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.
✨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.
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.
Uncover effective website strategies and analytics tips from digital marketing expert Philippa Gamse on attracting the right audience and enhancing your online presence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore the wisdom of Dr. Shradh as she discusses embracing one's authentic self, connecting deeply with others, and the power of storytelling in personal and professional growth.
Feeling stuck, even though you're smart and capable? This post explores why high-achieving leaders and entrepreneurs often feel stalled—and how creating intentional space can unlock clarity, action, and impact. Discover why a focused VIP Day might be the breakthrough you need.
Welcome back to the Attract & Stand Out podcast! In this episode, I’m chatting with the incredible Michele Risa, CEO of Collaborative Solutions. Michele takes us on a journey—from her early days in the corporate world to launching her own business back in 1991 (before entrepreneurship was even a buzzword!). She opens up about what it really means to follow your heart, trust yourself, and build a business that reflects who you are at your core. We dive into so many powerful topics—why collaboration always wins over competition, the real work behind diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how trust is the true foundation of great leadership. Michele also shares stories from working internationally and offers such grounded wisdom on staying resilient and growing with intention over the long haul. If you're a leader who wants to make an impact by showing up as your full, authentic self—you’re going to love this conversation. Here’s what we cover: 00:30 – Michele’s leap from corporate to entrepreneurship 02:56 – Why collaboration is the future 04:50 – How DEI creates stronger businesses 08:20 – What it takes to lead with authenticity 11:47 – Michele’s biggest lessons from decades in business 18:45 – Navigating challenges with resilience 26:58 – Rapid fire Qs + final takeaways Let’s dive in! Michele Risa, CEO Collaborative Solutions, Inc since 1991, is an Executive Consultant specializing in trust, engagement, and talent optimization. Michele’s most recent project is creating employment for 1 million low-income women in the MENA region- Middle East/North Africa. She is: a renowned speaker at Mastercard, Microsoft, TEDx, and more. Co-author of the award-winning book "Conscious Entrepreneurs: A Radical New Approach to Purpose, Passion & Profit.” Former President of the Manhattan Holistic Chamber of Commerce. Certifications: PTSD, Breathwork, Reiki, Vipassana, and M.A. Columbia University. www.collaborativesolutionsco.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelerisa/
Discover how living with an invisible illness taught me the true meaning of self-care. In this personal reflection for Mental Health Awareness Month, I share daily wellness rituals that support mental health and how we can build a stronger foundation for well-being in life and in the workplace.
