I hope to inspire you.
We all want the next great thing. The opportunity of a lifetime. The perfect job. The introduction that will catapult us forward. We wait, patiently expecting the universe to recognize our potential. I’m sorry to tell you that by taking that approach, you will end up waiting a long time.
Great opportunities and lasting success emerge when you are the one stepping into leadership. Believe in your potential and the future you envision. Let go of the fear of failure and embrace the empowering story of knowing your true worth.
Move into action.
What if your internal narrative was tossed aside and instead you moved into action? What if you made that cold call to thank the one person who has so significantly impacted your life? Go introduce yourself to the admired leader, author, or professor. What if you unabashedly recognized that you have as much to give as the other? How might your life change?
In March of 2020, I did just that. I blindly reached out to thank a long-admired podcast host, Dave Stachowiak. While I certainly did not know him personally, I had followed his podcast for years and was continually impressed with his lineup of guests, the knowledge he imparted, and the questions he asked. I admired his work and felt inspired to let him know the positive impact he was making.
Dave was my Oprah of Leadership.
What I’d gotten in return wasn’t a form reply or a note from an assistant. Instead, Dave responded to me personally. To say that I was shocked would be an understatement. I was star-struck, intimidated, and delighted.
Fast forward to today, I now consider Dave a friend and colleague. While still a legend in my mind, he and I have come to work together, and I currently serve as a fellow for Coaching for Leaders.
Most excitingly, I want to share a podcast episode that Dave and I just recorded on Coaching for Leaders that discusses this very challenge: How to Talk to People Who Intimidate You. We discuss things from the perspective of the intimidator and the intimidated, in addition to how to embrace nervousness and how to recognize the gifts you have to give.
Why is this important? Because what I have come to realize is that we all have a “Dave” in our lives. Someone who we wish we could learn from and connect with but don’t because we are paralyzed by intimidation (i.e., feeling as if you don’t measure up, that they are out of our league, or that we have nothing to offer). This is purely a story you are telling yourself, and a created mindset holding you back from a potentially rewarding relationship.
All it takes is five seconds of bravery
I tell you this story only because I am no different than you. In fact, I have honed the skill of bravery, and in return have developed wonderful connections and relationships. I hope to awaken the spark within you, to harness the belief that you are worthy of those relationships, and that you have gifts to share.
The shift in mindset is the one thing that will alter your future. You are the one navigating your life, and many people are ready and willing to help, but who await your invitation.
Find the courage and shift your mindset.
Finally, Dave interviewed Tom Henschel about How to Grow Your Professional Network. This is an excellent resource that I wanted to share - and one that will help you think about mindset, expectations, and how to most effectively approach intimidating people.
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