Hey ,

Imagine this:

You just finished a coffee catch up with a friend and you feel so inspired to start something— perhaps it is taking content creation more seriously, putting more thought into building your personal brand, or starting a podcast!

In fact, this is not the first time you've thought of this. You've been wanting to do this thing for months, years even. You just haven't started.

Sounds familiar? Maybe this has happened to you before. And if so, you're not alone! I've been through this scenario plenty of times.

Here's the thing, many rising leaders like yourself are stuck, not because they lack talent or drive, but because of an internal narrative holding them back. Either:

One— They have a poor perception of themselves with regards to the goal. We act in accordance to our identity. If they look down on that facet of their identity, it is no surprise that they don't take action.

They think: "I have zero followers, who is going to hear me?" or "I just started in my industry, maybe I should collect more experience first" or simply "I'm just awkward on camera"

or Two— Many of us are unwilling to be bad at something. Many of us have ego keeping us from doing something we are bad at. We're taught to celebrate perfection and look down on failure.

But here's the truth— You cannot inspire others until you’ve shifted the perception you hold of yourself. Your self-perception shapes your reality—it acts as the filter through which you see opportunities and relationships.

For example, if you perceive that having "zero followers" means you are not influential, or not worth listening to... you'll naturally avoid speaking up in meetings or sharing your ideas through your content.

If you perceive having "little experience" means you are not credible, you will come across less confident in your interactions with potential clients and collaborators.

If you perceive yourself as socially awkward, you'll naturally speak in a more timid way, or completely avoid conversations in networking events, possibly making excuses to yourself to avoid such events in the first place.

Now, the above examples seems obvious. But the higher you rise in leadership, the less obvious these limiting perceptions may be.

Perhaps you have been communicating your ideas in writing for the longest time. In the past year, when you see reels and short videos rising in popularity, you may have told yourself "nah, videos aren't my thing. I'm great at writing already, why mess it up?"

This, by the way, could be a completely valid point. If deep down, you want to stick with writing and not explore speaking, go for it.

But maybe you have been curious about speaking and recording videos. Perhaps you have been feeling excited by the idea of you potentially giving speeches on a stage.

If so - Have you been dimming your own light? Have you been keeping yourself within the confines of the limited perception you have of yourself?

Whatever flaws or weaknesses you think you may have, it is up to you to reframe it for yourself, before you can reframe it for others.

The 3-Word Question you want to ask yourself whenever you catch yourself repeating a limiting belief to yourself: IS THIS TRUE??

Is it true that "zero followers" = less influence?

Having "zero followers" could mean that you have the opportunity to brand yourself from a clean slate. (I know of people who had to do a complete 180 degrees rebranding, because their previous brand wasn't serving them anymore. Undoing old branding is a lot harder than starting on a clean slate)

Is it true that "little experience" = not credible?

Having "little experience" could mean that you have an unbiased filter, a set of fresh eyes in this industry, which would be a huge asset when the old ways are no longer working.

Is it true that "socially awkward" = ??? Actually, is it even true that you are socially awkward?

Maybe you're just awkward in certain types of social events, and if so, this could give you the opportunity for you to test out networking strategies that work for you and your personality. Who knows, you may inspire the people around you for creating your own version of charisma!

Ultimately, this piece of research sums it up beautifully:

"Individuals who frame their self-presentation in a way that highlights their uniqueness and authenticity are more likely to attract like-minded individuals and form meaningful connections."— *Snyder, M. (1987). Public Appearances, Private Realities: The Psychology of Self-Monitoring

REMEMBER THIS:

Here are some examples:

• I worked with my first 3 clients within my first month of business despite having zero followers. Here's how.
• Here's how I'm able to network with confidence despite being the least experienced consultant in the room.
• Combine your 'awkward personality' with a strength of yours.

Imagine this: a leader who seems awkward at first, but when they start speaking, shares gems of wisdom with power and presence. Or who writes impactful content that shifts perspectives. I personally have met internet personalities who are hilarious on screen, but are actually awkward/introvert in real life. This contrast reflects the multi-faceted nature of humans which actually reflects authenticity and invites connection.

There is evidence from psychological and social research suggesting that displaying a multi-faceted personality—such as combining traits like confidence and awkwardness—can have unique benefits in certain contexts.

Here's the cold hard truth: Whatever excuse you're giving yourself to justify your (lack of) results, is actually masking the truth which is this— You create your results. You influence how people perceive you.

Self-doubt, the fear of imperfection, and the ego's unwillingness to see our limiting beliefs are the silent barriers. We hesitate because we’re not “ready,” or because we can’t bear the thought of being bad at something. But here’s the thing: mastery starts with willingness, not perfection.

1 - Lead Your Mind Before You Lead Others

The way you perceive your own abilities, strengths, and potential directly influences the way you interact with the world. Your self-perception is the lens through which you recognize opportunities and build relationships—it determines how you show up in your personal and professional life.

