Are You a Leader? Finding Your Power & Ditching Imposter Syndrome
What Does It Mean to Be a Leader?
My Leadership
Rob - HHUSA; Ross - CEO, HHUSA; Nikki - CEO, Beneath the Service
"Are you a leader?"
That was the first question I asked myself when applying for the Women Veteran Leadership Program—and I’ll be honest, my first instinct was “no.” Not because I wasn’t qualified, but because I didn’t see myself that way. Yet.
But something deep down kept whispering, “You’re meant for more.”
And so, I applied.
Not with a short answer, but with real, reflective answers to questions that asked me to dig deep—not just “Do you want to be a leader?”, Answer: Yes! But why, and how I’d show up in that role.
Redefining Leadership (Beyond Titles)
Jessica, Me, Veronica
I’ve never been big on labels. Yes, I have a title at work I’m proud of—and I’ve worked hard for it. Yes, I built a business from scratch, self-published a book, launched a blog, and guide clients through major life transitions.
But for the longest time, I didn’t see any of that as leadership.
It was just… what I do.
Turns out? That’s exactly what leadership is.
Leadership is how I show up—
💻 At work, supporting clients in some of their most uncertain moments
💡 In my business, creating tools that empower others to thrive
💛 At home, loving my family, leading by example, and building something solid and soft
And even when "showing up" isn’t perfect, it’s the resilience that matters. It’s the part where I fall down, but still get up. Every time. Leadership isn’t about doing it all flawlessly. It’s about doing it all authentically.
🧠 Imposter Syndrome is a Liar
Sitting in that room last weekend, surrounded by incredible Women Veterans—PhDs, entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, filmmakers, changemakers—I felt that old familiar voice creep in:
“You don’t belong here.”
“You don’t have a degree.”
“You’re not smart enough.”
“You’re not as accomplished.”
“You don’t lead anyone.”
“Eres una exagerada.”
But here’s the truth: I do belong. I am enough.
Because I’ve made an impact. I’ve walked people through some of the hardest transitions of their lives. I’ve self-published a book. I’ve run my business solo for five years and counting. I haven’t quit on it, and I haven’t quit on me.
And maybe most importantly? I’ve built something that didn’t exist before. That’s not just hustle. That’s leadership.
5 Ways to Step Into Your Leadership (Even When It Feels Uncomfortable)
1. Stop waiting for permission – You don’t need a title to lead. Even in the military, where rank often dictates leadership authority, you can lead as a private. Leadership starts with how you carry yourself, not just the rank on your uniform. If I could get my Colonel to jokingly call me “Little Colonel” when I was still a fresh-out-of-high-school Private, it’s proof that leadership is energy, not hierarchy. (And wow—just had a full-circle moment realizing I was already showing leadership back then.)
2. Own your story - Your lived experience is your leadership.
3. Challenge imposter thoughts - When you hear "I'm not enough," ask: Says who? I highly recommend reading Everyone Has a Sam by Rosi Greenberg—it’s a powerful reminder of how to quiet the inner critic and amplify your truth.
4. Lead where you are – In your home, your workplace, your community. Leadership doesn’t have to be a spotlight moment. Sometimes it starts by moving a small pebble and doing it consistently until you’ve built a mountain.
5. Surround yourself with growth – Get in the rooms that stretch you, challenge you, and help you become a better human. The spaces that make you slightly uncomfortable? That’s where growth lives. And yes, you belong there.
You Don’t Need to Prove Anything to Anyone
You don’t have to wait until you feel “ready.” You just have to start showing up.
Because leadership isn’t about the spotlight. It’s about service. It’s about impact.
And it starts with believing you’re already doing it.
Want more support?
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Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Everything I share is based on my personal experiences and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, always consult a licensed medical or mental health professional—yes, a real one, not "Dr. Google" or the comment section of social media.
If you're in crisis, please call 911 or contact the 988 Lifeline for immediate support. You're not alone, and real help is available.
