connector.
I help others connect to their vision and help build out their brand, connect on social media, and connect to others at events.
I also connect people back to their life and loved ones by helping them hear and communicate better.
As a connector, I have also had to connect to understand more of who I am. Growing up on an island, I received the love and support from family and the “ohana”, however I always felt somewhat disconnected from the world. I headed off to college on the mainland and started to meet people who enjoyed the same things that I did and who I was able to deeply connect to through conversations and experiences.
As an Audiologist, connection is what we do. We help people who have been disconnected from their life and their loved ones due to a hearing loss. On a daily basis, I love being able to help people get back into the conversation and hear the world, and empower them to be their best advocates by providing answers and management when they are dizzy, have tinnitus (sounds in the ears), or sound sensitivity issues.
Connection has weaved through my life and career outside of my “day job” of audiology in being a global ambassador for a women’s empowerment group and with my multiple consulting and coaching businesses. I have learned that what may be considered “easy” and a “no-brainer” for me, takes work to identify and be able to teach to someone else. I have also learned that if you are successful in improving something in your life and are able to create a system, you can make an impact with someone else who may be struggling as well.
My latest partnership, revolves around a book I wrote with Regeanie Corona, a friend and soul sister, called ACT Now: A Simple Guide to take Action on Your Greatest Goals and Dreams. We are currently working on a workbook, audio book, and two future books continuing to teach others how to take action based on our own experiences together.
As an Audiologist and owner, my partner and I are working on women-owned certification and starting our own non-profit organization to provide opportunities for our community to give back to those who may not be able to afford devices to improve their hearing.
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?
1) Be open to learn. Find opportunities to place yourself in that will challenge you and be out of your comfort zone. These areas have taught me the most about myself and have given me relationships for life.
2) Have gratitude for EVERY step in your journey. Not everything will be sunny and roses. There will be hard times, hurtful people, and when you are scared. Embrace it all – the good times to celebrate and not so good times to still learn and appreciate. Everything that is given to you is for a reason and it shapes who you are.
3) Live fearless and have courage. Exercise that courage muscle and step out fearing less. The more you do this, the easier it gets and the more confident you are.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I have read many REALLY GOOD books surrounding leadership but one of my favorites is The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. These statements make sure I always come back to center to constantly improve my life:
– Be impeccable with your word.
– Do not take anything personally.
– Do not make assumptions.
– Always do your best.
Like core values serve as a compass to help me make my decisions, having these 4 statements in my head help me control my thoughts and emotions on a daily basis no matter what may be swirling around in my world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drnataliephillips.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnataliephillips?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-phillips-8a787254/
- Twitter: https://x.com/audiodrphillips?s=21&t=ATzArVEvo9pZl393W8na-w
Image Credits
Mark McCarthy
William Burdine
Sarah Cort
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