As Deci and Ryan aptly point out, “Confidence does not come from being liked by others but from being aligned with one’s own values and goals.” [Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behaviour]

Stop letting the world’s frame define your identity. Instead, craft your own frame. When you view yourself as capable, others will mirror that perception back to you.

2 - Embrace Imperfection as a Strength. Your Weakness can be your Greatest Uniqueness.

Many leaders avoid starting because their ego fears failure. Yet, the Pratfall Effect shows that vulnerability enhances relatability. Elliot Aronson’s research proves that being imperfect, when coupled with competence, makes you not just approachable but memorable.

This means your awkwardness or perceived weaknesses, when embraced, can become the very traits that set you apart. The unexpected combination of confidence and imperfection captures attention and forges deeper connections.

Here's my advice: Be confident in what you do know, and be curious about what you don't know.

I've coached a billionaire before. How did I get the confidence to do so? I reminded myself why I was hired-- to consult on social media marketing and coach on public speaking. I wasn't hired to give advice on business... that is the their expertise. As long as I stayed in my lane, I showed up with conviction and confidence.

3 - Practice Self-Mastery: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Cultivate Self-Awareness

• Use journaling or meditation to uncover limiting beliefs.
• Reflect: “What story am I telling myself about who I am?”

Step 2: Shift Your Self-Perception

• Replace disempowering beliefs with empowering alternatives (e.g., “I’m inexperienced” → “I’m a fast learner”).
• Practice self-affirmation rooted in evidence from your life and achievements.

Step 3: Anchor on Your Truths

• Define your values and purpose.
• Ask: “What kind of leader do I want to be for myself?”
• Anchor on your truths:
• "What do I know is true for myself?" (for me, I believe this— When I show up as my authentic self, I attract aligned clients who will pay me)
• "What are beliefs I hold dear to my heart?"

Step 4: Commit to daily practice

• Set micro-goals to demonstrate alignment between beliefs and actions.
• Reinforce: “Every decision I make influences the leader within.”
• Pause before reacting; lead emotions instead of being led by them.

The Ripple Effect of Leading Yourself

Once you master self-leadership, influencing others becomes a natural extension.

• The Law of Reflection: How you perceive and treat yourself mirrors how others perceive and treat you.
• Energy Transfer: The confidence and alignment you embody create environments of trust and inspiration.
• Leading by Example: Demonstrating self-mastery empowers others to do the same.

The real barrier between you and the impact you want to create isn’t your inexperience, imperfections, or doubts—it’s the story you’ve been telling yourself. Leadership doesn’t start when others believe in you; it begins when you believe in yourself.

Use this powerful 3 words: IS THIS TRUE?

Every time you choose to shift your perception, embrace imperfection, and lead your mind, you create a ripple effect that transforms how others see and respond to you. Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Start leading yourself and you'll attract the clients and opportunities you are already ready for.

An Invitation

“Change your mind’s perception of yourself, and you change the world’s perception of you.”

If you're committed to changing (or elevating) your self-perception, self-respect, and internal conviction… here's an invitation for you:

The Rising Leaders House Party is your invitation to take charge of your inner narrative and step into your authentic power. In this one-week self-paced course, discover how to influence your mind, reframe self-doubt, and confidently express your unique voice.

For a limited time only, you'll get access to a 40 mins 1-1 coaching session with me. This is usually only offered in my 4-figures signature coaching program (The OYV Circle). This is an amazing opportunity for us to work together, and I hope you choose for us to!

I guarantee that by the end of this course, you'll leave with greater clarity, creativity and alignment.

Let's Do It!

I’ve created 3 perspective shifting lessons that will help you shift your inner narrative and elevate your self-image. Not just that, you'll learn to become strategically-intuitive in your writing, speaking and content creation. Most importantly, it'll guide you into the essential inner and outer work to lead with your voice, whether you're a business owner or corporate rising leader.

Here’s what some peeps said about the course!

Here’s the thing: I’ll be putting this course out for purchase soon, and it’ll be a self-paced learning course.

But what makes it ULTRA effective is the 1-1 coaching you get with it. I won’t be offering this course with the 1-1 coaching included for long. If you’re keen to experience coaching with me (which usually only my oyv coachees in my 4-figures coaching program have access to), then this is your chance!

I’ll love to support you and get you started in owning your voice at a whole new level.

Simply purchase here, and you’ll get instant access to the lessons! You’ll then receive an email on how to book your 1-1 call with me within 48 hours.

Sign me up!

Remember, being a leader starts with how you lead your thoughts - in every moment. So make a commitment, look at the bigger picture, and never stop building a relationship with your unique voice.

Remember, you’ve light in you that the world is waiting to see. Go thrive 💗<3

Love,

Rae x