We were lucky to catch up with Alexis Zurdo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alexis, 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.
There’s a saying ‘fake it till you make it’ and then there’s ‘imposter syndrome’. To me I feel in the first saying there’s truth and passion into what you’re doing because you know one day ‘You make it’. With imposter syndrome it’s like going on a blind date and in the moment realizing it’s not so bad and that it’s actually really good and then years later realizing and seeing it was all a façade.
For me I never felt imposter syndrome until maybe about a year ago I questioned myself… I always had the mind set of a go getter and that no one would or could stop me from what I wanted, my motto was always “why not me?!”
The phrase Imposter Syndrome came into my vocabulary about 3 years ago, I quickly figured what it was because it was being used often very much A LOT in social media. But it never bothered me I truly still never quite understood how people could feel this if what they did was something they were passionate about!
Going back to when the idea of “IT” (imposter syndrome) hit me was during a great time of success in my life. I had established a lot of growth as a model, getting paid bookings, traveling and even started my own model coaching business (Role Models 808). I was noticing how happy and smooth things were going in both my career and in my personal life.
I always had the support and love from those around me and I always knew I was great at what I was doing, I had a resume of success! I became a modeling coach because I had many modeling friends and inspiring models asking me for advice and learning from my guidance. Then one day my friend told me “hey Alexis you should really start teaching and coach”
I’ve always been shy, so when I heard this I was like me teach?…. No way! Which is a funny story to tell next time about the“shy model” rising to success. But yeah I guess like all humans we have a mixture of humbleness and a bit of doubt. And this is where things can get tricky.
As I put my plan into action of creating my business I would ask myself “why me?,why or who would come to me for coaching?” Instead of “why not me” I was feeling doubt… I was worried that maybe someone will notice or see I’m no Gigi Hadid with a major agency contract! I will always be open to learning and I’m always training and growing myself as a model too, but I also knew that I knew a lot more in this industry that many others have not experienced or learned.
With all this back and forth in my head and balancing a new business as well still maintaining my modeling career. I found myself overthinking when I’d go to auditions thinking ‘am I really who I am or am I trying to be something I’m not?… And I got into a bit of self doubt and mild depression, luckily I never stopped and I know not that my main reason for why not stopping was because internally it was always true in my heart!
What made me realize that I was and always have been genuinely ME was that when I would modeling or coaching I wasn’t shy I was open and confident and importantly I was always happier when doing what I loved and even if I tried to stop without realizing everything I would do found it’s way in relationship to my passion. I was giving advice to friends or helping with events… it was just me growing into a new journey for me…
Like many of us we do things we are passionate about but just don’t know where or how to start but we believe strongly we will be successful “why not me!” And we may fake things till we fully achieve it organically but while we are pursuing it we don’t stop to realize the steps of making it and achieving it really are true small successes and there’s no way around it of “fake” or “imposter”.
So how do we know if we are stuck in imposter syndrome or being authentically you?
1) are you happy with what you’re doing or do you feel anxious or never good or that you’re successful? Create a resume of all the things you do so in moments of doubt you have something that can pull you out of thinking you’re an imposter or not successful
2) Does most of it come natural to you, yes there’s times we feel we must get things done or try a bit harder but that’s when we create our passion as a business and we need deadlines and want to advance more in depth, but if you find that you can’t be creative or flow you may need to ask is it in your heart? Because if it is it will be there, I promise!
3) Take time to step away once in a while and and rest… for me I take a weekend off, I don’t model and I don’t go on social platforms or I take time to do other things that I love doing that I may not do as often. It’s ok to not be doing 24/7 what you’re passionate about, it’s healthy to recharge. When it’s truly who you are you will find yourself back to it or at times even incorporating it into a new event or hobby.
When you’re good at what you do, it’s normal to move up. It’s normal to mentor and inspire others. It’s normal to be achieving your goals and striving for higher possibilities. There will be times that test you and challenge you and that may create the doubt of ‘am I who I really am’ and that is when you go back deep inside see what you’ve accomplished and realize how happy you are when you’re generally doing what you do. Ask yourself what outcome are you trying to achieve and if it’s something sincere and genuine then know that it’s not Imposter Syndrome.
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’m the CEO of Model Role Models 808 and I’m proud to say in August we produced our first fashion show Swim And fashion Week Xperience as well recently had a very successful Model Etiquette Workshop, where we broke down modeling basics of the industry, proper runway techniques and gave our models a fresh new start in their career with new model digitals.
What’s great about Role Models 808 is that we’re not just your typical model agency; we’re a comprehensive model coaching and development agency with a hybrid production twist. Our mission is to empower aspiring models and provide them with the skills and training they need to establish a successful career in the industry, all while fostering independence, with or without the support of a traditional agency.
At Role Models 808, we take a holistic approach to model development. We offer essential coaching and training in areas such as runway walking, posing, model etiquette, and effective networking and communication. These skills not only help our models excel in their careers but also instill confidence and self-assuredness.
What sets us apart from traditional agencies is our unique in-house production focus. Rather than booking models for gigs outside our production, we collaborate closely with brands and communities to create captivating in-house campaigns. This approach not only provides valuable on-set experience but also equips our models with a deeper understanding of production etiquette, enhancing their credentials and enriching their model resumes and portfolios.
Role Models 808 is all about nurturing talent, building skills, and fostering opportunities within a supportive and empowering environment. We believe in the potential of every model we work with and are dedicated to helping them thrive in the competitive world of fashion and modeling. Welcome to a different kind of modeling agency, where growth, learning, and independence are the cornerstones of success.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three impactful qualities are resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. My advice for those starting their journey is to cultivate resilience to navigate challenges, I remember when I took my first modeling class back when I was maybe 12 the instructor told me I had a large jaw… remember I’m 12… Then she continued on saying “that’s ok we can put makeup on it to make it smaller”… the reason I bring this up as a strong memory of mine is because as a child we’re very influenced, but if I had been convinced on having such a large jar, and the model industry would not except me or my jaw, or let alone any unique looks I wouldn’t be as far as I am. Not just my modeling career, but in my life of confidence, as well as becoming a model coach myself in realizing that this industry is based off of uniqueness, with that also embrace adaptability for growth, it’s powerful being confident and staying strong with WHO YOU ARE but learn a balance between the two by stepping out of your comfort zone and prioritize continuous learning to stay relevant and thrive in your chosen path.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
It’s crucial to be diverse but not at the cost of losing focus on strengths. While understanding various aspects enriches your craft, spreading too thin can lead to stress and compromise. Recently, in August 2023 I was the Director of my own fashion show Swim and Fashion Week Xperience, I aimed to be hands-on in every aspect. However, I learned that despite being knowledgeable in all areas, it’s vital to delegate and trust a strong team. Your primary role should be your focus, as others are uniquely talented in their assigned areas. Balance diversity with a dedicated team for a successful outcome, as witnessed in our recent show and know that your role is the most important and no one can play you better then you so instead of overwhelming yourself focus on your strengths!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexisrenaelinks.univer.se/
- Instagram: @im.alexis.renae
