Did I Say That Out Loud?: How My Foot in Mouth Stepped Into Common Ground

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From Imposter Syndrome to Leadership Triumph: Katie Shy's Journey Through the Tech World

Katie Shy, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer of the SaaS platform, Booster, is a sterling example of a leader who faced her own insecurities and came out victorious. Suffering from imposter syndrome in a tech world primarily dominated by men, she held an important position at IBM, yet felt insecure and overwhelmed. However, a moment of frustration ultimately catalyzed her journey into becoming an exceptional leader.

The Moment That Sparked A Change

Who knew a conference call could be a pivotal point in one's career? Katie vividly recalls her days at IBM when conference calls were the primary mode of communication. It was during one such call that an unintentionally broadcasted outburst of frustration broke the ice, enabling the team to solve a stalled hardware issue in the system.

From the perspective of an account executive, this issue was a grave concern. The internal conflicts in strategy amongst the teams had created quite an impasse. The situation, although awkward, actually served as a catalyst for solving the problem and initiated Katie's journey to becoming a more effective leader.

Break Out of the Shell: The Leadership Formula

If you've ever questioned your leadership ability, Katie's experience can provide some valuable insights. The sudden outburst in that conference call ignited a change not only in the situation but in her approach towards leadership. From this encounter, she devised a leadership formula comprised of three key components.

  1. Addressing everything head-on: Katie emphasizes that avoidance and evasion lead nowhere. Being honest, assessing the situation critically, and facing it bravely - however challenging it might appear - is crucial in leadership.
  2. Making space for emotion: Human emotions inevitably influence project outcomes, and acknowledging their presence can lead to better understanding and cooperation. By asking team members about their feelings towards the project, you'll be creating an environment open to expressing emotions.
  3. Taking responsibility: As a leader, you should be willing to take responsibility for your actions and the outcomes that they produce. Katie advocates taking ownership and responsibility, as evading or shifting blame doesn't solve any issues.

In Katie's own words, "If you take these three principles and apply them to your work, no matter the situation, you will find common ground with everyone who you work with."

The Journey: From Imposter Syndrome to Tech Company Co-Founder

The strong, ambitious, and capable Katie Shy who exists today was once a young rookie, striving to find her footing in a workplace teeming with experienced professionals, mostly men. Her journey is an inspiration for all aspiring leaders battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome in industries dominated by more seasoned professionals. Today, Katie no longer dreads stepping into the role of leader but embraces it with confidence - a major leap from that unsettling conference call 20 years ago.

With dedication, perseverance, and the application of her three-point formula, Katie has indeed emerged as a remarkable leader. This goes to show anyone questioning their abilities: Yes, you can be a leader too. So get out there, and make your mark, just like Katie did.


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