We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Khristina Butenko. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Khristina below.
Khristina, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I overcome imposter syndrome by intentionally pushing myself into uncomfortable territory, especially when I’m afraid something might not turn out well. I go after opportunities anyway because the alternative is never knowing what could have happened. Each time things turn out better than expected, navigating new territory becomes more rewarding and strengthens my self trust. Over time, that repetition has made the unknown feel far less intimidating.
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?
I’ve always loved contemporary art, antiques, food, and music, anything thoughtfully created; and I’ve always loved chess. As an adult, I realized how similar they are: both blend strategy, creativity, and the buildup to a beautiful or unexpected outcome. That insight inspired me to start En Passant (@MoveEnPassant), a pop up chess club that hosts events in art focused spaces like galleries, antique shops, and culinary venues.
It’s become a way to bring together people who might never have crossed paths, and the most exciting part has been watching friends and strangers bond over a shared love they didn’t realize they had.
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?
The most impactful qualities in my journey were learning to start before I felt ready, trusting myself even when the path was unclear, and staying curious enough to try something new anyway. You rarely ever feel fully prepared to begin something on your own, but taking the first step teaches you more than overthinking ever will.
My advice is to build a habit of small, consistent risks; they grow your confidence faster than waiting for the “right” moment. The more you practice trusting yourself, the more capable you realize you already are.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
This is such a great question! I’d spend it taking bigger risks and saying yes to experiences that stretch me. I’d dive into new hobbies that spark joy and curiosity (currently learning how to fence, which I didn’t expect to love so much!). Most of all, I’d live with the open mindedness I wish I had embraced earlier; trying more, fearing less. That’s the version of life I’d want to look back on.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveenpassant/
Image Credits
Harriett Wells (IG: @HarriettWells)
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