“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (former President of Liberia)
Have you ever talked yourself out of an opportunity?
Heard that quiet voice whispering in your head, “Who do you think you are?” Been afraid someone might judge you as less than competent?
When your dreams scare you, it really doesn’t feel brave at all. It feels vulnerable, like you might be exposed for not being as together as you seem.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. This is what Impostor Syndrome is all about. And if you’ve been experiencing it, chances are you’re not failing. You’re growing.
So I want to offer you a reframe: That feeling does not mean you are not good enough. It means you are stretching. It means you care. And it means you’re alive!
The Hidden Side of Ambition
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just show up when we’re unprepared. In fact, it often appears at the very point we’re stretching into something new, bold, or exciting. It often affects those who care the most and who hold themselves to incredibly high standards. It’s especially common among high achievers with high standards and a strong desire to excel.
It’s that quiet, gnawing feeling of being “less than.” Less experienced. Less ready. Less deserving.
I saw it in my work with senior executives, especially women, who often questioned whether they had earned their place, even when their track record said otherwise. But when others come across as louder, more confident, and more established, it’s easy to assume they are more worthy.
Even knowing it was an illusion, I wasn’t immune either.
From Business Leader to Beginner
We had no local track record in property. No construction background. And very little technical knowledge at the outset.
So when we spoke to potential investors, the doubts hit hard. Why would anyone trust us?
That was the voice of impostor syndrome. And it didn’t matter how irrational it was. Left unchecked, it easily could have stopped us in our tracks.
From South Africa to the UK – and Back to Square One
When Danny and I moved from South Africa to the UK, we knew we weren’t just relocating. We were recalibrating our whole lives.
We wanted a new challenge. Something tangible, creative, and grounded in transformation. Property development caught our attention. We weren’t complete novices; we had some experience as investors in South Africa, and we loved the idea of revitalising buildings and creating places people would want to live and work. Plus, we had decades of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, deep coaching expertise, and strong business fundamentals
So we went for it!
…And very quickly, the doubts crept in… new market, no local track record, no construction background. Enter my impostor voice: Who are you to think you can do this? Why would anyone invest in a project led by you?
Moving Through It
You may be facing your own version of this right now. A promotion. A dream you haven’t dared to start. An idea you keep putting off.
Here’s what I want you to know:
- You’re not faking it. You’re learning it. And the only way to build confidence is through consistent action.
- Perfection is a myth. I’ve coached many leaders who believed they had to get everything 100% right. But the fact is, “perfect” does not exist. Perfection is just a subjective opinion. We are all different, and what I consider to be perfect will not be perfect in your eyes.
- Your experience counts – more than you realise. Whether you’re shifting industries or roles, the skills you’ve honed over time don’t disappear. They translate. They evolve. They support you in new contexts.
In our case, the strategic foundations of our consultancy business are now the foundations of our property business. Skills like communication, team dynamics, financial acuity, and more. What initially felt like starting again with a complete reinvention actually turned out to be a redirection of the same strengths.
The upside is that there’s no rule that says you have to feel confident before you act. Confidence grows through consistent, thoughtful action.
So that’s what we did. We acted.
Momentum Beats Self-Doubt, Every Time
Looking back, the early days of our property journey were tough. New jargon. Complex regulations. Steep learning curves.
So, as I always do, I turned to the mantra that has stayed with me since I first heard it, over 20 years ago. It comes from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and it goes like this:
“Energy flows where your attention goes, in the direction of your intention.”
If your focus is on everything you lack, your energy will follow. On the other hand, when you commit to taking action each day, in service of what it is you really want (your intention), momentum builds.
We set out to find the best property training in the UK, and surrounded ourselves with experienced professionals. Our architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, engineers, and planners are not just names on a list. They are trusted experts with decades of experience, personally referred by our mentors. They know which contractors are worth their weight in gold, and they will help us keep things on track when the inevitable curveballs arise.
And yes, we know that curveballs are part of the process, and we anticipate them to pop up. We don’t expect the progression of any of our projects to be entirely smooth. But we have ensured our company is well structured, and we are prepared to address issues early. That’s where our leadership experience helps – bringing teams together, facilitating communication, and aligning them around shared goals.
Still Not Immune? That’s Okay Too
Impostor syndrome doesn’t mean you’re broken; it means you care deeply about getting it right. Again, you don’t have to feel confident to act courageously. You just have to move.
So if we were having coffee and you told me, “I don’t think I can do this”, this is what I would say:
“Know your why. Invest in yourself with training, coaching, or mentorship. Surround yourself with a small group who believe in you. And take small, meaningful steps. Daily.”
The more you move, the quieter that voice becomes.
Eighteen months down the line, I’m amazed at how far we have come. We are no longer considered novices; now others ask us what we think. We’ve been accepted into two of the UK’s top advanced property development programmes, where participation is on a selection basis. Our next projects will be much bigger as we soon begin converting old commercial and industrial spaces into smart new homes.
It’s exciting. And daunting!
I still catch myself doubting. Then I remind myself… we are not trying to project an image. We are actively doing work that counts. The UK has a big housing shortage. People need places to live that are functional, well-appointed, and thoughtfully designed.
We are proud to be involved with this kind of development, projects that turn neglected, unused buildings into valuable homes. The apartments we’re creating are smart and stylish. They’re the kind of places we’d be happy for our own family to live in.
Contribution and sustainability go hand in hand, though, and we also have ambitious financial goals to achieve. We invest our own capital into every project, alongside that of our investors. It keeps us risk-aware, measured and deliberate.
We don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we know enough. And we know how to get the rest!
If You’re in the Doubt Zone, This is For You
If your dreams feel a little out of reach right now, good! It means they’re worth pursuing.
Maybe you’re in a new role, a new country, or facing a decision that feels too big. Here’s what I’d want you to hear:
- Everyone you admire once stood where you are.
- You are not “less than.” You arebecoming.
- You don’t need to silence the doubt to move forward. You just need to not let it drive you.
And if you’re considering working with us, as an investor, a collaborator, or a peer, here’s what you should know:
- We’re not aiming for perfect. Rather, we are prepared.
- We do what we are good at and bring in experts for the rest. We ask for advice. We think ahead. We back our decisions with logic, integrity, and expertise.
And yes, we still have wobbly knees sometimes. But we are building purposefully. And we’re growing.
Personally.
Professionally.
Together.