A few weeks ago, I went to see the F1 movie– starring Brad Pitt and the gorgeous Kerry Condon (I do love a strong Irish woman!).

There’s a moment in the film where Sonny, Brad Pitt’s character, turns to the hotshot rookie, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), and says:

“Stop putting yourself down – everyone else is already busy doing that.”

And I haven’t stopped thinking about that line since.

Because it’s true, isn’t it? So often, our own self-criticism is the loudest voice in the room. We’re quick to zero in on what we’re not doing, what we haven’t yet achieved, or the ways we could have done it better, instead of giving ourselves credit for what we are doing and the impact we’re already making.

I see this all the time in the senior leaders I work with – high-performing, deeply committed people who carry enormous expectations. They’ve earned their seat at the table but still question whether they belong there.

But here’s the thing: if you don’t believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in what you bring, in your leadership, in your way of doing things, how can you expect anyone else to?

Credibility and respect are built not just when you back your team, but when you back yourself. When you know your worth, hold your ground, and speak with conviction, even when it feels uncomfortable.

When you’re full of self-doubt, it doesn’t just stay with you — it shows up in how you lead, how you speak, and how you hold yourself.

The people around you can feel it. They might not say it, but they pick up on it. And it makes it harder for them to feel steady, too.

Rather than giving you my way of approaching this, I thought I’d share something a little different.

I’ve been following the work of Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist, mental health educator and bestselling author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? And Open: Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life. She’s phenomenal at breaking down complex psychology into accessible, practical steps (and I like tools and tips that are practical)

So here are three mindset shifts from Julie’s work that can help you back yourself with more confidence and compassion.

First, catch your inner critic. That voice that says, “You’re not doing enough” or “You’re not good enough.” Julie encourages us to challenge that voice with this powerful question: Would I say this to a friend?

“If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.” – Dr. Julie Smith

Second, don’t wait to feel confident before you act. Act first. Show up, even when you’re unsure.

“You don’t have to feel confident to take action. Taking action builds confidence.” – Dr. Julie Smith

Third, remember that you don’t have to be the best to lead well. You just have to be grounded in who you are.

“Confidence is not about being the best, it’s about being okay with being you.” – Dr. Julie Smith

As you move through the rest of your week, I invite you to pause and ask yourself:

• What’s one thing I’ve done well that I need to give myself credit for?
• Say it. Write it down. Own it. Don’t wait for someone else to acknowledge you. Lead yourself first.

As always, I trust that this has been helpful in some way, shape or form.

Until next week, lead well and be well!

Kylie

PS – If someone on your team (or in your world) has been doubting themselves lately – feeling a little off, unsure, or stuck, feel free to pass this on.

A word of encouragement or advice might be just what they need!