Kris Kelso

Have you ever felt like you didn’t really measure up to the assumptions that others have made about you? Do you wonder if your success may be the result of luck and timing, rather than your intelligence or hard work? Have you ever worried that at some point, everyone is going to figure out that you’re just making it up as you go, and figuring it out on-the-fly? If so, you may have had a run-in with the impostor, that inner critic that tries to convince you that your success isn’t real, and that… Show more

Have you ever felt like you didn’t really measure up to the assumptions that others have made about you? Do you wonder if your success may be the result of luck and timing, rather than your intelligence or hard work? Have you ever worried that at some point, everyone is going to figure out that you’re just making it up as you go, and figuring it out on-the-fly? If so, you may have had a run-in with the impostor, that inner critic that tries to convince you that your success isn’t real, and that you’re living a lie. Show less

Those feelings that you’re a fraud hit most when stepping out of your comfort zone. An “anxiety reappraisal” can help.

You might think that the more ambitious you are, the less likely you are to struggle with self-doubt. In reality, the opposite is true.

Aspart of our series about the “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kris Kelso, who is a leadership advisor and keynote speaker based in Nashville, TN.

In my experience working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, I have found impostor syndrome to be the one challenge that is nearly universal among them. Most successful entrepreneurs have struggled with self-doubt and had moments when they weren’t sure that they actually knew what they were doing. Here are a few reasons that entrepreneurs, as a group, are one of the most likely to experience impostor syndrome.

Overcoming the Imposter offers entrepreneurs and leaders a practical look at impostor syndrome, and explores that inner voice that downplays our own accomplishments while amplifying those of others. The book provides the powerful tools needed to expose The Impostor's methods and emerge as more effective and confident leaders.

Here's what people are saying:

"Overcoming The Impostor should be required reading for every entrepreneur who wants to buck the odds and achieve… Show more

Overcoming the Imposter offers entrepreneurs and leaders a practical look at impostor syndrome, and explores that inner voice that downplays our own accomplishments while amplifying those of others. The book provides the powerful tools needed to expose The Impostor's methods and emerge as more effective and confident leaders.

Here's what people are saying:

"Overcoming The Impostor should be required reading for every entrepreneur who wants to buck the odds and achieve success.”
- David Jones, President and CEO, EnableComp || Complete Holdings Group

“Every entrepreneur should read this book.”
—Dr. Tom Hill, author of Living at the Summit and Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul

"A fantastic and quick read that will have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.”
—Jessica Harthcock, CEO and co-founder, Utilize Health

“A must read for any business leader!”
—Hunter Atkins, chairman, Synovus Bank Nashville

"Every entrepreneur, business owner, or leader should read Overcoming the Imposter."
- Makayla K., Net Galley Review

"I felt like the author was talking to me the whole book. This is so necessary for everyone to read in life. Highly recommend."
- Mandy H., Net Galley Review

"A courageous and necessary work."
- Jim Kubic, Amazon Review

"This is a must-read for anyone embarking on becoming or who is currently an entrepreneur."
- Dave Delaney, Amazon Review

"If you have big dreams and desires but struggle with self-doubt, Overcoming The Impostor is the book for you."
- Craig & Laura Cooper, Amazon Review

"It brought clarity and perspective to my own journey as an entrepreneur and reframed how I view myself..."
- Amazon Review

"I wish I could build a time machine and send this book back to my younger self."
- Amazon Review

"This is a message the world needs to hear."
- Jon Robert Giganti, Amazon Review Show less

Time is a unique asset. It’s given to everyone equally (168 hours per week), but you can’t store it up or save it for later. Once a minute has gone by, it is forever in the past.

There are really only four things you can do with your time.

If you’ve ever raised money for a startup, you know there are a handful of important pieces of information to include in your investor presentation. You have to be clear on the problem you solve, who your customer is, and what makes your product unique. You also have to show that there is a clear market opportunity, and that money invested will generate returns.

At the most basic level, though, every business model and investor pitch in the world boils down to two core ingredients.

I have been an entrepreneur for over 11 years, and I coach dozens of entrepreneurs. The one struggle that I see very consistently, but is seldom talked about, is Imposter Syndrome.