We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Mentrup a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Joshua, 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.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of self-reflection and growth for me. Initially, I grappled with feeling like I wasn’t qualified enough or that I’d be exposed as a ‘fraud’ despite my successes. What helped me was realizing that this syndrome is not unique to me; many successful and highly competent people experience these doubts.
I tackled it by focusing on my achievements, no matter how small, and understanding that expertise is a spectrum—there’s always more to learn, and that’s okay. Sharing my feelings with trusted peers also opened my eyes to the fact that these feelings are normal and can be a sign of humility and a drive to improve.
Most importantly, I embraced a mindset of continuous learning. The world of automation is ever-evolving, and acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers but am committed to finding them has been liberating. This approach not only quelled my imposter syndrome but also made me more approachable and relatable to my clients and peers, reinforcing that expertise isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about navigating the unknown with confidence and curiosity.
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?
At the heart of what I do is automation, but it’s so much more than just streamlining processes. It’s about empowering businesses, from small startups to larger enterprises, to operate more efficiently and creatively. By automating mundane tasks, we unlock a wealth of time and resources, allowing businesses to focus on innovation, growth, and providing unparalleled value to their customers.
What excites me most about this field is the transformative impact it has. Every time we implement a solution, we’re not just changing how tasks are done; we’re elevating the entire business model, enhancing employee satisfaction, and often, reshaping the customer experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see businesses thrive and evolve with our help.
Regarding our brand, we’re committed to demystifying automation. We believe it should be accessible, understandable, and usable for everyone, not just those with technical expertise. That’s why we focus on creating user-friendly solutions and providing clear, jargon-free guidance.
As for what’s new, we’re excited about our upcoming workshop series designed for small business owners. These sessions are all about identifying key areas within their operations that are ripe for automation and providing them with the tools and knowledge to implement these changes themselves. It’s part of our mission to make automation accessible to all, and we can’t wait to share it with our community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements stand out as instrumental: curiosity, resilience, and the ability to simplify complex concepts.
**Curiosity** has been the driving force behind my exploration of automation. This field is vast and ever-evolving, so maintaining a sense of wonder and an eagerness to learn has kept me at the forefront of new developments. For those starting out, I’d advise cultivating a habit of asking questions, not just about how things work, but why they work the way they do and how they can be improved. This mindset opens up endless possibilities for innovation.
**Resilience** has been crucial, especially in facing challenges and setbacks. In the world of technology and business, not every project goes as planned, and failure can often be your greatest teacher. Embrace it. Learn from each experience and use it as a stepping stone. For newcomers, my advice is to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Resilience isn’t about never failing; it’s about bouncing back stronger each time.
**Simplifying complex concepts** has allowed me to make automation accessible to a broader audience. It’s one thing to understand a sophisticated system, but another to explain it in a way that anyone can grasp and see the value in. To those early in their journey, I recommend practicing the art of explanation. Try to teach what you learn to someone unfamiliar with the subject. It will not only deepen your understanding but also enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
For anyone embarking on a similar path, focus on nurturing these qualities. Stay curious, embrace resilience, and learn to demystify complexity. These pillars will not only propel you forward but also enable you to bring others along on your journey.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve found that stepping back and taking a moment to breathe and reassess is crucial. In the fast-paced world of automation and technology, it’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae and lose sight of the bigger picture. So, my first step is always to pause and gain some perspective.
One strategy that works for me is breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts. It’s like debugging a complex piece of code; you tackle it line by line. This approach helps me focus on one thing at a time, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks.
I also rely heavily on the very principle of my work—automation. I look for tasks that are consuming too much of my time and energy and find ways to automate or streamline them. It’s a constant cycle of optimization, not just for my clients but for my workflow as well.
Mindfulness and physical activity are other key components of my strategy. A quick walk, meditation, or even a few minutes of deep breathing can work wonders in clearing my mind and reducing stress. It’s amazing how a little bit of physical movement can reset your mental state.
For anyone experiencing overwhelm, my advice is to remember that it’s okay to take a step back. Use that time to break down tasks, prioritize, and don’t shy away from seeking tools or methods to make your workload more manageable. And always, make a little time for self-care; your mental and physical well-being is paramount.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://insidermanagement.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.automates/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-mentrup/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv9tkC-X_iYeZQ7p1zKXtiw
