Embracing Vulnerability

As I write this post, I must admit to feeling a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and yes, a healthy dose of anxiety. I’m embarking on a transformative journey setting up my own business and it’s one that fills me with both pride and vulnerability.

For years, I’ve worked in senior roles in corporate environments, championing the importance of fostering growth and development within organisations and tackling a myriad of challenges. And yet, despite my years of experience and expertise, there’s a part of me that can’t shake the nagging feeling of doubt—the persistent voice of imposter syndrome whispering in the shadows.

As I prepared to announce the launch of my Coaching and HR consultancy business, BZM Consult, I found myself grappling with a myriad of conflicting emotions. Would I be taken seriously as an entrepreneur? Did I have what it takes to succeed on my own terms? These questions swirled in my mind, threatening to overshadow the excitement of this new chapter.

It was during one of these moments of self-doubt that I found solace in an unexpected place—reading to my toddler at bedtime. This was even more unexpected as this is often one of the most chaotic times of my day, as I’m sure many parents can empathise with! As we read through the pages of “The Colour Monster,” for those that don’t know it, it’s a beloved children’s book that explores emotions through vibrant illustrations, in a toddler (and as it turns out anxious adult!) appropriate way. I found myself drawn to its powerful message about the importance of acknowledging and sorting through our feelings.

In the story, the Colour Monster struggles to make sense of his jumbled emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, fear—all swirling together in a chaotic mess. With the help of a friend, he learns to identify and sort through each emotion, giving them space to be felt and understood. And in doing so, he discovers a newfound sense of clarity, balance, and inner peace.

As I reflected on the lessons of “The Colour Monster,” I realized that like the Colour Monster, I too was grappling with a swirling sea of emotions—fear, doubt, excitement, anticipation. And like the Colour Monster, I needed to find a way to acknowledge and sort through these feelings, giving them the space they deserved.

That’s where coaching comes in. Through my own experiences with coaching, both as a recipient and a Coach, I’ve come to understand its profound ability to support individuals in navigating the complexities of their emotions and overcoming limiting beliefs. Coaching provides a safe and supportive space to explore, unpack, and challenge the thoughts and feelings that hold us back, empowering us to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

As I launch BZM Consult, I do so with a newfound sense of clarity and empowerment. I may still feel the twinge of anxiety and imposter syndrome from time to time, but I know that I have the tools and support to navigate these feelings with grace and resilience. I’m reframing my anxiety and embracing vulnerability as a catalyst for growth and transformation.

If you find yourself grappling with imposter syndrome, doubt or uncertainty along the way, remember that you are not alone and help can come from many different sources, even a children’s book! If you are looking for more support, please do get in touch here. Together, we can acknowledge, sort through, and overcome the emotions and beliefs that are holding you back, unlocking your full potential in the process.