Meet Linda Negron

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Negron. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.

Hi Linda, 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.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey for me as a leader and communicator. One of the most powerful tools I’ve used is active listening. Early in my career, I realized that listening carefully to others so you can understand rather than just respond, especially in challenging situations, gave me clarity and confidence. It wasn’t just about hearing a complain or praise but truly understanding where I could improve or how I was contributing. This led me to actively seek out valuable feedback—not just the reassuring “You’re doing great,” but the kind of feedback that helps you grow. I wanted to know where I could elevate my skills and how my leadership was impacting others.

Transparency and consistent communication have also been essential in building trust and overcoming self-doubt. I have been working to make it a point to communicate openly with my team and peers, sharing my own challenges and encouraging others to do the same. This openness creates an environment where feedback and collaboration flows naturally, helping me feel more connected and grounded in my role.

I also learned a lot about the importance of delegation and trusting others after experiencing some intense micromanagement issues. As a leader, it’s crucial to trust in your team’s abilities and let go of the need to control everything. Delegating not only empowers others but also frees up your mental space to focus on where you can truly add value. I understand this can be hard when you really want things to go well but we should give us a constant reminder that we don’t need to know or do everything—we need to guide, support and also learn from others.

In my journey, I’ve also needed to build trust in my own abilities. It’s easy to notice when someone is better or knows a little extra but I realized that I’ve also accumulated valuable experience and expertise over the years, and when imposter syndrome creeps in, I remind myself of the successes I’ve achieved and the obstacles I’ve overcome.

I used to be afraid to ask questions, it felt like exposing areas where I wasn’t yet an expert. It took me a while and some mentorship to understand that asking questions is a strength, not a weakness, and it’s something I encourage in others as well. It helps foster a learning culture and ensures that I’m always growing.

Lastly, in the past few years I’ve focused on emotional intelligence, becoming more aware of my emotions and reactions, especially in high-pressure situations. This has allowed me to navigate self-doubt with more balance, staying grounded and resilient even when things feel uncertain. It also helps you understand that work challenges are just that, it’s not personal and it’s not a reflection of who you are and what you’re capable of.

Imposter syndrome is something that many of us face and overcoming it is a continuous process, but each challenge has somehow strengthened my confidence, and that’s the good result I need.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My life is a continuous balancing act, and I’m sure many professionals can relate. After becoming a single mom five years ago, balancing responsibilities has been both a challenge and a source of strength for me. Motherhood has taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of showing up, no matter what. Fortunately, these lessons have been invaluable as I navigate my professional life.

I currently work at Nobleer Media, where we focus on supporting entrepreneurs, small, and mid-sized businesses who are making a positive impact in their communities. What excites me most about my work is being able to help these businesses not only spread their message but also connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. As we like to say, we’re not just reaching for anyone, we’re finding THEIR people. That’s what creates waves of positive impact. Nobleer is dedicated to uplifting the voices of those who are doing good, and I take great pride in being a part of that mission.

In addition to our work with businesses, Nobleer is passionate about supporting causes that matter. One initiative close to our hearts is our partnership with the Shield Our Schools Foundation, which helps schools access additional funding to enhance their security measures. This allows their existing resources to stay focused on academic enrichment. Shield Our Schools is doing crucial work to make schools safer, and I am honored to contribute to this cause.

One of the most exciting upcoming events is the Gala of Guardians: Uniting for School Safety, which Shield Our Schools is hosting on November 9th at the Magnolia Hotel in Denver. This event is a significant step towards raising awareness and funds for school security. It’s going to be a night of connection, impact, and support, and anyone interested can learn more or get involved through the event’s Eventbrite page.

On a personal level, I’m also in the process of completing my Master’s degree in Storytelling. This journey has deepened my understanding of how powerful narratives can be in creating change, which has only enriched my work at Nobleer and with the causes I support. I’m excited to continue applying these skills as I elevate businesses and organizations that are making a real difference.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had great impact on my journey are resilience, active listening, and emotional intelligence.

Resilience can be a big word but here’s how I see it right now. As a single mom balancing personal and professional responsibilities, resilience becomes a way of life. There are times when challenges feel overwhelming, but resilience helps me keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned. In both life and work, being able to bounce back from setbacks is key to long-term success. To develop resilience, you must embrace challenges as learning opportunities. It’s important to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. This is also something that is even better with company rather than solitary– building a strong support system, whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, helps you stay grounded during tough times.

Now, in my role as a communicator and leader, active listening has been a game-changer. Truly listening—whether it’s to team members, clients, or mentors—has helped me gain insights, build trust, and improve my decision-making. It’s not just about hearing words, but understanding perspectives and using that to inform actions. This is definitely an eternal”work in progress” item, so don’t be afraid to sometimes tune off and realign after. To improve active listening, practice being fully present in conversations. Avoid thinking about your response while the other person is still speaking, and instead focus entirely on what they are saying. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions to demonstrate you value their input. You will learn a lot about how you respond to situations and where you can improve.

As for emotional intelligence, this is one of my latest strong suits. Understanding my own emotions and those of others has made a huge difference in my ability to lead, communicate, and collaborate. Emotional intelligence allows me to navigate stressful situations, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships. It’s also been critical in balancing work and motherhood. You can develop emotional intelligence by intentionally being more aware of your own emotions and how they influence your actions. Journaling or reflecting on interactions can also help you identify areas where you can improve your emotional awareness.

For those early in their journey, I would advise focusing on learning through experience and not being afraid to make mistakes. The qualities and skills that will really make a positive impact in your life will not be developed overnight; they come with practice and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was guiding me without trying to turn me into a copy of themselves. They provided the structure, advice, and support I needed, but they also allowed me to make my own decisions and learn from them. They also have always been open about their own flaws, traumas and mistakes, and of course of their successes. That space to learn by example while exploring my individuality taught me a lot about the power of personal choice and how our decisions shape who we become. It wasn’t always easy—there were struggles, and I made mistakes—but that’s part of growing authentically.

As a mother myself, I’ve come to appreciate this even more. Success now has a different meaning for me when I think about my child. It’s no longer just about achievements or milestones. It’s about growing in happiness, health, and ensuring that my child is in a safe, nourishing environment. I want to provide guidance just as my parents did, but I also want my child to have the freedom to become who they are, not a reflection of me.

My parent’s approach taught me the importance of making decisions with intention and understanding that those choices have an impact on who we grow to be. It’s a lesson I carry with me in both life and motherhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nobleermedia.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindanegronpe
• Other: https://www.shieldourschools.org

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