236: The Executive Mindset Gap Part 1: Why You’re Struggling to Think Like an Executive
Feb 4, 2025
auto_awesome
Explore the secrets behind developing an authentic executive mindset. Discover how executive presence can transform your leadership style. Learn to combat imposter syndrome and embrace self-kindness for personal growth. Understand the importance of taking uncomfortable actions and making mistakes for career acceleration. Get ready to reflect on your self-perceptions and boost your confidence in professional environments.
Developing an authentic executive presence is crucial for effective leadership and helps mitigate burnout from trying to conform to external molds.
Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing discomfort are essential steps in reclaiming personal power and fostering a resilient executive mindset.
Deep dives
Understanding the Executive Mindset
An executive mindset is not a role one simply turns on or off; it is an inherent way of being that reflects authenticity and decision-making. Many individuals feel exhausted trying to fit into a mold defined by others, leading to burnout and misalignment with their true selves. Embracing who you are and showing up authentically in professional settings can significantly alleviate the pressure associated with executive roles. Instead of mimicking the behaviors of others, cultivating your unique executive presence fosters a healthier work-life balance and enhances overall effectiveness.
The Importance of Executive Presence
Executive presence is a cornerstone of the executive mindset and serves as the foundation for effective leadership. This presence facilitates calmness and assurance, enabling leaders to set intentions and navigate challenges without succumbing to stress. Self-reflection is essential in identifying areas where executive presence may feel strained, such as navigating relationships or communication styles in the workplace. Recognizing and adjusting these dynamics can transform exhausting situations, allowing leaders to engage more confidently and strategically.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome often undermines confidence and executive presence, particularly in women and minority leaders who question their abilities in predominantly male environments. Acknowledging and addressing these feelings is vital for growth; second-guessing oneself restricts cognitive resources that should be directed towards business priorities rather than personal insecurities. Developing situational awareness and fostering a growth mindset allows leaders to stop faking it and start leaning into their true capabilities. By confronting fears surrounding competence and decision-making, leaders can reclaim their power and operate at their full potential.
Embracing Discomfort for Growth
Growth often stems from discomfort, and true executives learn to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. Normalizing the experience of discomfort provides leaders with the resilience needed to navigate setbacks effectively. It is essential to foster self-awareness and practice self-kindness throughout one’s journey, allowing for mistakes and learning opportunities without harsh self-judgment. By prioritizing personal growth over perfectionism and caring for one’s well-being, leaders can cultivate a more robust executive mindset that propels them forward.
Why do so many of us struggle to “think like an executive”? If you’ve ever felt like you’re not quite hitting the mark, that people aren’t listening to you, or that you’re constantly scrambling, this series is for you. In part 1 of my executive mindset gap series, I dive into the foundation of executive mindset: executive presence. I explore the common misconceptions, the impact of imposter syndrome, and why "faking it" can lead to burnout. Join me to learn how to develop an authentic executive mindset, build self-awareness, and take the uncomfortable actions that will set you apart.
And come back for part 2 where I dive deeper with a powerful executive thinking framework!
I dive into:
Executive presence: the foundation of the executive mindset and how to develop it authentically
Overcoming imposter syndrome and second-guessing yourself
Adopting a growth mindset, taking uncomfortable action, and dealing with mistakes
The power of self-awareness, self-talk, and feedback in leadership
And more
**Useful links**
If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy
Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode