Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katiuscia Baggio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katiuscia, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I experienced profound insecurity throughout my childhood and teenage years due to my struggle with stuttering. I endured relentless teasing and mockery from my peers during elementary and secondary school, which resulted in an overwhelming sense of shame becoming a constant presence in my life, particularly when I was asked to read aloud in front of the entire class. While I cannot pinpoint stuttering as the sole source of my insecurity, it undoubtedly contributed to my perpetual self-doubt. Speaking in public became an excruciating ordeal each time I was called upon to do so.
Nevertheless, as I progressed through high school, my situation began to change for the better. I was fortunate to encounter exceptional teachers and supportive classmates who played a significant role in helping me overcome my challenges. It was during this period that I also discovered my passion for human sciences, a field that instilled in me a sense of purpose and confidence in my potential accomplishments. Until then, I had not truly enjoyed attending school, as it had been associated with social pain and distress. However, things took a turn in high school, where I found myself eagerly looking forward to each day, genuinely enamored with the subjects I was studying, such as psychology, pedagogy, and philosophy. This newfound passion propelled me forward, fostering self-assurance and serving as a driving force when I pursued educational sciences, with a focus on corporate training and adult learning, in college.
Adversities I encountered in life provided me with invaluable self-awareness. They taught me that, regardless of the challenges I faced, I possessed the inner resilience and strength necessary to persevere. I discovered a reservoir of strength within myself that far exceeded my initial expectations. The unwavering belief and encouragement from my most influential teachers were instrumental in guiding me along the path of self-discovery, revealing the potential that lay within me. Despite being a senior professional coach and leadership trainer with extensive international experience and a strong academic background, I still frequently struggle with insecurity. I often feel plagued by impostor syndrome, despite the success, global recognition, client satisfaction, and numerous compliments I’ve received. There’s a persistent voice inside me questioning whether I’m truly good enough deep down. So, what do I do about it? I take action despite my fears. I consciously project self-confidence and behave as if I’m assured, and this approach helps me navigate through these challenges.
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 worked with CIMBA, a Consortium of American Universities, which also operates as a business and leadership school, from 2001 until 2019. CIMBA was instrumental in developing my leadership training and coaching skills, as I served in the role of Executive Education Director. In 2019, I made the challenging decision to leave my position and pursue a freelance career. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I felt compelled to push my boundaries and demonstrate my capabilities.
I am deeply passionate about fostering people’s development and helping them actualize their strengths. Witnessing the spark of enlightenment in someone’s eyes during coaching sessions or workshops energizes and inspires me. I thoroughly enjoy creating new coaching and training programs, whether self-paced or live. Whenever I offer a program more than once, I strive to infuse it with fresh energy and ideas to continually enhance the experience for participants.
Until 2019, my focus was primarily on in-person coaching and training. However, since then, I’ve been expanding into developing self-paced programs complemented by live coaching and training sessions. I’m drawn to the concept of crafting digital programs that offer ongoing accessibility to my clients. While in-person interactions are unparalleled in terms of energy and co-creation, I believe that blending both in-person and online approaches through a hybrid model serves the best interests of both myself and my clients.
I also enjoy writing and have published a book, ‘Improvise and Succeed,’ which delves into the intersection of coaching and improvisational skills. Currently, I’m in the process of organizing in-person international retreats in Italy, where I reside. I find immense value in combining coaching with nature, as it creates a transformative experience that helps individuals shift their perspectives and catalyzes personal growth.
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?
For me, the love of learning, coaching skills, and training skills have been essential. These skills are closely aligned with my strengths; being a people person, coaching and training allow me to leverage those strengths effectively. My advice to everyone is to identify your strengths (there are good free tests available online) and endeavor to integrate them as much as possible into your current or future job roles. By consistently playing to your strengths in your daily life, you’ll likely notice a significant boost in your energy levels and overall satisfaction.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
As I mentioned earlier, I had the support of exceptional teachers, classmates, bosses, and colleagues throughout my journey. Their guidance and encouragement have been pivotal in helping me build self-belief, step out of my comfort zone, and continually develop my skills. My advice to you, the reader, is to remain open to connecting with individuals who can facilitate your growth and expand your horizons. Even if it feels uncomfortable at times, surrounding yourself with people who challenge you while also believing in your potential can lead to remarkable transformations. Additionally, strive to be that person for those around you—offer support, encouragement, and belief in their abilities. Witness the magic unfold!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katiusciabaggio.com
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/katiusciabaggio
