We were lucky to catch up with Shanell Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shanell, 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.
When I started my non-profit marketing business, a client told me, “You’re still learning. You’re like an intern.” At the time, I was offended because I was not an intern, I was a consultant. I knew that to be a successful consultant, I had to be an expert and seen as such. Immediately, I felt small and wanted to quit.
It took me nine months to acquire my next non-profit client. In my first meeting, I sat nervously in front of my computer screen as 10 non-profit professionals stared back at me, waiting for me to lead the meeting. I had prepared a Powerpoint and had done extensive research on the organization before the meeting. I knew I was knowledgeable and capable of leading over the next few months, but I had a roaring voice in my head saying, “They’re going to think you’re unqualified.”
That voice was “imposter syndrome”, a monster that lurks to dismantle your confidence. Its parts are made up of every negative word spoken to you since you were a child. Its voice is wrapped in the fear of failure. Its arms take you into a blanket of what ifs and ultimately, debilitating doubt.
Earlier that year, I had attended a conference for women entrepreneurs. One of the presenters of the conference said something I’ve kept with me for every battle with imposter syndrome. She said, “You would not be in the room if you weren’t qualified to be there.” Mic drop.
As I sat nervously in front of the computer, I took a deep breath and reminded myself of those words. I asked myself, “Would I even be here if I wasn’t able to do the work?” Then, for the next hour I led a dynamic presentation that led to a “wow” from one of the attendees. It was as if I had stared the imposter syndrome monster in the face until it became as small as I felt in the beginning of the meeting.
I’ve acquired more clients since then, always reminding myself that I am capable of doing the work. To rebuild my confidence as a consultant, I took baby steps, acquiring one client at a time, garnering results for my work, and gathering testimonials (even if I have to ask for them more than once). I feel more confident than ever!
I’m not a fan of the phrase, “fake it until you make it.” My business is called Authentic Ground for a reason. It is important to be authentic in how you show up and to stay grounded in who you are. Even if you have to build your confidence up by starting small, eventually you’ll get to a place where imposter syndrome is no longer a big monster in your head, but a gummy bear shaped supplement you take for fuel (haha).
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 am a marketing and communications consultant with over 10 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations as a digital communications professional. I started Authentic Ground to help people who help people (nonprofit organizations) by developing marketing and communications strategies for impact.
I’m also a mom to a one year old and currently pregnant with my second! I’m grateful to do the work I do while having the freedom to be present for my family.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are preparation, mentorship, and a desire to keep learning. It’s important to always be prepared – whether it’s having business cards on hand or planning ahead for social media. Mentorship has been key as I believe it’s essential to have a network of leaders that have been in your shoes to answer questions and provide guidance. Lastly, having a desire to learn is helpful for any field, especially with how fast trends move in this digital age. My advice would be to consider these three qualities when pursuing entrepreneurship and ultimately, life.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
As a mom, wife, and entrepreneur finding balance has been difficult. However, I’ve learned that balance is a myth. I’m learning to accept that every day looks different and to give myself grace for what I can accomplish.
Contact Info:
- Website: authenticground.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticground/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/78351294/admin/feed/posts/
Image Credits
Noble Art Photography IG @nobleartphotos https://nobleartphotography.com
