We recently connected with Jeanette Lira and have shared our conversation below.
Jeanette , 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.
Healing is ongoing, and the same goes for imposter syndrome. It’s something I work at every single day.
I’ve realized that the voice of imposter syndrome comes from our wounded selves. It’s that little voice in your head saying things like, *You’re not good enough. No one will want to listen to you. You’re not smart enough.* The key to overcoming it is to actually listen to what you’re telling yourself.
What’s the belief you’re whispering to yourself? How is it making you feel? Do you like it? Chances are, you don’t…because if your voice is anything like mine, it’s keeping you stuck.
When that voice creeps in, I notice I start stalling. I procrastinate. I forget things. I tell myself, *I’ll do it later.* But I’ve learned to make a conscious effort to stop, figure out what I’m telling myself, and then do the opposite.
That’s the hard part, though. Our comfort-seeking, wounded selves want us to procrastinate, stall, get depressed, or feel anxious. It’s going to take a strong, forceful effort to go against that voice. For me, it helps to have a support team that kicks me in the butt when I need it or to rely on the strong work ethic I’ve built over time.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just go away, but when it shows up, I know what to do. I stop. I ask myself what I’m telling myself. I check in with how it’s making me feel. And then, I do the opposite, even if it’s hard.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I wear a lot of hats, but at my core, I’m passionate about helping people rediscover their authentic selves and build a life they love. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and entrepreneur, I’ve built a range of businesses focused on empowering individuals, whether through mental health services, professional development, or business coaching.
Through my personal brand, Jeanette Lira LLC, I inspire others to embrace their identities, challenge societal norms, and break through limiting beliefs. My podcast, Untamed and Unapologetic: Redefining Your Identity, is a space where I share raw, real conversations about life transitions, healing, and reclaiming your power.
In addition to that, I’ve founded companies like Positive Soul Holistic Therapy LLC DBA Auravia, Auravia Wellness LLC, and Lumvia LLC. Each has its unique focus, from offering mental health and wellness services under one roof to supporting medical professionals with credentialing and workflow systems. What ties it all together is my deep commitment to helping others heal, grow, and thrive—whether it’s individuals seeking therapy or entrepreneurs starting their own journey.
What’s most exciting about this work is watching transformations happen. Whether it’s a client finding their voice after years of self-doubt, a new business owner avoiding common pitfalls, or a community of professionals lifting each other up, every step forward feels like a win for all of us.
There’s also a lot happening right now!
– I’m expanding my coaching and mentoring services through Lumvia for mental health professionals, helping them with credentialing and billing so they can do what they love best which is serve their clients.
– I’m also working on a book that explores the theme of life transitions, grief, and how redefining your identity can lead to healing and empowerment.
– Lastly, my small group coaching sessions and public speaking events are growing, and I’m thrilled to connect with even more people through these opportunities.
At the heart of everything I do is a belief in community and connection. My work is about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to become the best version of themselves. If my story or services resonate with you, I’d love to connect!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have been most impactful in my journey: being comfortable with discomfort, knowing when to pivot and staying flexible, and building a strong sense of community.
1. Being Comfortable with Discomfort
Growth rarely happens in your comfort zone. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came when I allowed myself to sit with discomfort instead of running from it. Whether it was facing imposter syndrome, starting my first business, or making tough decisions, I had to get comfortable with the uneasiness that comes with change. My advice? Practice stepping into situations that feel challenging or unfamiliar. The more you lean into discomfort, the more confident you’ll become in navigating it.
2. Knowing When to Pivot and Being Flexible
Knowing when to pivot and having the flexibility to adapt has been crucial in my personal and professional growth. There have been times when my plans didn’t work out as expected, and instead of giving up, I shifted gears. It’s about recognizing when something isn’t serving you anymore and being bold enough to try something new. For those early in their journey, my advice is to be self-aware. Listen to what’s working and what’s not, and don’t be afraid to make changes…even if they seem daunting.
3. Building a Strong Sense of Community
Success isn’t a solo journey. Having a village of people: mentors, colleagues, friends, and family, has been invaluable. These are the people who challenge me, hold me accountable, and remind me of my worth on the hard days. For anyone starting out, focus on building your network and finding your tribe. Seek out people who inspire you, encourage you, and support your vision. Be willing to give back to your community too; growth is always a two-way street.
Advice for Those Starting Out
Give yourself permission to grow imperfectly. You don’t have to have all the answers, you just need the courage to take that first step. Lean into discomfort, be open to pivots, and prioritize relationships that build you up. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, flexibility, and connection.
You can do this. Trust the process, embrace the challenges, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
When you’re young, it’s hard to see what your parents are doing as impactful. At the time, I probably thought they didn’t care or weren’t the parents I wanted them to be. But looking back, I realize they gave me exactly what I needed, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time.
One of the most impactful things they did was force me to grow up and take care of myself. My mom was in school when I was young, so I had to figure a lot out on my own. I had to solve problems and make decisions because she wasn’t always available to help. That independence wasn’t easy, but it taught me to be resourceful and work hard.
My dad was around, but let’s face it…dads aren’t moms. He was there in his own way, but not always in the nurturing, hands-on way I sometimes needed. When I bought my first car at 18, he cosigned because he had to, but from that moment on, I’ve always been independent. That car was a symbol of me standing on my own two feet, and I’ve carried that independence with me ever since.
I know outsiders looking in might have seen me as spoiled. After all, I didn’t have to do chores because my parents took care of that. But what they didn’t see was that I had to work hard—and I wasn’t allowed to fail. I was the middle child. My sister, who’s ten years older, was a troublemaker, and my brother, two years younger, struggled with bipolar disorder. I think my parents poured their energy into ensuring I stayed on track because they needed at least one of us to “do good.”
College wasn’t optional, it was an expectation. And growing up Catholic, the guilt worked overtime. I wasn’t smoking, drinking, partying like others my age, or getting pregnant like my mom had when she was young. Instead, I graduated high school in three years with honors and got a nail tech license to make good money while in college.
When I started college, my mom had me open my first credit card and made it clear they wouldn’t help pay for school. That was another lesson: I was responsible for my own success. I worked hard, maintained a 3.8 GPA in undergrad, and finished grad school with a 4.0.
At the time, their tough-love approach didn’t always feel good. But looking back, I’m grateful for the foundation they gave me. They taught me independence, resilience, and what it means to work hard for what you want. Even if I didn’t see it then, I see it now, and it’s shaped me into the person I am today. i’m very grateful. If you ever feel like you have the worst parents in the world give it time…you may change your mind
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeanettelira.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanettenlira/profilecard/?igsh=M2p6cmcyZHZjOHph
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18KcGVRoCe/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-lira-a745b013?
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