Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embrace Your Expertise, Build Your Personal Brand, and Lead With Confidence

Darlene Hawley

How to Turn Client Testimonials, Leadership Experience, and Proven Skills into Powerful Credibility Builders

Have you ever felt like you’re standing at the edge of your own greatness but can’t quite bring yourself to say, “Yes, I’m really good at what I do”?

This week, two different clients told me, within a few short hours of each other, “I need your big brain in my business." & " I can’t imagine reaching these goals without you.”

You’d think after 18 years of helping people craft their messages, refine their strategies, and step confidently into the spotlight, I’d have zero trouble saying, “Yes, I’m great at what I do.” But, if I’m honest, I still hesitate. I still wrestle with impostor syndrome.

The saying "we teach what we need to learn" rings true for me.

Even with all of these success stories on repeat in my head, there’s a quiet voice whispering, “Don’t brag. Don’t make it about you.”

We all have that voice, am I right?

That little inner critic that pops up and tries to keep us playing small.

Maybe you’re a leader who’s launched amazing programs, a business owner who’s served countless happy clients, or a professional who’s earned promotion after promotion. Yet, when it comes time to claim it out loud, to own the value you bring, you shrink back, you play small. The fear of sounding arrogant or the thought of “Who am I to say I’m the expert?” can be and feel scary.

The truth is, sharing your wins isn’t bragging. It’s giving others permission to believe in you and trust what you bring to the table. When we hide our achievements, we’re actually doing a disservice not just to ourselves, but to the very people who need our help.

By acknowledging our expertise, we create opportunities for deeper impact.

We attract clients who value our work.

We inspire peers and rising leaders to see what’s possible. We build credibility on a foundation of truth, not on our big ol' inflated ego.

If you struggle with this, start by rewriting the narrative. Instead of thinking, “I’m bragging,” believe... “I’m serving.”

Each time you highlight a successful client story, share a result you’re proud of, or talk about a skill you’ve honed over the years, you’re offering a roadmap for others. You’re saying, “This is possible, and here’s how.”

If you’re ready to step into your own spotlight—without the fear, the shrink-back, or that old impostor voice—let’s talk. I’ve spent nearly two decades helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries find their voice, refine their message, and confidently share their strengths.

Reach out, and let’s carve out a path that allows you to proudly, boldly claim the genius that’s already in you. Because your people deserve to know what you’re capable of, and so do you.

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✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.

Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step workbook and personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.

Get Instant Access for just $47

10 Effective Communication Tips

Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene

As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.

My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.

Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.

Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.

Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

Darlene Hawley, standing in a sunset, symbolizes being seen after feeling invisible

Being Seen Series: Part 1 – From Loneliness to Invisibility

By Darlene Hawley • July 20, 2025

Loneliness isn’t the problem—it’s invisibility. Discover why being truly seen matters and how to reclaim your voice in a noisy, disconnected world.

Darlene with her mom and young son, smiling together—three generations captured in a quiet moment.

What would you do if you had one year left?

By Darlene Hawley • July 17, 2025

Grief, growth, and a reminder to make each moment count—how my mom’s passing still shapes the way I lead and live today.

Darlene Hawley is sitting together at a picnic, sharing stories and laughter.

Ep 114 - Empowering Women Through Vision and Collaboration with Leslie Grossman

By Darlene Hawley • June 17, 2025

Discover how women can thrive together through circles of collaboration as Leslie Grossman shares her journey and insights with Darlene Hawley. Learn how building deep connections and a supportive network can empower you to achieve your vision.

Confident businesswoman Darlene Hawley speaking during a women's conference.

3 Speaking Habits Holding You Back in Leadership (and How to Shift Them Fast)

By Darlene Hawley • June 17, 2025

Discover the 3 subtle speaking habits holding executive women back... and how to shift them fast to lead with clarity, confidence, and influence. Communication tips for women in leadership navigating high-stakes conversations.

Darlene Hawley discussing marketing analytics, depicting growth in website traffic.

Ep 113 - Unleashing the Power of Analytics with Philippa Games

By Darlene Hawley • June 3, 2025

Uncover effective website strategies and analytics tips from digital marketing expert Philippa Gamse on attracting the right audience and enhancing your online presence.

Darlene Hawley standing confidently, symbolizing empowerment, leadership, and the reclaiming of wome

Speak Like You Mean It: Lessons from The Handmaid’s Tale and the Power of Using Your Voice

By Darlene Hawley • June 2, 2025

Discover how The Handmaid’s Tale finale mirrors the real-life journey of reclaiming your voice. In this powerful blog, communication and leadership coach Darlene Hawley explores how resilience, healing, and speaking up go hand in hand—and why now is the time for women to lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Darlene Hawley juggling work, school, and home responsibilities—showing the mental load we carry.

Why K-12 Schools Are Running Women Leaders Ragged

By Darlene Hawley • May 28, 2025

Feeling overwhelmed by school volunteer requests, mental load, and career burnout? Discover how school expectations and emotional labor impact women leaders—and what you can do to reclaim your time, focus, and leadership goals.

Confident business leader speaking to a team in a bright, modern office, representing vocal empowerm

How to Speak with Confidence: A Vocal Empowerment System for Business Owners and Leaders

By Darlene Hawley • May 27, 2025

Discover how to overcome fear, clarify your message, and lead with confidence using the Step into Your Moxie® Vocal Empowerment System. In this practical guide, communication coach Darlene Hawley shares five powerful strategies to help business owners and leaders speak up, build presence, and move people to action—without losing their authentic voice. Perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and teams ready to amplify their impact.

Darlene Hawley leading a virtual strategy session, helping service-based business owners review KPIs

Why Tracking Your Business Metrics Monthly Gives You a Competitive Edge

By Darlene Hawley • May 20, 2025

Learn why data-driven decision-making is essential for service-based business owners. Discover the key metrics to track monthly to scale sustainably and grow your revenue with confidence.