We were lucky to catch up with Eleanor Hancock recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eleanor, 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.
For me, overcoming imposter syndrome has been less about eradicating it and more about learning to use and grow with it, transforming it into a tool rather than a barrier. Some might say I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, a people pleaser, and not one to take risks without a guarantee of shiny success. It’s in my wiring. This mindset, while it kept me ‘safe’, also bred a persistent undercurrent of self-doubt and anxiety about my capabilities which led me right to the brink of burn-out.
I’ve always appeared confident and capable on the outside, a good communicator and empath hiding behind a sharp sense of humour, who brings people together professionally and personally, seemingly effortlessly. But, deep down, I have always grappled with feelings of inadequacy, of being ‘not enough’ and ‘must do better’.
The real turning point in managing my imposter syndrome came from a realisation that impactful growth lies just outside our comfort zones. It doesn’t always require those grand leaps and jumps into the unknown. Instead, it’s about identifying your unique niche or value—the thing that sets you apart and guides your direction. It’s about gathering the confidence to take just those initial steps into unfamiliar territory and understanding that there’s no need to fear or worry about the unseen at the end of the path; often, the journey itself equips us with the tools and insights we need to navigate challenges as they arise. We just need to get going.
I developed and embraced the ‘75% Rule’, which has become a cornerstone of my approach. This concept may feel a little challenging at first, but it’s about giving yourself permission to step forward when you’re three-quarters there, before the perfectionism and procrastination kicks in. This principle is built on the foundation that waiting to feel completely ready is just a sneaky form of self-sabotage. We grow by doing, by being in motion, and learning from the experiences we gather along the way.
In my tool belt, I’ve built up a bank of confidence—not the loud, boisterous, slap it all over socials kind, but a quiet confidence that comes from knowing your worth and the real value you bring. This doesn’t erase imposter syndrome; but it quietens it down. Now, when those nagging doubts whisper, I thank my brain for trying to keep me safe, remind myself of the concrete value I’ve provided in the past, and enjoy the fact that I must be pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
In essence, I believe that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about silencing it completely; it’s about turning that doubt into a voice that pushes you to continually strive for better, reminding you that growth comes from action, not from waiting until everything feels perfect. It’s about embracing your unique path and knowing that even if you are a ‘timid trailblazer’, your contributions are just as impactful, if not more so, because they are authentically yours.
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?
At Number 75 Design, we’re not just about creating designs that look good; we build damn fine brands and websites with a plan of action for creative, forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are sick of sitting quietly in the background and are ready to shine! My partner, Matt, and I co-founded this creative studio with a vision to do more than just offer bog-standard design services. We are here to (diplomatically) disrupt the conventional, to challenge the norms, and to (respectfully) redefine what branding means for entrepreneurs who dare to dream big.
What sets us apart is our approach—we’re not just designers; we’re storytellers and strategists who dive deep into the soul of each brand we work with. This approach allows us to uncover and articulate the unique narrative of our clients in a way that resonates on another level with their audiences. We believe that a great brand should be so much more than just a logo and a pretty palette of colours, it’s about finding that uniqueness, those values, that magic that sets you apart.
The most exciting aspect of what we do at Number 75 Design is watching the transformative journey of our clients. From initial ideas to the final rollout, seeing a brand come to life and start to move markets and minds is profoundly rewarding. Being part of a client’s journey to redefine themselves and find their own confidence to step into their success makes us incredibly proud.
Currently, we’re focusing on perfecting our offerings. This includes the launch of a new series of resources aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to embrace their uniqueness, step out of their comfort zone and learn to use the ‘75% Rule’—our philosophy that perfection isn’t necessary to make significant, ground-breaking progress. These resources are designed to help participants break free from the paralysis of perfection and take bold steps forward.
We are also excited about the recent revamp of our website, which now better reflects our philosophy and showcases our portfolio. This update is part of our strategy to ensure that our online presence is as dynamic and innovative as the services we provide.
For anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and business, or for those looking to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality with a brand that truly stands out, (even if you don’t want to!) Number 75 Design is your ally. It’s my mission to guide you through the fog of conventional approaches and lead you into the clarity of a brand that truly represents who you are and what you stand for.
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 and the core values that have shaped both my personal growth and professional success at Number 75 Design, I think these three universal qualities and skills have been most impactful…
Empathy:
Empathy is so much more than a professional skill; it’s a way of connecting that goes beyond job titles or industries. As a ‘covert introvert’, a quiet change-maker, for me, the ability to truly understand where people are coming from, to see things from their perspective, has been a game-changer in developing leadership skills and opportunities for growth.
To grow in empathy, really listen when others speak, not just waiting for your turn to talk. Immerse yourself in diverse environments. Join different community groups, or engage in conversations with people whose lives look nothing like yours. This doesn’t just enrich your understanding of others—it strengthens every relationship you have, personal and professional.
Courage to Innovate:
Innovation isn’t just confined to creatives; it’s crucial in every personal and professional experience. It’s about daring to step out of that comfort zone, and to break new ground. This kind of courage has driven the most significant leaps forward in my career and personal life, leading to the biggest change and growth… and guess what, I survived!!!
My advice here is to start small. Tackle challenges that push you just a bit further than you’re comfortable with. It could be speaking up in a meeting, taking a class in something you’ve always wanted to learn, or going to that social event on your own even though it feels a bit weird. Then celebrate these small wins—they build the confidence you need for the bigger challenges.
Strategic Thinking and Storytelling:
Combining strategic thinking with storytelling is incredibly powerful for anyone. It’s not just about plotting a path or sharing an idea; it’s about inspiring people, moving them to action. If you are a quieter type, these are tools you can use to influence and lead. Whether you’re navigating your career, championing a cause, or setting personal objectives, how you frame your story will hugely influence your success.
Practice by planning out small personal projects or setting short-term goals. Get into the habit of journaling and writing, or really consider the talks and writings of effective communicators you admire to discover what you resonate with and better shape your visions. Then share them.
Remember, growth is an ongoing adventure, not a final destination. Look out for learning opportunities wherever you can. Reflect on your experiences, stay adaptable, and be kind to yourself – this isn’t a race! Embracing a mindset of curiosity and openness will not only build resilience but will also keep you moving forward, whether that pesky imposter syndrome shows up, or not!
Who is your ideal client, or person you like to work with?
Our ideal client at Number 75 Design is someone who isn’t just looking for a nice-to-have brand or a website, but is looking for a way to really challenge how they present themselves to the world. They are the dreamers, rebels, creators, and change-makers—individuals who are ready to step out of the shadows and make a significant impact. They are driven and creative, but may need help channelling that energy into a cohesive brand that truly represents them. They’re not just thinking outside the box; they’re ready to reshape the box entirely.
They are not looking to blend in, they’re ready to shine. Our clients are tired of playing small or following the conventional path laid out before them. They may be nervous about taking centre stage in their industry, but are prepared to push forward with a brand that reflects their standout vision.
They’re big picture thinkers and are looking for more than just aesthetics. Our clients are looking for designs that not only look great but also perform well, driving their success and business goals forward.
They are Change-Makers and Leaders, they’re not just part of the crowd; they’re leading it. Whether they’re starting a movement, flipping the switch in their industry, or just doing things differently, they need a brand that captures their pioneering spirit.
By working with clients who possess these characteristics, we can create truly transformative brands and websites that not only meet but exceed expectations, propelling our clients toward their goals of making that notable impact in their fields, finding the freedom they’ve been looking for, or marching towards world domination… whichever they prefer!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.number75design.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/number75design/
- Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-hancock-204192157
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/c5rMJGlTI2o?si=El8DYPk1HdEKnZaZ
