How a VP of Product (Turned Exec Coach) Learned to Project Confidence Under Pressure (Tara Goldman)
Jan 7, 2025
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Tara Goldman, Co-founder of GoldHue and former VP of Product, shares her transition to executive coaching, revealing the pressure of high-stakes board meetings and the masks she wore in challenging environments. She discusses the toll her work had on her personal life, emphasizing the importance of personal values over corporate expectations. Tara reflects on her emotional journey, the realities of imposter syndrome, and the significance of preparation and support. Her insights inspire others to embrace authenticity in leadership.
Tara Goldman shares her experience of wearing a 'mask' in professional environments to navigate the pressures of leadership with authenticity.
The transition from a supportive role to a leadership position can induce imposter syndrome, prompting individuals to redefine their self-worth independently.
Effective communication is essential for leaders, requiring adaptability to connect with diverse stakeholders and foster collaborative partnerships.
Deep dives
The Masks We Wear in Professional Settings
In professional environments, individuals often feel compelled to adopt personas that may conflict with their true values, leading to the phenomenon of 'masking'. This practice tends to be especially prominent in tech industries, where a lack of inclusivity and diversity can make vulnerability seem like a weakness. Tara Goldman, a former VP turned executive coach, highlights the challenge of balancing professional demands with personal authenticity. She emphasizes that in order to function effectively within these pressured environments, many leaders must compartmentalize their feelings and reveal their authentic selves only in safe spaces.
Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Discovery
The journey of transitioning from a supportive role to a leadership position can provoke feelings of imposter syndrome, as individuals grapple with self-doubt. Tara shares her own experience of being encouraged by a colleague to pursue a leadership role, which she initially resisted due to her insecurities. This pivotal moment led her to reflect on her capabilities and recognize the importance of defining her personal worth independently of her past roles or associations. Ultimately, she discovered the value of vetting opportunities that aligned with her own aspirations rather than relying solely on external validation.
The Importance of Effective Communication
Tara stresses that effective communication is crucial in a leadership role, particularly in navigating discussions with varied stakeholders. She highlights that understanding the motivations and perspectives of others is essential in fostering productive conversations. Adapting communication styles to resonate with different audiences, for example, using financial language with a CFO, is a necessary skill to bridge gaps and create alignment. This adaptability not only eases interpersonal tensions but also reinforces the leader's role as a collaborative partner rather than an isolated decision-maker.
Creating Safe Spaces for Growth and Development
The need for safe spaces, both personally and professionally, is paramount for individuals experiencing the pressures of leadership roles. Tara emphasizes that surrounding oneself with a supportive network of peers can bolster confidence and facilitate personal and professional growth. It is beneficial to seek out mentors or colleagues who can provide honest feedback and constructive criticism while offering encouragement. This supportive environment allows individuals to explore new opportunities without the fear of negative consequences, fostering a culture of learning and resilience.
Defining Personal Success Beyond Conventional Standards
Tara advocates for individuals to articulate their own definitions of success rather than conforming to societal standards. She reflects on the overwhelming nature of external expectations and societal pressures that can dictate career trajectories and life choices. By emphasizing the need for personal clarity regarding success, individuals can align their actions and decisions with their authentic selves. This self-defined path encourages a more genuine pursuit of fulfillment in both personal and professional realms, leading to deeper satisfaction and success on one's own terms.
Tara Goldman, Co-Founder of GoldHue, reflects on her journey from VP of Product to executive coach. She shares vulnerable stories about the mask she had to wear in certain environments, maneuvering the pressures of high-stakes board meetings filled with “bro” executives, and striking a balance between personal values and professional expectations.
Tara opens up about:
Practicing 20+ hours to prepare for her first board meeting—and still feeling unprepared
How her identity became tied to her job and the toll it took on her family and personal life
The emotional journey of transitioning from a trusted #2 to taking the reins
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Tara Goldman: putting on the “mask”
(02:55) Growing up as a first-gen child of entrepreneurs
(08:25) The ins & outs of multilingual “product speak”
(12:47) Leaders make mistakes too
(20:00) Pressures, high stakes, and a supportive circle
(28:00) Thanks to our sponsors Navattic and Appcues
(31:55) Wearing a mask at certain times or in certain rooms
(39:47) Stepping out of our comfort zone & Tara’s first board meeting
(50:00) The Board of Directors are just people & fear of judgment
