The Little Black Dress of Business: Authenticity, Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

This one may seem like it's for the ladies, but trust me, this message is for everyone. (Gentlemen, replace “LBD” with “power suit.”)

There's a reason the little black dress (LBD) has never gone out of style.

It's timeless. It's versatile. It works in any room, for any occasion. And the moment you put it on, you feel a sense of confidence. You have a glow about you. Maybe you stand a little taller. Or perhaps you walk with a strut. Regardless, you feel good in your own skin.

Authenticity works the same way.

I've been talking about authentic communication for about a decade, and one of the most common things I hear from people is some version of: "I just need to get more confident first, and then I'll feel comfortable showing up as my real self."

I get it. I really do. But here's the thing... that's backwards.

Think about it. We don't wait until we feel confident to put on our LBD. We put it on, and the confidence follows. 

The same is true for authenticity. When you stop presenting a version of yourself you think people want to see, and just show up as you, the confidence comes. 

You're not pretending to be someone else. You're not trying to remember what that "other version" of you would say or do. You're just being you, and that is the most confidence boosting thing in the world.

And that imposter syndrome that so many of us carry around? It starts to lose its grip. Because you can't be an imposter when you're just being yourself.

I want you to take a pause and sit with this for a second: You deserve to be in the room. Read it again and really let it soak in. (Go ahead, I can wait.)

Whether it's a boardroom, a stage, a networking event or a Zoom call with people who intimidate you a little, you belong there. You were invited for a reason. You have something to say that other people need to hear.

The nerves you feel before you walk in? They're normal. But don't let them convince you that you don't belong. Instead, let them be a signal that what you're about to do matters. Don't mistake that passion and excitement for fear, and don't let it derail you.

So the next time you're about to walk into a room that feels a little too big, or step up to a mic that feels a little too close, don't shrink. Put on your metaphorical LBD. Show up as yourself, fully and unapologetically, and trust that your voice, your story and your message are exactly what that room needs.

Confidence isn't something you wait for. It's something you step into.

And if you want some help doing that, my Authenticity Blueprint workbook is a great place to start.

Speak Success,

P.S. Want to see the little black dress of business in action? You can watch my full talk from the Business of WE Leadership Conference right here.