For over 25 years, I worked in both the private and government sectors—in other words, I had a “job.” During that time, I developed leadership skills through various programs, courses, and hands-on experience.

Leadership started early for me. At just 22, I was thrown into the deep end of marketing and communications, expected to manage myself, lead others, and present to large forums. It was daunting. I had no mentor to guide me, and to make things worse, my first boss was a tyrant—dictatorial, abusive, and completely unsupportive.

I remember one defining moment as a young PR officer when I gave a live media update on a national radio station for a sporting event. Despite my nerves, I felt proud of myself for pulling it off. But that feeling didn’t last. Moments later, my boss called to tell me I sounded like a chipmunk and needed to “fix my voice.” It was a brutal blow to my confidence—and far from the last.

Harsh, right?

That was my introduction to the workforce, and it was anything but supportive.

Another time, during a leadership training session, a colleague publicly shamed me for wearing scarves, saying it made me look like a “hippy” rather than a professional. Another self-esteem slap in the face.

I could fill this blog with dozens of toxic encounters I experienced over my career. Yet, despite the challenges, I gained invaluable skills: how to communicate effectively, build rapport, manage conflict, and lead with confidence. I also learned a lot about myself—like being 70% introvert, 30% extrovert, an “I” energy type, and an implementer with an autonomous thinking style.

But even with all this knowledge and experience, I still felt like a “yes” girl—conforming to who I was told to be. I played the role of the leader my seniors expected, believing that fitting in would help me stand out.

But did I really stand out?

Sure, I was regarded as a high performer and was generally well-liked. But when I reflect on that version of myself, I realised she wasn’t the real me—she was the version I thought I had to be.

It wasn’t until I started studying for my life coaching credentials that I had my breakthrough. I saw how deeply enmeshed I was in my “good girl” mask—afraid to fail, desperate to please, terrified of saying no.

What I now know is this: true leadership isn’t about being the leader others expect you to be. It’s about being the leader you were born to be.

I am not a product of a leadership manual or a personality test. I am someone who has done the deep inner work to shift my mindset, to believe I am worthy, loved, and enough. I have trained my subconscious to embrace my power, positivity, confidence, and gratitude.

This journey has made me:

✨ Resilient
 ✨ Curious
 ✨ Bold
 ✨ Emotional
 ✨ Loving
 ✨ Fun
 ✨ Optimistic
 ✨ Playful

This is why I am a confident leader—because I have connected with my true self, not the version I thought I should be.

If you feel stuck in a cycle, unable to reach your goals and dreams, I want to help you reconnect with your I AM—the truest, most powerful version of you.

Because IaMportant ❤️

When you lead from that place, infinite possibilities open up.

Let’s connect. Email me at [email protected]—your transformation starts here.